Those of you that own or even just purchased a brand new Sony or Samsung Hi-8 camcorder at that super low blowout closeout rock bottom price should know that your Main Lens Size is 37mm. That is the modern-day ever-popular size for lenses by the two companies...at least for the given format!

The other formats probably sport different sized lenses. If you truly are not sure of your lens size...check for tiny print stamped right on the outer threaded area...outer ring around the lens...over the camcorder's main lens. That will tell you your proper size for extra lenses.

You absolutely need to purchase a 37mm uv lens as it is critical not just to protecting your cam's eye from the sun but also from harmful debris. If a stone kicks up at your lens and chips or scratches it...nothing you do will ever bring it fully back to like new condition. However...if that very stone cracks your $5.99 Sima UV Protector Lens...you're just out the $5.99 and protector lens itself.

As a matter of fact...at that price why not purchase a spare or two? That would certainly ensure your lens's life for as long as you own the camera...say ten years or more!

A new one can be purchased and easily installed by gently placing it over the camcorder's outer hood's threads and screwing it in clockwise. Without the protective Sima...you'd be out much more and probably windup purchasing a new unit as this little situation is not covered by the warranty!

Having owned and operated various makes, models and formats of camcorders over the past fourteen years I have found the uv filter/protector to be the most overlooked item by the consumer when making the cam purchase. The Sima 37 mm UV Filter/Protector is a popular low cost means of protecting your cam investment! Please understand that although I have personally tested the 37mm & 40.5 mm models, other sizes are available. All of my remarks about the Sima apply to these other sizes!

The immediate thing that grabbed me by the collar and shook me about the Sima other than its super low price of $5.99 was its rather crude but very cost effective packaging! Most decent filters by Tiffen, Canon and Crystal Optics are packaged neatly in slim boxes with foam and plastic protecting the item. Not so for the Sima. Oh no! The item is simply packaged on a peg hook card with a plastic bubble.

This may very well be a turnoff to the pro as it means that many hands can examine said item making it somewhat vulnerable to abuse or damage [scratches] while on display. However, on the other hand those consumers who wouldn't have otherwise given the item a thought will now easily be reminded not to forget to include this most overlooked meaningful accessory when making a camera or camcorder purchase. This type of packaging allows the dealer to offer the item with high visibility to the cam buyer!

Just what does a uv filter/protector accomplish? Well, it first of all guards your rather expensive investment by shielding the cam's main lens from dirt, grime and foreign objects that could potentially crack or chip it. It is far easier and more economical to replace the cheapy uv filter/protector lens than the expensive one built into the camera!

It also quite effectively removes the unwanted ultraviolet rays from the sun that can make a given scene look hazy or less clear. This is especially true while filming your subject with your back not quite perfectly positioned to the sun. With sunlight creeping into the side, the picture may otherwise look like it suffers from color washout or simply not as clear and well defined as it could be. The filter is most effective in very hot humid weather. Humidity can make that very special soccer game or wedding to appear hazy!

Those of us that use eyewear know what special lenses can do for cleaning up uv rays. For situations that require filming more directly into the sun [which is never recommended but sometimes unavoidable] a slightly more expensive polarized filter will be a must as the uv filter will not be able to handle this circumstance at all.

The Sima UV Filter/Protector like other brands screws easily onto the cam's main lens and offers an extra set of threads so that other specialty lenses such as polarized, telephoto and wide-angle types can easily be attached to the cam. It appears to be a clear lens. This is normal. Be assured that your cam's main lens must be thoroughly cleaned before attempting this as you may wish to leave the filter on permanently! Of course you may also detach the item when desired...especially for cleaning with lens fluid and proper tissue.

Here are some of the Sima UV Filter/Protector's specs:

Brand Sima Products
Filter / Destination (device) Camcorder
Filter / Filter Color Colorless
Filter / Filter Diameter 37Mm
Filter / Filter Effects UV absorbing
Filter / Form Factor Round
Filter / Suppressed Color Colorless
Filter / Type Filter
Manufacturer Sima Products
Manufacturer Part Number ULP-37
Model 37
Product Line Sima ULP
Service & Support / Type 3 months warranty
Type Lens Filters

From The Horse's Own Mouth:

"Sima ULP lens protector safeguards camera and video lens from dirt, scratches, fingerprints, dust, moisture and damage. It also filters out harmful UV rays for additional protection. This high purity glass lens is treated to optimize performance for all photographic and video equipment. ULP is dual threaded on the inside and out to allow for attachment of additional filters. Sima ULP lens protectors fit most camcorder and digital camera lens."

In actual useage I found the Sima uv filter to be just as effective as any of the other brands of uv filters I have owned. It appears to be a well made item but perhaps not quite as excellent as Crystal Optics multi-coated filters which are three to four times its cost. It only has a three month warranty as opposed to the former's fifteen year guarantee. For this reason I knocked it down from 5 to 4 stars and because of the low cost packaging which could make it susceptible to abuse in the store itself. It still is a superb quality item!

As this particular item is widely available from Circuiy City stores it has the potential of being handled quite often leading to partially opened packages. Even so, just make sure you inspect the item thoroughly before purchasing it.

One can easily use the uv filter for leverage when making a cam purchase. Many dealers will simply throw it in to sweeten the purchase for the buyer or to close the damn deal! If that is the case, how can you go wrong?!!

At its current low price the Sima UV Filter/Protector leaves one with no excuse to pass the item up even while attempting to eek out that last dollar off the camera purchase...like me! Take heed Sony and Samsung lovers!...PJS Series II


Also checkout these Hi-8 reviews...
Sony CCDTRV-128...http://www.epinions.com/content_150728773252

Samsung SC-L906...http://www.epinions.com/content_147305893508

Canon 8/Hi-8 ES...http://www.epinions.com/content_77402640004


Recommended: Yes