15Mm Heliar on the Bessa R

[cosmonaut]

I have a Heliar 15mm that I am wanting to use on my Bessa R and also my Leica IIIa. But the lens isn't focusing. It doesn't appear to be pushing the focusing roller down. Almost like there is a part of the lens missing. Is the 15MM for the Bessa L only and can I get an adaptor to fit it to an M series camers. Thanks.

 

[oscroft]

The 15mm isn't rangefinder-coupled, so you have to guess-focus it. But its depth-of-field is so great that you just set it on the hyperfocal distance and shoot away.

 

[mr_phillip]

There's no rangefinder coupling with this lens. I practice you don't need it - just guestimate the distance and the huge DoF will cover any errors.

Edit: simultaneous posting!

 

[oscroft]

can I get an adaptor to fit it to an M series camers

Sorry, missed that bit - yes, any LTM to M adapter will do (but it still won't be coupled to the rangefinder)

 

[cosmonaut]

Thanks again. Since the IIIa is hard to focus I guess the 15mm has found a permenant home.....

 

[lZr]

It is a good idea to get also suitable VF for the Heliar 15 mm

 

[Keith]

Amazing lenses these wides ... the Heliar even at f4.5 has an enormous depth of field.

Bokeh is very hard to achieve! 😛