The Inevitable Finally Happened... FZ30 Lens Cap Woes

[LobsterSan]

As everyone who owns one knows, the FZ30 lens cap is not attached to the camera body by a string. That makes the cap very prone to getting lost. I knew the day would come, and it finally arrived. So, I'm coming here to ask... any suggestions on a lens cap replacement? Stores, brands, ideas for making some sort of string/chain attachment (so it doesn't happen again after I buy a replacement)?

[mbbin2]

I bought a generic cap at a local camera store for my minolta. found this one online that should fit the fz30.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=111308&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I also bought a string attachment that sticks on the cap and loops thru the strap lug on the camera at the same camera store. found this one online

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=48042&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Thanks for reminding me that I need to do the same for my fz30.

[genece]

I look at the cap and find a part that does not move and drill a hole there...and then because I alway use the hood I drill a hole in it and attach at heavy string between the 2 holes..that way the string is very short and not prone to catch on things.

But this is my favorite cap if its possible all my fzs use this cap but I am having a problem using this type on my D50 lenses.
I would like to get it figured out though.

http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/P1290653%20JPG%20_Medium_.JPG

[pxpaulx]

holy crap that flip down cap is awesome, where can i find that online? does it work well with the fz30, even with the lens hood? (looks like it does, but maybe you cut out the bottom of the hood?) i'd really really really like to get a cap like that, i hate having mine swinging around on a string! thanks in advance for a reply genece!

[LoveLife]

As everyone who owns one knows, the FZ30 lens cap is not attached to the camera body by a string. That makes the cap very prone to getting lost. I knew the day would come, and it finally arrived. So, I'm coming here to ask... any suggestions on a lens cap replacement? Stores, brands, ideas for making some sort of string/chain attachment (so it doesn't happen again after I buy a replacement)?

THe FZ30 take a 55mm lens cap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lens-Cap-52mm-55mm-58mm-62mm-62-55-mm-Elastic-Cord-JKC_W0QQitemZ7600005333QQcategoryZ79000QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[LoveLife]

holy crap that flip down cap is awesome, where can i find that online? does it work well with the fz30, even with the lens hood? (looks like it does, but maybe you cut out the bottom of the hood?) i'd really really really like to get a cap like that, i hate having mine swinging around on a string! thanks in advance for a reply genece!

It does not work with a hood unless you chop the h-ll out of the hood. A properly working lens hood is more important then a gizmo. Hoods are not sunshades. They protect against invisible ambient light waves that wash out your images. Zoom lenses are very susceptible to this and that is why Panasonic includes it in the box. The tulip design is not very effective design and many people opt for the Hama style rubber hood, which gives better coverage. Here is another possible solution.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lens-Cap-52mm-55mm-58mm-62mm-62-55-mm-Elastic-Cord-JKC_W0QQitemZ7600005333QQcategoryZ79000QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[LobsterSan]

Looks good! I just bought one of those eBay auction lens caps. If I can remember to do so, I'll post back on this thread regarding how well it works with the fz30, hood on and off.

[mbbin2]

WOW! just looked at your gadgets. so far the only one I am capable of doing is removing the glass from a filter to use as a spacer for the 2020. ( I didn't even cut myself.)

[genece]

Once again I disagree with lovelife...actually it makes more of a hood than less I use it with everything I can 100 % of the time.....It would seem to me If JK engineering would make something usefull like this it may be a money maker.

But you do need to cut the hood, but as I said the cap more than makes up for the section you cut out....Not for everyone I guess but I have been using these for years.
If there is light reflecting up, from water perhaps or I push the cap up a bit to block the light. If the light is coming from above its better without that part of the hood, IMHO.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=197148&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[LoveLife]

Once again I disagree with lovelife...actually it makes more of a hood than less I use it with everything I can 100 % of the time.....It would seem to me If JK engineering would make something usefull like this it may be a money maker.

