Lens coating and using a filter

[omens]

Have a Canon Powershot G12. I used to think the lens was just dirty. Then I realised the coating on the lens had eroded over time. It means I get a flare when shooting with a bright light source (typically the Sun) in the background. I'm not in a position to buy a replacement Powershot camera but could I use a UV filter on the front to compensate?

 

[MartinCornwall]

The UV filter will just add to the flaring issue as there will be another piece of glass in the way where it shouldn't be.

 

[omens]

Yeah I did wonder whether it might cause more issues.

 

[mikew]

Do you use a lens hood,if one could be found to cover the lens range without giving cut of at the wide end it could help.

 

[Canon Bob]

It's a common problem with the G12. The automatic lens cap was a little too close and could touch the front element each time you switched on and off. If the front got a slight scuff then the coating started to degrade and flare is often the result.

Bob

 

[omens]

It's a common problem with the G12.

Thanks. It's something I found out about googling. Initially it looked like a fingerprint pattern on the front element so kept thinking it was dirty but cleaning multiple times didn't help and now it's worse.

Do you use a lens hood,if one could be found to cover the lens range without giving cut of at the wide end it could help.

I have the lens adapter kit to allow me to use filters but AFAIK Canon didn't produce a lens hood for it.

Realistically, I'll need to swap the camera for something more modern.

 

[Alastair]

A decent multi-coated filter might help (Sigma DG, Marumi DHG, etc.), but ultimately the light is still passing through the degraded coating on the lens element and it's going to be as much the edges of the degraded areas as it is the degradation itself causing flare issues.

Give it a try with a decent filter, or maybe just work creatively with the flare.

 

[Canon Bob]

My wife's G12 has the same issue and it's been relegated to the 'throw around camera' with the G1x for safer environments.

Bob

 

[omens]

My wife's G12 has the same issue and it's been relegated to the 'throw around camera' with the G1x for safer environments.

Bob

Thanks. How did you get on with the G1x? I was looking at the mkii version or the G5x as the replacement for the G12.

 

[Canon Bob]

Thanks. How did you get on with the G1x? I was looking at the mkii version or the G5x as the replacement for the G12.

Overall it's a better camera although the macro function is a disappointment when compared to the G12.

Bob

 

[GeeJay57]

Our G12 picked up a mark on the front element. I suspect the auto lens cover too. Flippin' annoying to say the least.