Visoflex shopping list?

[crusius]

Hi all,

I became interested in the Visoflex system to allow my once-every-two-years macro shots to be done with the M8, meaning I could get rid of the SLR system

But I need help sorting through all the info: here's what (I think) I know I need:

• Visoflex III mirror + magnifier
• Bellows II

But I don't know which adapters... I want to be able to use my M-mount lenses (35mm and 50mm), and that's all. Can I mount them directly to the Visoflex III? If not, what adapter I need? For the bellows, what adapter I need?

Thanks all,

- Cesar

[Al Kaplan]

35 and 50mm lenses mounted directly on the Visoflex III will give you a very very macro image. The 35 might give you more than you want! The most versatile V-III lens would be the 65mm f/3.5 Elmar. It's focusing mount #16464 will also accept the lens heads from the old 90mm f/2.8 "long" Elmarit, the 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar, and with a dedicated extension tube, the lens heads of the 135mm f/4.5 Hektor and 135/4 Elmar.

The actual bayonet mount on the M cameras and on the Visoflex II, IIA, and III are all the same.

[crusius]

Originally Posted by Al Kaplan

35 and 50mm lenses mounted directly on the Visoflex III will give you a very very macro image. The 35 might give you more than you want! The most versatile V-III lens would be the 65mm f/3.5 Elmar. It's focusing mount #16464 will also accept the lens heads from the old 90mm f/2.8 "long" Elmarit, the 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar, and with a dedicated extension tube, the lens heads of the 135mm f/4.5 Hektor and 135/4 Elmar.

The actiual bayonet mount on the M cameras and on the Visoflex II, IIA, and III are all the same.

Thanks!

Yes, the 35mm would be probably too much, but I threw it in anyway since I have it.

Regarding direct mount on the Visoflex III: wouldn't focusing in that case mean moving the camera? Sounds hard to do on a tripod (a good idea for "very macro" shots), and that's the reason I'm throwing the bellows in...

If I get another lens it would have to be one that is useable without the Visoflex, so it would be far enough from the 50mm I already have - probably a 90mm. That would give me a "less macro" setup too.

Anyway, maybe I should start that way: III without the bellows. But I'd still like to keep an eye out for the adapters if/when they show up. Any clue on which adapter to use with the bellows II so I could mount M-mount lenses? Is it the UOOND/16596 or there are others that would work?

Best,

- Cesar

[Tom A]

I suggest you pick up a used copy of the Morgan & Morgan "Leica M book". They have all the permutations listed ( and there are many - some quite bewildering too).
Using the Viso III on the M8 you need something like my Softie (or Luigi's) as the arm doesn't came down dead on the release otherwise.
With the Viso/M8 all I did was to draw the "frame" from the 1.3 factor on the screen with a marker - worked well.
The "chimney" finder works well with the M8 (it also has diopter correction). With the 90 degree prism I seem to remember that it was a bit of a hassle to mount on it.
If you are going to use it more than once every two years! Get the V-Elmar 65f3.5. It is a very good macro lens. Also try to get one of the "tubes" for the 135f4.5 Hektor and that lens (they are usually around $100). It is a very good macro lens - better as such than it is as a "daily" user.
Viso stuff is confusing - but there is a lot of the stuff out there and it is still cheap - though the Lumix G1 has created new interest in it. That folding screen and live view makes it very useful - though with a 2x multiplying effect on the lens - even the 65mm becomes a 130mm macro,

[zerobuttons]

Originally Posted by Tom A

I suggest you pick up a used copy of the Morgan & Morgan "Leica M book".
.....

Would it be this one, you are referring to, Tom?
MORGAN, WILLARD D.: The Leica manual. Morgan & Morgan, New York 1977. 501p

[Tom A]

Originally Posted by zerobuttons

Would it be this one, you are referring to, Tom?
MORGAN, WILLARD D.: The Leica manual. Morgan & Morgan, New York 1977. 501p

Yes. thats the one!

[zerobuttons]

Originally Posted by Tom A

Yes. thats the one!

Thank you. I ordered that book from an antiquarian book shop just now, after your confirmation. I could probably also use some Visoflex equipment at some point.

[Ronald M]

65x1.33 is 86

The black version 65 is better but much harder to find.

It mounts to the universal focus mount directly and one extension tube will get you to near 1:1

90 2.8 and 4.0 also mount to the same focus mount.

135 4.0 Tele Elmarit fits directly. 135 4.5 Hector requires a tube extension with thread adapter. Or use the special focus mount for the 135 4.5

All will go on a bellows also

Google "visoflex pages" and you will get to Shaws site complete with pics and charts and part numbers.

[crusius]

Thanks all.

I'll be on the look for a Visoflex III for now then, but without any hurry. From the comments here it seems the whole thing is really not that useful without extra/specialized lenses, which is one reason I'm trying to get rid of the SLR to begin with. If a cheap one pops out I'll grab it, though.

I guess one could always hope for a "live view" digital M at some point in the future, as that would lessen the need for a reflex system for macro work. As it stands, I'm beginning to think that I may be better off cutting the once-every-two-years macro shoots to zero.

Thanks again,

- Cesar

[Al Kaplan]

The Visoflex with a prism is almost as large as an SLR body anyway. Vivitar marketed a 90mm f/2.5 Macro that put everything else to shame, including Leitz glass! Flat field, razor sharp, good contrast, and it was made in a variety of SLR mounts. First find the lens, any mount, then pick up a body to match.

[Tom A]

I do have the Viso ( II's and III's as a matter of fact) and a box full of Leica tubes,rings, focussing helicoils etc - and i do use it.
However, most of the time I use a rather scruffy Nikon F and a Micro Nikkor 55f3.5 that looks even worse - but works fine. Total cost for that kit was $160 a couple of years ago!

[downstairs]

Originally Posted by Tom A

...However, most of the time I use a rather scruffy Nikon F and a Micro Nikkor ...!

With you on that. I use a Nikon D40 with 55mm micro-nikkor. Cost, $0.3k.
Would a Visoflex III be needed to clear the top of the M9 - or is the Viso II ok? I read that the III was made to clear the top of the M5.
I'm searching for an M8/9 solution but have baulked in front of $1k for the Visoflex III + 65mm or $1.1K for only the Macro Adaptor for my 90mm Elmar.

[Al Kaplan]

Anybody want a 200mm Micro Nikkor with just a touch of fungus around the edge.

[Dralowid]

65mm Elmar and the universal mount are a great starting place and cheap. The only Viso that clears the top of later cameras is Viso III unless you use chimney finder. Unfortunately the 'normal' finder does not have eyesight correction which can be a pain.

Alternatively buy Leicaflex SL or SLII plus 65 Elmarit (macro) or whatever it is called. This is a fantastic lens/camera combination and can be used as anchor in strong winds!

Michael