Kit lense shade
G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
Best regards
Terry
K20D, Optio I10, DA 18-55 1:3.5-5.6 AL II, A 1:1.7/50, D FA 1:2.8/100 Macro, Sigma 70-300 1:4-5.6 APO DG Macro, Pentax AF 360FGZ
I agree that the supplied lens caps are difficult to manage with the hoods in place.
I've replaced mine with good quality center-pinch caps (if that makes any sense).
This way, the hoods stay in place (only come off to change filters (I only tend to use polarizers - actually making use of that little removeable window in the hoods' bottom for alignment.

I also agree that new hoods should be available (affordable?), but wonder if the lens barrel half of the mount may be wearing out as well?
As has often been said in these hallowed threads, a rigid hens hood protects the front element of a good SMC lens better than a fragile and unneccessary UV filter. That's why I always leave them in place.
They also look very cool

Cheers,
Mac from Montreal
SP, SPII, SPF, PZ-10, P30, SFX, K110D, istDS, Optio 60, Z-10, H90, RZ10, I-10, f3.5 28mm, f1.8 55mm, f1.4 50mm, f3.5 135mm, f2.5 135mm, f4 50mm Macro, f4.5 80-200 F, f4 35-70, f3.5 28-80, f3.5 35-135, f3.5 18-55, f1.8 31mm Ltd., two Auto 110's, Auto 110 lenses and filters, tubes, bellows, Manfrottos and a sore back.
I've not noticed any severe wear of any hood bayonet mounting, though.
I can't think of a suggestion besides using a dab of grease to minimise further wear.
~Pete
But that is not very practical when the camera is not in use, and difficult to put on/remove the lens cap. Normally, I reverse the hood when not using the camera. I would expect the plastic bayonet locks to wear out over time, but then a new lens hood should not be out of reach financially.
The only time it is not practicable is when I am travelling with a lot of kit and space is limited. At home, the lenses are placed hood down on a shelf.
G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
A lens packs up smaller without the hood fitted normally, meaning your kit can be fitted into a smaller space. Leaving hoods on all the time would not be an option for me and many users when using small bags or lens pouches.
I've not noticed any severe wear of any hood bayonet mounting, though.
I can't think of a suggestion besides using a dab of grease to minimise further wear.
Thanks to all for the comments. Agreed, a new hood (if available) shouldn't cost much, but probably does. A dab of grease might hold enough grit to accelerate wear. I hope the wear is on the hood, not the lens.
Best regards
Terry
K20D, Optio I10, DA 18-55 1:3.5-5.6 AL II, A 1:1.7/50, D FA 1:2.8/100 Macro, Sigma 70-300 1:4-5.6 APO DG Macro, Pentax AF 360FGZ
The hood is "optional" with the new DA-L 18-55 lens, so presumably will be widely available on its own. If you're lucky, it will be compatible with the older 18-55mm lens and not too outrageously over-priced.
Or you could just upgrade to the DA 18-55 II, which is optically better than the original 18-55, and comes with a hood.
~Pete
http://www.parkcameras.com/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/8695/groupID/14/category...
Ken
Ken
“We must avoid however, snapping away, shooting quickly and without thought, overloading ourselves with unnecessary images that clutter our memory and diminish the clarity of the whole.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson -
George in Georgia USA
Member
Jonesboro, Georgia, USA