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:
