Review: Marumi 40mm MC-UV Filter

Well it took some doing, but I finally received this from 2filter.com. If you own the Fujifilm X10, this is an important filter to consider.

After reading some posts about the Fujifilm X10 filter issue, I learned the following:

• According to Fujifilm, the “official” filter size of the Fujifilm X10 is 39.5mm.
• 40.5mm, popularized by the Nikon 1 and others, will not fit.
• Some 40mm filters will fit, even if only for a quarter turn or so.
• Marumi filters are one of the 40mm filters that works quite well.

And so, armed with this knowledge, I set out to order an import Marumi 40mm filter from FiltersNow, the supplier mentioned in the thread. Apparently, Marumi had to start another manufacturing run due to its popularity in Japan. So, about two months after I first learned of its existence, I now have it in hand

The filter fits perfectly, although it seems a little on the loose side, which is not a bad thing. It screws on all the way with no binding whatsoever, which seems strange given that it’s supposedly 0.5mm larger that the X10’s threads. The other burning questions are:

• Will the Fujifilm push-on lens cap fit over the Marumi Filter?
• Will the Fujifilm LH-X10 lens hood fit onto the Marumi 40mm filter?
• Will the Marumi 40mm filter accept a lens cap?
• Does the Marumi 40mm filter effectively block UV?

The answers to these question are yes, yes, yes and…maybe. It failed the blacklight test, as do many UV filters these days. Without test equipment I can’t say just how much UV it does suppress, only that it’s definitely not as effective as the classic single-coated Hoya UV(0) in the bandwidth that causes white paper to fluoresce. This is not really a concern, as I’m really only using it for protection. If I need real UV protection, I can always use the 52mm Hoya Pro1 D UV(0) with the LH-X10.

As far as the lens cap goes, the Fujifilm fits on due to its extra depth, but is not nearly as secure. I probably wouldn’t use it in the field. However a standard 39mm center-pinch lens cap should work fine if you can’t find a 40mm one. The 39mm cap from my Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2.0 fits fine and looks great, but the Fujifilm leather case doesn’t close completely with it on. A better choice would be a Leica 39mm lens cap, as it’s slightly thinner. They’re both about the same price, although the Leica is available on eBay for about $9.95. However, I believe this is a reproduction. The real question is, do you even need a lens cap with the leather case? The filter essentially behaves like a transparent lens cap you never have to remove, so I’d skip the cap entirely when using the X10 with the leather case.

The Fujifilm LH-X10 hood fits on the Marumi filter, but it’s a little tight. It starts to bind after about a half-turn, but once you get past that it screws on all the way. It’d recommend a drop of silicone, and keep a rubber jar lid remover at the ready. Tolerances being what they are, your experience might be different. With the added extension of the filter, the LH-X10 hood does not cause vignetting.

Otherwise, the filter is well made, with clean tampo printing. The multi-coating is of the blue-green variety, similar to the Hoya Pro1 Digital’s. The glass is secured with a split ring, just like like the Hoyas, so it has a relatively slim profile. Definitely worth twenty-six dollars and change.

Given the ineffectiveness of UV suppression I’m a little wary, but would otherwise consider Marumi filters for future purchases.

My experience with FiltersNow (2filter.com) was favorable. They seemed to have some difficulty at first getting product from Marumi, but after my second call they explained their dilemma, and called me back to officially take my order once the item was in stock. It was shipped in a reasonable amount of time, but not with the blinding speed of some web fulfillment.

Unfortunately, their website is one of the worst I’ve ever seen, and I can’t make heads nor tails of the information they provide. Online ordering is therefore very impractical, and not worth the small savings over B&H. It’s actually easier to call them at (800) 882-2832 to place an order. They don’t even have an eMail address.