I use filters when they are appropriate for the conditions I'm working in and when I need them to modify the light entering the lens.
I nearly always have a rigid lens hood fitted to my lenses. The exceptions are for when I'm using cameras for which a lens hood is too irritating to deal with (like the X2) or when the lens hood gets in the way of something (like the internal flash on most compact cameras). A rigid lens hood serves a dual purpose in protecting the lens as well as reducing flare. When not in use, I put a caps on my lenses to protect them. -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.