Due to its light pink color, the B&W 39mm Skylight 1A (KR-1.5) Filter reduces the blue cast of daylight and produces a pleasing, warmer picture tone. Also known as a Skylight (1A) filter, it is a wise initial investment. It can help protect your lens from dust, moisture and scratches, which can lead to costly repairs.
The reputation of B+W's Schott glass is world renowned. The high production standards combined with a sturdy brass filter ring make B+W filters hard to beat. These filters have a "heft" to them that is impressive. They may feel heavier but the benefit is in the construction and results. Not only is the glass exceptional but so is the seal between the ring and glass. Schott Glass used in the manufacture of this filter is legendary and synonymous with the highest standards of filter production. It comes with a solid 10-year warranty.
The Multi-Resistant Coating (MRC) is harder than traditional B+W glass. This helps prevent scratches as well as being water and dirt repellent.
The filter ring is made from brass yielding a stronger product. Brass filter rings are also less prone to jamming. In addition, the seal between the glass and filter ring is exceptionally strong giving the filter added strength and durability.
In production, the filter glass is dropped into the empty filter ring from the rear and held in place with a threaded retaining ring; this is a definite advantage over a competitor who uses a spring clip to hold the glass in place. A threaded retaining ring will hold the glass firmly and securely in place to avoid the possibility of rattling and provide perfect parallelity and flatness to your front lens element for ideal optics. The part about additional filters not binding is due to the fact that brass is a very stable alloy and does not contract or expand.
Multi-coated to minimize reflection at the filter surfaces which reduces flare and ghosting
| Type | Skylight 1A (KR 1.5) |
| Size | 39mm |
| Grade | 1A |
| Filter Factor | 1.1 (approx) |
| Multi-Coated | Yes |
| Rotating | No |
| Effect | Produces more pleasing skin tones in daylight; warmer than a UV filter |
| Application | Nature, travel and outdoor photography |
| Color Temperature | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Construction | Schott Glass |
| Front Filter Thread Size | 39mm |
| Front Lens Cap Size | 39mm |
Displaying review 1
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about B+W 39mm Skylight 1A (KR-1.5) Filter:
B+W exudes quality. The manufacturing is to a very high standard. The brass mount is shallow, and won't vignette even a 21mm lens. The glass coating renders the glass almost invisible, unless you angle the light at a very shallow angle. I use one of these filters on all of my lenses. Some of the vintage lenses have very soft coatings, and will be damaged without protection. Also, I have a 2 year old who likes to poke his finger into things!
For a lens such as my Leica 8-element 35mm Summicron (ca. 1950s), which is single coated, and tends to render images somewhat bluish, this is the perfect correction filter.
For my modern lenses, I prefer the B+W UV filters. They even offer a choice of black or brushed chrome finish to match your Leica lens. B+W also offer a wide variety of sizes e.g. 27mm, to go with my Zeiss Contessa.
Displaying review 1