Remove Eyes from Elmarit 135MM f/2.8

[Robert RD-1]

I just purchased a Elmarit 135MM f/2.8 with eyes. The eyes make this lens unusable with the RD-1. Does anyone know of a way to remove the eyes from this lens without damaging it? I think the lens will work if I use a visoflex II but the one I ordered hasn't arrived yet. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it.

Thanks Robert

 

[laptoprob]

Welcome to the forum, Robert. I am afraid you will have a problem on using this lens without the goggles. It has to do with the accuracy of the rangefinder. That accuracy is determined by multiplying the baselength and the viewfinder magnification.
The usual 135's without goggles are limited to apertures of around 3,4 or 4 because focussing is a little less demanding.

So you can use that magnificent lens stopped down for sufficient accuracy. A lot of people here would be very interested to see the accuracy and useability of the lens wide-open on the RD-1.

 

[LCT]

I just purchased a Elmarit 135MM f/2.8 with eyes. The eyes make this lens unusable with the RD-1. Does anyone know of a way to remove the eyes from this lens without damaging it?...

The goggles can not be removed from the 135/2.8, at least on my 1981 copy (below).
Anyway, due to the short base length of the rangefinder, it is difficult to focus accurately 135mm lenses at wider apertures than f/8 on the R-D1.
Best,
LCT

 

[Robert RD-1]

Thanks for the Welcome

Thanks for the Welcome

Thanks for the welcome. My main problem with the eyes is that they don't line up with the RD-1 and infact block the viewfinder so I can't focus at all. I guess I'll have to wait for my visoflex II to arrive to use this lens.

Thanks for your input,

Robert

 

[LCT]

...I guess I'll have to wait for my visoflex II to arrive to use this lens...

Did you try the Visoflex II on the R-D1 already?
I ask you this because the 4x magnifier 16499 of my Visoflex III does not fit due to the height of the R-D1 finder.
But the 5x magnifier (reversed image) OTVXO should fit i guess.
Best,
LCT

 

[ww@lt]

...and I think the lens head is not detachable on this lens...
so on the Viso you can only take close up fotos.

 

[Robert RD-1]

The lens head is detachable

The lens head is detachable

It can be removed for cleaning.

 

[LCT]

The head is detachable and can be used normally on the Visoflex with the focussing ring # 16462 (see pic).
Best,
LCT

 

[Robert RD-1]

Can I use OTZFO / 16464 K Focusing Mount for Visoflex III ?

Can I use OTZFO / 16464 K Focusing Mount for Visoflex III ?

Can I use OTZFO / 16464 K Focusing Mount for Visoflex III or any other Visoflex?

Thanks Robert

 

[LCT]

As far as i know, OTZFO / 16464 was made for Elmar 65mm, Elmar 90mm and Hektor or Elmar 135mm but i have no experience with it and i don't have experience with the Visoflex II on the R-D1 either.
May i just draw your attention on the facts that:
- the 4x magnifier 16499 of the Visoflex III (# 2 below) does not fit due to the height of the R-D1 finder; the 5x 16461 (# 1) should fit but it shows a side-reversed image;
- the release lever of the Visoflex III (# 4) is too short for the R-D1 as its screw (# 3) doesn't touch the R-D1 release button.
Best,
LCT

 

[jaapv]

I just purchased a Elmarit 135MM f/2.8 with eyes. The eyes make this lens unusable with the RD-1. Does anyone know of a way to remove the eyes from this lens without damaging it? I think the lens will work if I use a visoflex II but the one I ordered hasn't arrived yet. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it.

Thanks Robert

The goggles can be removed, using a set of small screwdrivers. However, if you would do so, the focussing would be totally inaccurate. The goggles change (lengthen) the measuring base and the focussing curve on the lens is adapted to that change. In that case you can only scale focus.Leica produced 35 mm lenses with user removable goggles. Nobody has ever been able to figure out why they did so, as the lens was unusable without the goggles for the same reason. I guess you'll have to wait and purchase a M8 in November to be able to use your lens

 

[Robert RD-1]

Thanks for your help

Thanks for your help

I will let everyone know which setup finally works with the rd-1 when my stuff arrives.

BTW: I recently purchased a summilux titanium 1.4/35 and the results are amazing with the rd-1. The sharpest 35mm lens I have ever seen. When stopped down objects in the distance are razor sharp and very saturated. It has an incredible dynamic range, yet full of contrast.

Thanks everyone for your help

Robert