Don't most machines have one?No, majority of washers nowadays do not have lint filters in the traditional sense. Some have a pump trap to catch stray objects (pins, buttons, small screws or nails, etc.) from getting into the pump during drain but they do not function as a filter to catch lint during the wash & rinse periods. The few units that do have a designated lint filter, it's typically not in a location accessible by the consumer unless the machine is disassembled.

the samsung 520 has a trap easily accessible behind a trap door in the front of the washer...i've checked it a couple of times and found a little bit of debris like broken-off threads. it's never been even remotely close to being clogged with anything.

Thanks for the info!