Using Visoflex with M3

[KyledeC]

I would like to start using my M3 for macro photography. I realize that better types of cameras exist for macro photography. But given the amount of money that I have invested in my Leica system, if possible, I would like to use it for as many applications as I can.

With that being said, I am interested in using the Visoflex III with bellows. I don't know much about the Visoflex bellows. I am wondering if I will be able to use my m-mount lenses (Summaron 35mm, Summicron 50mm, Tele-Elmarit 90mm "fat" and Tele-Elmar 135mm) on the bellows.

Any information that can be provided would be greatly appreciated!

 

[S.H.]

Look at the manual first if you don't have it already:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/leica/leitz_visoflex_iii/leitz_visoflex_iii.htm

There are compatibility diagrams with lenses.

 

[KyledeC]

Look at the manual first if you don't have it already:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/leica/leitz_visoflex_iii/leitz_visoflex_iii.htm

There are compatibility diagrams with lenses.

Thank you!

So it looks like the focusing bellows II work with the 90 and 135, and then it says the 35 and 50 for extreme close-ups.

I guess my next question is, am I able to simply mount m lenses on the front of the bellows through bayonet, like I would on the camera? Or do I need some type of attachment?

Thank you all again for your help!

 

[Dralowid]

Before you plump for the Viso III have a look at the Viso II. OK so the Viso III has a returning mirror which the II doesn't but the II has diopter adjustment which the III doesn't! II fetches lower prices also because, with the eye level viewfinder, it doesn't fit things like M6ttl, M8, M9 etc.

If I remember correctly the lens heads of your 90 and 135 come out and need an adaptor ring to fit the bellows????? I've long since sold it all so don't trust my memory! There is certainly a short mount for the 135 which allows focussing to infinity

My advice? Buy a cheap Viso II (that is M mount on both sides maybe) and play around by putting your lenses directly onto it. You'll soon start to work out what you need!

Don't spend too much, there is gear out there at ridiculous prices.

Michael

 

[KyledeC]

Thank you Michael! That is very helpful. I will definitely look into the Visoflex II. If it's less expensive, I don't really care about the returning mirror. And the diopter adjustment would be nice.

So about mounting lenses. I've been reading, and it sounds like the 90 and 135 are great for macro. Although, I would prefer not to have to take apart the lenses to mount them on the bellows. Is there not a bayonet mount? I'd like to be able to simply mount the entire lens and just focus it to infinity, and then focus with the bellows.

 

[S.H.]

I guess my next question is, am I able to simply mount m lenses on the front of the bellows through bayonet, like I would on the camera? Or do I need some type of attachment?
!

It depends 😀. Study the diagrams, as some long lenses have a removable head and another special mount to use with the viso and keep infinity (closer focus than regular mount but no macro). If you just slap a lens on the viso (it is possible, it has a M mount), it is equivalent to a big macro ring. I do not know the bellows, but knowing Leica, you will probably need various bits and pieces.

 

[Dralowid]

There are two types of bellows at least.

I really don't think the front of 'Focussing Bellows II' is M mount, you need a ring to mount the lens heads (you might need one for each lens).

Not sure, the info will be out there somewhere!

 

[dabick42]

@ KyledeC...

To mount any bayonet-mount Leica lens on Bellows 11, you need adaptor ring UOOND (16596).

Bellows 11 has adaptor ring 16558 fitted as standard, which allows the use of 65mm Elmar, and the lens heads of 90mm Elmar and Elmarit, and 135mm Tele Elmar.

Unscrewing this ring and fitting 16596 will allow the use of bayonet lenses...

 

[presspass]

Don't forget the Elmar 65mm option - a lens designed for closeup and will still focus to infinity. Made specifically for the Visoflex, so no bellows needed.

 

[Nokton48]

I used the Viso II on my M4-2, and M-2. I used the Viso III on my M5. It has to do with the height of the Viso's, and the M-bodies.

Lens heads unscrew, and you attach a short-mount focusing helocoid to the lens head. I did this with mine, a 90mm F2 Summicron, and 135mm Elmarit. They took the same adapter. I also had the 200mm Telyt, 280mm Telyt, and the 400mm F5 Telyt. Study the literature to determine what pieces are required to make the system work for you.

The Viso was alot of fun to use, I liked it! Surprisingly bright and easy to focus the long lenses.

 

[Vics]

If you can find one, Jonathon Eastland's excellent "Leica M Compenduim" from Hove Books has extensive coverage of the Visoflex system.
http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Compend...1362242075&sr=1-1&keywords=leica+m+compendium

 

[KyledeC]

Thank you all for your help! I have learned a wealth of info. I think the setup that I'm gonna make is a Visoflex II, Bellows M and then a 16596 UOOND adapter so that I can mount my M lenses directly to the bellows.

Another question that I have thought of regards the use of a cable release when shooting with the Visoflex. Naturally because I'm shooting macro, I would like to use a cable release. I would also like to be able to lock up the mirror in the Visoflex before making an exposure. Since I want the Visoflex II, locking up the mirror manually shouldn't be a problem should it? But regarding the cable release, since I want to lock up the mirror, I dont need to use the release that is built into the Visoflex. Can that release arm on the Visoflex be removed without damaging anything? Or do I not need to worry about the release arm getting in the way of a cable release attaching to the shutter release on my camera.

Thank you all again for helping.

 

[leicapixie]

The cost of a Visoflex plus bellows and all the needed adapters,
is a lot of money! It's not worth the trouble. Macro needs metering.
I had the Viso 11 and later Viso 111.The 65mm lens was great.
My 200mm Telyt was no match for a Pentax 200mm f3.5 Takumar.
The Hektor 135mm was inferior to any lens i owned, even a Vivitar.
The Tele-Elmar is a great lens.
A SLR or DSLR body will cost a lot less and do a lot more!
The mirror can be gently raised. One does not have to remove working parts..Also would allow light into chamber of Viso. Gaffer tape?
Cable release works but adjust so that mirror well out of way when shutter tripped!
The Bellows is Too Well made! If tilted, it begins to expand! Move like a train.. There is no lock. None! Cheapest bellows i bought for my SLR had one.
Personally i would NEVER do it again. Sold my rig, bought a car with money.
Added a bellows to my Pentax Spotmatic outfit.

 

[Rico]

The real charm of Visoflex is the sheer craziness of it, not the practicalities. I have a small collection of parts, and use them on my Canon DSLRs. The TE135 is one of my favorite lens, period, but the head needs to be unscrewed for Viso deployment: the barrel is too long and heavy for attachment to the bellows unit. Extension is possible with a smaller, lighter tube (can't remember the code). Threading of the TE135 head is identical to that of the Elmar-V 65 and Elmarit 90, so common use of the bellows adapter and, for rigid use, the short focusser OTZFO.