Linear and Circular Polarizer

[mporter012]

If I'm using a fully manual camera, I want a linear, not circular polarizer correct? The circular is designed for autofocus lenses?

Thanks -

Mark

[MattKing]

Nope, it is not that simple.

Circular polarizers are necessary for cameras that include beam splitters in the optical path. Some of the metering systems also use beam splitters.

[Pinholemaster]

I used circular polarizer filter long before auto-focus as invented.

[mporter012]

Ok. I'm looking for a polarizer for my Nikon FE2.

[nyoung]

Switched to all circular polarizers a couple of years ago because they work on everything - manual, AF, AE. Can't say I miss the old linear jobs.

[jochen]

Hello,
if you want to use the polarizing filter only with your FE-2 (or F-3, FM-2, F-2, FA, FE, FM, FM-3 A) you only need a linear filter since these cameras do not have polarizing elements in the light measuring system like Leicaflexes or AF cameras.

[Steve Smith]

Nope, it is not that simple.

It's very simple for the OP. You can use either!


Steve.

[Shawn Dougherty]

What would be the proper polarizer to use when metering through it with a Pentax Digital Spot Meter?

[bsdunek]

In my experience, linear polarizers have a stronger effect than circular. As I have old cameras, I just use linear.

[Jim Rice]

I have found circular polarizers to be much too subtle in effect for my tastes. Even though it will require an hand-held meter once I quit shoveling money into the darkroom, I will be picking up a linear.