What is a Nikon L1BC screw-on lens filter?
Asked 11/6/2017
59 views
2 answers
0
I found an old 52mm Nikon screw-in filter marked “L1BC” (I first read it as “LlBc”). What type of filter is it, what was it used for, and is it useful on modern digital cameras?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
10
That's actually an L1BC filter (ell one bee cee). It's equivalent to a Skylight 1A, and is meant to cut UV with film. It's of very limited use with digital; primarily to reduce blue-channel overexposure at high altitudes. With colour film, particularly transparencies (slides), it's a slightly more aggressive version of a "clear" UV filter useful when the blue sky is the main source of illumination. In other situations, the pinkish tone can be problematic.
Originally by user69670. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user69670
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The marking is almost certainly L1BC, not “LlBc.” It’s a Nikon Skylight / UV filter with a slight pink tint.
What it does:
- Cuts some UV light
- Adds a mild warming/skylight effect
- Was commonly used with film, especially color film and slide film, to reduce bluish cast in daylight, such as open shade or high-altitude scenes
Compared with a plain UV filter, the L1BC is not fully neutral; its pink tint can affect color balance.
For digital cameras, it has little practical optical value because digital cameras already handle UV well. If used on a digital lens, it may introduce a slight color cast rather than improve image quality. Some people still leave it on for physical lens protection, but a modern clear protective or UV filter is usually a better choice if you want neutral color.
So: it’s a useful period film accessory, but only of limited use for digital unless you specifically want its subtle warming effect.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI8y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
What are Hoya +1 and +2 close-up filters used for?
What is a Folmer Graflex gravity-type synchronizer used for?
What is this Carl Zeiss Tessar 250mm f/4.5 lens with a six-hole mounting ring, and can it be adapted to a DSLR?
What filters fit the Voigtländer Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f/4.5 with its built-in hood?
Can I mount a 58mm threaded accessory on a Nikon D80 with a 52mm filter thread?