But you do need to cut the hood, but as I said the cap more than makes up for the section you cut out....Not for everyone I guess but I have been using these for years.
If there is light reflecting up, from water perhaps or I push the cap up a bit to block the light. If the light is coming from above its better without that part of the hood, IMHO.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=197148&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Sorry to disagree but the flip down lens cap is a gizmo and does not serve you well. JKC only make items that benefit photographers and not just make money. A lens hood is not only a sunshade it protects against bouncing light waves that degrade image quality especially on zoom lenses. If you look into any properly designed hood you will see that the inner surface is coated with a flat black and etched with baffle rings. The purpose of the rings is to further stop the light that does enter the hood from using a billiard angle to enter the lens. The grooves change the angle of deflection. NASA uses the best kind of hood for their shots they are lined with black photographic flocking material which does a better job and there is even specification for the size of the flocking fiber. So the deeper the hood you can use without vignetting the better. The flip down cap provides none of these advantages.

http://www.thenocturnes.com/nighttalk/messages/512.html
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Lens-Hoods.aspx (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Lens-Hoods.aspx)
http://photography.about.com/od/basics/a/bplenshoods.htm (http://photography.about.com/od/basics/a/bplenshoods.htm)

A good hood is more important the a good filter.

[genece]

Nonsense...I have never seen an flaring or ghosting with my setup.

And all that from a guy that uses the cheapest filter he can find.


Lets just agree to disagree once more.

[LoveLife]

Nonsense...I have never seen an flaring or ghosting with my setup.

And all that from a guy that uses the cheapest filter he can find.


Lets just agree to disagree once more.

I do not use the cheapest filter I can find. I use what is needed and a single coating on both sides of a UV is all that is needed and even the best or more expensive UVs will not solve these problems. I was not referring to flaring or ghosting those are the obvious effects without a hood. I am referring to the more subtle but visible loss of color saturation or slight washout. I guess you disagree with the articles as well but that is ok; we can agree to disagree.

[pxpaulx]

both of your input is very welcome. i was thinking of a compromise, after looking at all of these things. That lens cap looks like it is held in place by the filter, and is then able to close over the filter without having to remove it. While the cap is opened up, could i not then screw on, say, a 55mm hama rubber hood on top of both the UV filter and the lens cap? i know it would require removing it everytime i wanted to cover back up the lens, but would that work? i kind of like that arrangment, but dont want to go spending $30 and not have it work! input is very welcome, but i am leaning towards genece's side on this one - i'm no pro! tell me what you think of my compromise, and if you think it would work or not. basically it would be attached in this order - lens cap, held on by uv filter, then when the cap is opened the hood would attach to the UV filter threads...

[pxpaulx]

another thought (an aside, really), why does it seem everyone mentions 62mm hoods, and not 55mm (which is what the threads are on the fz30)? do you use a step-up ring for that?

[genece]

You are correct you could add any hood you want but you would have to remove it to close the cap.

I use the stock hood as you can see and it works fine.....
....using nasa as an example for lens hoods when all nasa lenses and filters are multicoated to the higest degree ( i would think) and he does not not believe in that practice.

[LoveLife]

another thought (an aside, really), why does it seem everyone mentions 62mm hoods, and not 55mm (which is what the threads are on the fz30)? do you use a step-up ring for that?

Unless the cap folds back more then the pictures indicates it may interfere with the retraction of the hood for lower zoom settings. Gene may have more information. There are 55mm Hama hoods but I do not see this size on eBay. I guess you could get a 55-58 step ring for a 58mm model but vignetting may come into play because now you have cap retaining ring, UV filter, 55-58 step-up ring and hood ring. But there goes more money. Sometimes what seems like a good idea at first blush is not. Here is the real Hama product in 55mm and notice that it only covers up to 210mm.

If you want the cap it buy it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=HALHZ55&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=90015 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=HALHZ55&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=90015)

[LoveLife]

You are correct you could add any hood you want but you would have to remove it to close the cap.

I use the stock hood as you can see and it works fine.....
....using nasa as an example for lens hoods when all nasa lenses and filters are multicoated to the higest degree ( i would think) and he does not not believe in that practice.

Some people put a piece of Velcro on the inside of the FZ cap and have the corresponding patch on the camera bottom. The JKC elastic cord tether cap allows you to hook the lens cap around the barrel or the side strap connection if the short dangle is a bother.

Or you can buy the cap Gene uses.

[eddie_dane]

Gene, I actually have that flip-cap and gave up using my Hama hood because it does not have the same diameter opening as the 55mm threads (it's not 62 so I'm assuming it's 58mm but finding a cap that size locally has been fruitless).

I think I'm gonna try your setup, I like it a lot.

