I had read that the 20mm comes with a lens hood, but there was no hood included with my GF1+20mm kit. Does the hood exist somewhere?
20mm lens hood I don't know if there's an "official" hood or not for the 20mm f1.7. Mine certainly didn't come with one. I use this hood, and it's terrific. Amazon.com: B&W 46mm Rubber Lens Hood #900: Camera & Photo
I picked up a vented lens hood from 46MM VENTED LENS HOOD TILTED SIDES - eBay (item 150548241333 end time Feb-12-11 09:12:00 PST) $10 + $2 shipping It can take a 55mm lens cap in the front as well.
I use this one from Heavystar. It will take the 52mm Panasonic lens cap. New Metal 46mm Screw-in Standard Lens Hood + Cap E46 20091024 045a by Ronald S. Smith, on Flickr 20091024 009a by Ronald S. Smith, on Flickr
Ihave never had any flare issues with my 20, and with where the filter threads are, there is a risk of damaging the lens when it retracts. A hood also pretty much destroys the "compact" factor. Just don't see why a hood is a good idea on this lens ...
I have had some flare with the 20/1.7. I also like the extra protection for the lens glass. It does make it less pocket-able, which is why I have two lens hoods, the vented one above plus a rubber collapsible one like ebrandon. But the vented one has one big plus - it elicits oohs and aahs from my professional photographer friends. :tongue:
I love the look of the vented hoods, but I guess when you cap them your lens isn't completely sealed from dust, etc.
I purchased the 46mm (Leica-like Summicron) vented hood from ebay as well. It was from a "reputable" electronic vendor but they sent me an empty box. I give them a couple more days to reconcile this problem, but if not I'm going to have to put them on blast here. I would hate to have any of my fellow 20mm owners get ripped off as well. Panasonic is already gouging us with the price of this lens. :tongue:
Flare isn't the only possible undesired element. Any stray light hitting your lens reduces contrast. A hood helps somewhat with stray light as well. If you want the best punch from any lens, always use a hood to reduce as much stray light as you possibly can... otherwise, if you're happy with what you get, ok too. (I use the Leica-Summicron M46 metal vented hood, as well, myself.)
How do youse get the camera in and out of yer pocket with that thing on? Just kidding...... I'm just a no hooder guy like tc.
Got a Leica-like vented metal lens hood too. Aside from reducing flare, it does minimize lost of contrast in harsh lighting and adds extra protection to the lens. Personally, I like the look of it: View attachment 156638
I meant is there a hood that ends with 52 thread so I can mount my filters that fit kit lens onto pana 20mm which is 46 in diameter :smile:
