Voigtlander 12mm SL Nikon mount

[angeloks]

Hi,

This is optically the same lens as the 12mm in LTM or M mount. Anyone is using the Nikon mount version? How you like the ergonomics? Anyone knows where I could buy one?

 

[Tom A]

Julien, it is the same optical formula as the LTM/M mount version. It does have a deep, protruding rear element "pack" so you have to use it with a F-type body that allows "mirror-up" set up.
Ergonomics are good, better than the LTM version - but not as comfortable as the M-mount. On the F or the Nikon RF with the Cosina adapter - it is very compact as most of the lens is "inside" the camera.
As where to get one, I haven't seen one on RFf classified for a long time - but check with Cameraquest/Stephen - he might now.
Also I recommend that you get the new 12 mm finder - much more compact than the old one - and less prone to cracking the front element if/when it is dropped.

 

[angeloks]

Hey thanks Tom. The 12mm SL has been sold out for a long time at Cameraquest. I guess I'll just hope that one shows up on eBay ! The new 12mm finder indeed looks way better than the older version !

 

[Tom A]

I have the full complement of 12f5.6, LTM, M and Nikon F mount. With the F-S adapter I can also use the F mount on my Nikon Rf's. Most of the time that lens is on a F with a bad mirror (I simply pulled the mirror out with a pair of pliers) .
Tom

 

[angeloks]

Nice collection, Tom ! I wish I could get my hands on the SL version !

 

[sanmich]

Tom, what would be that interesting accessory shoe base placed instead of the F prism?

 

[Tom A]

Cosina made that little "prism look-a-like" so you could put the finder in line with the optic. Works very well - though with the old style 12 finder you have to be careful - very easy to knock it off - and according to the "buttered toast principle" - it always lands on the front element. I use gaffer's tape to secure it.

many years ago I was using a 21f4 F lens and after having dropped the finder multiple times (that rewind slot for the shoe was less than secure). I made a flat piece of metal - using a busted screen as template - screwed in a shoe from some old camera - pushed the whole thing into the well for the screen - glued it in place actually and used a knurled screw from the back of a stereo amplifier as a stop screw for the finder. Worked like a charm! It was on a battered black F with a F36 motor on it. Great for "hail Mary" shots - just hold it over your head - tilt slightly downward and let it rip!

 

[Tom A]

Voigtlander Heliar 12 mm f5.6 F-mount. Pedulum Gallery here in Vancouver. My friend Chris and I has an exhibiton here with some shots from Havana/Cuba some years ago.
Agfa APX 100.

 

[Tom A]

This is with the LTM version of the Heliar 12mm 5.6. Shot in 2000 with a Bessa L and on Fuji's Neopan 40 iso film. Havana is not "bright" - shadows can be deep and at the time e were there it was nice and overcast - so the exposure was about 1/4 s @ f5.6.
The Nikon F version has the same optical formula, different "handling" as the aperture is set by a lever. Mechanical build is very good - solid like a rock. Not an easy lens to use initially, but once you get the hang of it - any of the 12f5.6 can give you a unique view.