[LoveLife]

[quote=eddie_dane]Gene, I actually have that flip-cap and gave up using my Hama hood because it does not have the same diameter opening as the 55mm threads (it's not 62 so I'm assuming it's 58mm but finding a cap that size locally has been fruitless).

I think I'm gonna try your setup, I like it a lot.[/quote
55mm Hama hood.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=GvnLCgYnz5!1485427136?O=productlis t&A=details&Q=&sku=90015&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Lost another one to Ditech.

[pxpaulx]

thanks for the input lovelife and genece, and the entertainment, this thread has captivated me all day! :eek:

[genece]

Yeah and to think I missed him when he was not posting!

Welcome back lovelife

[eddie_dane]

[quote=eddie_dane]Gene, I actually have that flip-cap and gave up using my Hama hood because it does not have the same diameter opening as the 55mm threads (it's not 62 so I'm assuming it's 58mm but finding a cap that size locally has been fruitless).

I think I'm gonna try your setup, I like it a lot.[/quote
55mm Hama hood.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=GvnLCgYnz5!1485427136?O=productlis t&A=details&Q=&sku=90015&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Lost another one to Ditech.

Lovelife, That's the exact one I purchased... from the same place too. I'm telling you that the 55mm cap does not fit on it by a wide margain.

This was the second 55mm rubber hood and neither work with a 55mm cap. The first one was a Hoya hood and the rim was staggard and no cap would fit in it.

Both of these took me by surprise as the 62mm hood I bought from B&H simply had a 62mm thread all the way through and the cap fit fine. Neither of the hoods I have purchased allow for either a 55mm nor 62mm cap. I bought the flipcap from a local shop but didn't like how I couldn't have any hood with it attached so Gene's solution works for me since I haven't been on the space shuttle since it was grounded. Right now I have the stock flower hood with the stock cap and a leash.

[pxpaulx]

Eddie, assuming you have the Filter Cap, and not the Fast Cap from op/tech, do you mean that you are unable to screw on the hama hood when the cap is opened, or do you mean that you can't put the cap over the hood? i would be removing the hood when i want to close the cap and am curious which way you meant by 'the 55mm cap does not fit on it by a wide margain'? Thanks

[pxpaulx]

anyone bought the knock-off rubber hoods from ebay? are they worth $10 bucks or should i just go with the Hama; what about the b+w or hoya hoods, are they as good as the hama either?

[genece]

I only ever bought one of the rubber hoods it was a Hoya, and I do not like the rubber hoods....they do not work with my lens cap.
But I think the Hoya is built well enough but there are no inside threads for a cap.
Lovelife knows more about them, maybe he will help.

[eddie_dane]

I have the optech fastcap. I installed it as such:

FZ30 lens > hoya HMC filter > optech fast cap

That's the only way to do it as far as I could figure. The reason is when the cap swings away, it needs clearance to get out of the way of the lens. If you have a rubber hood, it's gonna hit the hood, same with the flower hood - hence Gene's modification to his. You cannot fasten the hood to the cap, it's not threaded and the flap covers the entire face of the ring anyway.

Both the Hoya and Hama rubber hoods from B&H are great quality hoods but I haven't figured out a way to have a cap when they are installed and, unlike the hard plastic flower hood, they are not as kind to cutting and modifying since they are soft rubber and will lose their shape if cut too much.

Again, on my FZ20 with the Pemaraal 62mm adaptor, I got a Hama hood that just had a 62mm threaded ring all the way through it so it was easy to use a squeeze cap with a tether. For some reason, the 55mm hoods I have purchased don't have threads the same diameter all the way through so the outside of the mount is a larger diameter than the mount (like it's beveled). The Hama looks like it could take a normal cap, I just cant figure out which size (and can't find 58mm cap at local stores). The Hoya has a stadium seat-type stagger design and it doesn't look like a cap would have a chance to grab the rim.

Protecting my lens (conveniently) is a higher priority to me than having the absolute optimum lens shade setup.

[genece]

I have the optech fastcap. I installed it as such:

FZ30 lens > hoya HMC filter > optech fast cap

That's the only way to do it as far as I could figure. The reason is when the cap swings away, it needs clearance to get out of the way of the lens. If you have a rubber hood, it's gonna hit the hood, same with the flower hood - hence Gene's modification to his. You cannot fasten the hood to the cap, it's not threaded and the flap covers the entire face of the ring anyway.

.

