BetterPhoto Q&A
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BetterPhoto Member		What are these lense filters used for I have three filters for my canon powershot g5, 52mm FD, 52mm PL, 52mm UV. What do these lenses to and what applications should they be used for? Thanks for your help. To love this question, log in above July 12, 2004

John A. Lind		Mark, FD: Fluorescent. Should be a magenta color; it's used to correct fluorescent lighting to daylight color balance. The magenta cuts down the greenish cast that fluorescents have. PL: Polarizer. Used to cut glare down from smooth, highly reflective surfaces . . . however it does NOT work if the surface is electrically conductive (e.g. grandfather's Buick Roadmaster bumper and grille; does work on the windshield though). Also used to help deepen blue sky; but doesn't work on all sky . . . only mostly toward the north or south . . . not much help on the eastern or western sky. UV: Ultra-Violet Cuts down the ultra-violet light. Depending on film and lens (how many elements; glass by itself attenuates UV) it cuts down on the "UV haze" if there's a high UV content which tends to haze some films slightly. But that's if it gets past the lens! This isn't a problem with zoom lenses that have lots of glass in them (a dozen or more glass elements). More of a problem with primes that have only 4-6 elements. It WON'T fix haze from humidity, fog or smog. -- John Lind To love this comment, log in above July 12, 2004

Steven Chaitoff		I also typically use a UV filter simply to protect the lens. I attach it when it's right out of the box and leave it permanently. Since it usually doesn't effect the color spectrum, it's great just to aviod scratches on the front element. A skylight filter will do the same, but they sometimes have a pinkish hue. However, you may not want to stack filters, as to avoid vignetting, so take it off when you want to use any other filter. -Steven -http://www.vinrock.i8.com/photos/ To love this comment, log in above July 12, 2004

Jon Close		The FD filter is useful with film cameras, but is essentially worthless on a digital camera. Using the camera's white balance is more effective and effecient. The FD filter uses 1 stop of light and won't correct all types of fluorescent lighting. To love this comment, log in above July 13, 2004

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