Would you like to have a modern Visoflex?

R

Rui Morais de Sousa

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I currently own three lenses that I can use on the Visoflex: 135mm f2,8 (lens head with focusing mount), 200mm f4 Telyt and 280mm f4,8 (last version). All of them good lenses, very well built, even if they are getting kind of "old" now. In time, I would like to add a 65mm Elmar, and maybe a 400mm and 560mm Telyt. I admit that I don't use my Visoflex that much: it is somewhat cumbersome and doesn't feel that confortable, even by yesterday's standards. But every now and then, I think that it would be nice if I could have a new / modern version, maybe with TTL metering, with a more friendly camera bag design. After all, it is a shame to have such good lenses collecting dust. Having enough buyers, maybe Leica would upgrade the line, and come up with new lens designs... How many of you could have interest on such a product? How should it look like, and how much should it cost? I would be glad to know some of your opinions. Rui
 
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Why create an SLR out of a rangefinder? I can see the uses, but I think that can be better covered by the SLR market. I would not expect much interest in such a product.
 
You can have TTL metering with the Visoflex, by using it on an M6 with the mirror up. It is a bit fussy, since you have to flop the mirror up to get the reading, then back down to frame and focus. Or if using a tripod, you can frame & focus, then flop the mirror for the reading. With an M7, you can have aperture priority metering. I think the meter reading can be done fast enough to be able to get the right exposure just after the mirror release and before tripping the shutter. But I would have to try this before I can promise it works. I'll put it on my to-do list.
 
I just set my M5 up to work with my Visoflex III, and honestly, it's not that cumbersome for me to carry and bag. I'm using only the 200mm F4 Telyt so far.

The TTL Spot Metering in the M5 works just as accurately through the Visoflex III as it does through the rangefinder lenses. So I find it very fast to use (so far). I've not lost any photo opportunities due to it being slow to operate.
 
The visoflex has always interested me as a design but I couldn't ever see myself wanting to use one by turning a purpose designed rangefinder into an SLR. I admire the determined souls who do this but I'd personally rather pick up my OM for that style of shooting.

When you consider what a smorgasbord of excellent cheap gear the used SLR market is it seems a little pointless ... ?
 
My Visoflex II-S is all I have left in the way of SLR's and I have several interchageable backs for it, all equipped with shutters. Right now I have glass from 65mm to 400mm and some extension tubes.
 
Rui Morais de Sousa said:
I currently own three lenses that I can use on the Visoflex: 135mm f2,8 (lens head with focusing mount), 200mm f4 Telyt and 280mm f4,8 (last version). All of them good lenses, very well built, even if they are getting kind of "old" now. In time, I would like to add a 65mm Elmar, and maybe a 400mm and 560mm Telyt. I admit that I don't use my Visoflex that much: it is somewhat cumbersome and doesn't feel that confortable, even by yesterday's standards. But every now and then, I think that it would be nice if I could have a new / modern version, maybe with TTL metering, with a more friendly camera bag design. After all, it is a shame to have such good lenses collecting dust. Having enough buyers, maybe Leica would upgrade the line, and come up with new lens designs... How many of you could have interest on such a product? How should it look like, and how much should it cost? I would be glad to know some of your opinions. Rui
Click to expand...

I use Leica adapter 14167 for using Visoflex lens on Leica SLR line cameras, and together with another Novoflex adapter EOS/LER I can use them on Canon EOS cameras as well. Besides TTL metering I can also use automatic exposure in these configuration; though there is no automatic diaphragm.

LeicaElmar60onRbodies.jpg


LeicaElmar60onEOSbodies.jpg
 
I've talked to Leica about this in the past. There are two problems. One is that building convenient through-lens metering into a Viso is surprisingly difficult (= expensive) and the other is that they don't reckon the market is big enough. They have not ruled it out completely but they have quite a few higher priorities.

Cheers,

R.
 
Time to bin the Viso, 'Sacrilige' I hear you cry but with a trusty 14167 and a Leicaflex SL all is beauty and light!

And an elderly SL is not a pricey bit of kit. (although SL2 is) The world of Viso and R lenses can be yours.

SL feels like a real Leica and doubles as a substantial doorstop!

Michael
 
Keith said:
When you consider what a smorgasbord of excellent cheap gear the used SLR market is it seems a little pointless ... ?
Click to expand...

Amen brother.

I never used a Visoflex but read Stephen's articles with interest. To me it seems a bit to cumbersome/primitive to be really useful... and quite expensive too. An M2 in itself is still fun to use, but to klutz around with a Visoflex when I have perfectly ok old Nikon gear available? Nah.

Maybe if they could design a RF camera and Visoflex as an integrated new system from the ground up, maybe then it could work... but since the Panasonic G1 came out I think RF's and SLR's have become obsolete.
 
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