While what you have there is correct....that is not my favorite style of op/tech cap.....Beside that model they make a similar cap that is held in place by the filter and with that cap you have threads to add another filter or the hama or Hoya hood.

And it is a more compact version and while I suppose both styles have their points I prefer the one held in by the filter.

This is the 55mm version of the one you mention
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=170295&is=REG&addedTroughType=search


And this is my favorite

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=197148&is=REG&addedTroughType=search





.

[pxpaulx]

yeah, that is what i thought gene; i'm gonna give what i said a try with the Filter Cap, i think it'll work.

[eddie_dane]

Gene, I hear ya. The only reason why I got that particular one is it was the only one they had at my local store. I don't like buying $7 items on the web unless I'm getting other stuff along with it.

And, while I too prefer the compact version, you still can't use a rubber hood with one (even if you liked them).

[genece]

I hear you eddie thats my problem I can always find more stuff to order.

[LoveLife]

I am out there taking pictures with a good lens hoods which stays on unless I use the flash, other filters or lenses. I keep my cap on most of the time and flick it off for when shooting and my lens caps fit perfectly on my 55 and 62mm Hama style hoods. Oh yes and my "cheap filters" one which dates back to 83' from my Nikon days. Can you see them?

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/photos/61301511-M.jpg

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/photos/61301508-M.jpg

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/photos/61301516-M.jpg


http://lovelife.smugmug.com/photos/61301514-M.jpg

[CipherSwarm]

LoveLife, so that's the hood from B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=GvnLCgYnz5!1485427136?O=productlis t&A=details&Q=&sku=90015&is=REG&addedTroughType=search), and the lens cap from eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Lens-Cap-52mm-55mm-58mm-62mm-62-55-mm-Elastic-Cord-JKC_W0QQitemZ7600005333QQcategoryZ79000QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), correct?

I just ordered my FZ30 from NewEgg yesterday, and I have a feeling the lens cap won't be around for long.

[LoveLife]

LoveLife, so that's the hood from B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=GvnLCgYnz5!1485427136?O=productlis t&A=details&Q=&sku=90015&is=REG&addedTroughType=search), and the lens cap from eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Lens-Cap-52mm-55mm-58mm-62mm-62-55-mm-Elastic-Cord-JKC_W0QQitemZ7600005333QQcategoryZ79000QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), correct?

I just ordered my FZ30 from NewEgg yesterday, and I have a feeling the lens cap won't be around for long.

Congratulation on your new cameraCipherSwarm
Answer to questions: No and Yes http://tinyurl.com/ae5k8

[genece]

I am out there taking pictures with a good lens hoods which stays on unless I use the flash, other filters or lenses. I keep my cap on most of the time and flick it off for when shooting and my lens caps fit perfectly on my 55 and 62mm Hama style hoods. Oh yes and my "cheap filters" one which dates back to 83' from my Nikon days. Can you see them?

Ever hear of advancements in technology?



.

[mbbin2]

This has been a lengthy and enlightening discourse. Someone mentioned velcro along the way. Thanks! I bought a package of squares and put bristly one over the LUMIX on the cap and put soft one the leather part of my strap, soft one under the center post of my tripod and soft one on the post of monopod. So whatever the situation there is a place for cap. Am on vacation now and this has worked great. Thanks

[mystro544]

Ever hear of advancements in technology?
.


Sometimes leaps in technology are really advancements in gizmotology.
;)

[LoveLife]

Ever hear of advancements in technology?



.

Yes, I spent most of my adult career working at American Express in international computer systems development. I also learned the difference between hype and value. Buying multi-coated filters is like buying stereo components that have a higher sound range of performance. Why spend the money if you cannot hear or see the difference.

[genece]

I surrender ....I do not agree, but I surrender.

[pxpaulx]

reviving this thread! i finally received the op/tech Filter Cap (not fast cap!) and it is awesome. held on with the 55mm uv filter directly on the camera, it flips open fast and to a full 90 degrees, so its easy to attach additional filters and also a rubber hood - unfortunately i had to perform some surgery on the hood to avoid vignetting; it probably would have worked better with a hama hood, but the cheapo i bought still does fine enough for my tastes.

[eddie_dane]

wtg, it would be cool to see your solution. post pics if you have a chance.

[pxpaulx]

i'll see if i can figure something out; perhaps a shot in the mirror will do!