It was suggeted I get a UV filter to protect the lens at all time, in other words, just leave it on. Which one do you suggest for my new xha1?

I use a Hoya UV filter. A quick search will bring up a number of relevant threads like the one below:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=107329&highlight=uv+filter+a1

If you must use one, get one with anti-reflective coating, and keep it clean. Any dust on the filter, especially if side-lit, may appear in the image due to the great depth of field.

Many would argue that you should use the filter only when there is significant risk of getting crud or corruption on the front element of the lens. In general use a filter only when the filter effect is needed in the original footage.

Thanks for the advice. I bought doug's video to get up to speed on my first high end camera, and his advice was to always protect the lens. I'll look for a hoya and use it only in extreme situations as sugested.

Bill is this the one you have?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/23734-REG/Hoya_723031_72mm_Ultraviolet_UV_0_Haze.html

Correction.
I usually use the Hoya (have them for my Canon EOS and Pana video) but forgot that I got the Cokin 72mm for the A1.
Only tried the Cokin because my local store didn't have the Hoya.
I originally got it as a stop gap till the Hoyas were back in stock but forgot about it as the Cokin seems to work fine.

Thanks bill. was the one i linked to a quality filter? I'm commited to not skimping on a three grand cam. or could you provide me with a link to one that would fit the bill. I've been filming in really tight situations, and I don't want to scatch that lens.

I bought mine from my local camera specialist.

Do a search for: "Cokin UV 72mm"

I spotted a whole range of Cokin stuff, including the UV filter, here:

http://www.interprophoto.com/Cokin.htm

The filter in question is right at the bottom of the page. These guys are in Canada but if that's no good I'm sure you can Google up something closer to home.

It was suggeted I get a UV filter to protect the lens at all time, in other words, just leave it on. Which one do you suggest for my new xha1?

Don't buy a $20-$40 piece of glass for a $3500 camera. Get something that matches the quality of glass you have and features anti-reflective coatings on both sides.

http://www.schneideroptics.com/ecommerce/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?CID=671&IID=3050

Ryan Avery
Schneider Optics

I am using a Hoya UV on My A1 as well.

After using filters on still and video cams for years, I agree with Ryan.

A still shot you may be able to redo, but your video is mostly gone.
Cheers.

Ryan, the link you posted doesn't appear to a multi-coated filter... well based on the absence of any description of it. Also on your site the recommended filters for the XHA1 shows the same filter. Just curious why you or your site doesn't reference the other a bit more expensive multi-coated filters, such as http://tinyurl.com/2643fd

Bill

Ryan, the link you posted doesn't appear to a multi-coated filter... well based on the absence of any description of it. Also on your site the recommended filters for the XHA1 shows the same filter. Just curious why you or your site doesn't reference the other a bit more expensive multi-coated filters, such as http://tinyurl.com/2643fd

Bill

Bill,

All B+W filters are multicoated. The standard "F-Pro" filter is coated 5 times on each side and features a 99% light transmission. The MRC (Multi Resistant Coating) filter is coated 8 times on both sides and features 99.8% light transmission. The MRC filter also utilizes the resistant coating that repels water and dust and is easier to clean.

If you shoot outside and in harsh environments please buy an MRC filter. If your demands are more normal and you wish for general protection, buy the standard "F-Pro" mount. F-Pro has no significant meaning other than to reference our standard mount and thread pitch.

Ryan Avery
Schneider Optics

Ive been using a Tiffen UV filter with my camera which Zotzdigital recommended and included when i purchased it from them. Been happy with it since.

Thanks for that info Ryan

I used to buy cheap 30-40 dollar filters from Hoya and Quanterray (sp?)... thinking I would never be able to notice a difference between that and a higher end UV filter.

Then I had some extra cash and decided to get a top of the line B+W filter (over $100) and boy... was I wrong! I could definitely see a difference between the inexpensive and expensive filter. The B+W was much more vibrant. No more cheapo's for me.