Jon Pop Posted January 21, 2016 Share #1 Posted January 21, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) From a collection point of view (not that they're rare...) and also just a fun diversion, I've been considering a Visoflex I for my LTM Leicas (iiif, iiig), with a right-angle finder. Forgive my ignorance, but is the Visoflex ONLY used for macro work, due to the distances/setup with lenses that are normally flush to the body? I hear some references from time to time (probably mostly with the later M Visoflex III in particular) for its use as an 'SLR', for regular non-macro photography. I also know that they don't work with all lenses, and that there's all kinds of strange plumbing combinations and adapters which confuse me. I have limited macro interest, but would be particularly intrigued to play with the Viso from a 'regular shooting' point of view, if that makes sense. My current LTM lenses are 90 Elmar f4, 50 Elmar f3.5, 50 Summitar f2 (and also a CV 28 Color Skopar f3.5). I'd love to hear from the experts on the forum as to what I would need to get (including all those cables etc.) if I were to use one if regular shooting is an option beyond just macro work. Not interested in bellows etc. If the Visoflex I is only applicable to macro work, then I'll pass (I do know that the Visoflex III was also used more widely, having seen photos of press photographers of the day using it on M3, M2 etc.). Many thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 21, 2016 Posted January 21, 2016 Hi Jon Pop, Take a look here Visoflex I. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jc_braconi Posted January 21, 2016 Share #2 Posted January 21, 2016 Before the Visoflex I were the PLOOT, they were build for lenses that cannot be used with the rangefinder like the 200, 280, 400 mm and also for the macrophotography using head lenses like the 90 or 135, also with this lenses head and different helicoidal ramps/short focusing mounts, OUAGO, ZOOAN etc. http://www.l-camera-forum.com/gallery/image/695-visosi/ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9reno Posted January 21, 2016 Share #3 Posted January 21, 2016 The closest you can come to standard-length, prime lens, non-macro, SLR-stlye photography with any Viso is by using the 65mm Elmar. For this you will need the 16464 (Universal Adapter OTZFO) which has a bayonet mount to be used on Viso II (not Viso I). Using the head of your 90 Elmar (exactly as a 90 mm lens on an SLR) is also be possible with adapter OUAGO, which is also bayonet mountable on Viso II. These are probably the combinations you have seen press photographers employing, except most likely using Viso III on M cameras, whereas you need Viso II for your LTM iiif or iiig. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitz Posted January 21, 2016 Share #4 Posted January 21, 2016 There is a vast array of telephoto lenses, from 125 mm to 1000's mm that work on the Visoflex I system and focus correctly at infinity. Visoflex II/III goes down to 65mm for infinity focus. Manufacturers are not only Leitz, but Astro Berlin, Kilfitt, Nikon, Novoflex, Schneider, Tewe, Zoomar and many more. Sometimes the hardest part of the non-Leitz lens is finding the correct mount/adapter. Enjoy exploring the options. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ambro51 Posted January 21, 2016 Share #5 Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) I have a PLOOT and enjoy the great versitity (and corresponding difficulty) it adds to what your Leica can do. Once you decide what to photograph and have everything set in position it's a breeze to work. With Macro, using this as an extension (63mm) to any short lens involves trial and error exposures. You'll need the dual cable release. It is a bit disconcerting of you peer through the viewer as you shoot, as the image moves as the mirror rises and blanks out. My favorite setup uses camera, PLOOT, 135 Hektor , dual release and copy stand . A great setup for numismatic photography Edited January 21, 2016 by Ambro51 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted January 21, 2016 Share #6 Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) If you take a Visoflex I for your Barnacks, a good lens to accompany it is the Telyt 200 f 4,5 : not too heavy, compact, not costly, and still a good tele to be used : after some trials, you can use it handheld. Edited January 21, 2016 by luigi bertolotti 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lleo Posted January 22, 2016 Share #7 Posted January 22, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) I also was thinking about getting one, but 2 and a Telyt 200 f.4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. No Posted January 22, 2016 Share #8 Posted January 22, 2016 Visoflex one works also very fine with Hektor 135mm in combination with ZOOAN OLAf 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lleo Posted January 27, 2016 Share #9 Posted January 27, 2016 I resurrect this thread even if it's about the Visoflex I. I was reading around and I've got to the conclusion I wish to get a Visoflex II with OUCLO 4x magnifying. From what I've understood, I can mount a Visoflex with the thread for the screw mount cameras on the back and the bayonet for the M lenses on the front. But, Is the OUCLO the cassette with the lever on the side? I checked Leica Shop and they only have usual Visoflexes without OUCLO part. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted January 27, 2016 Share #10 Posted January 27, 2016 OUCLO/16458 Visoflex II in screw mount Not easy to find and you need one with special lever for SM bodies. An OUBIO if you want to use Visoflex lenses and/or an OUAGO or OTZFO (helicoidal mounts)to use lens heads Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/255884-visoflex-i/?do=findComment&comment=2977485'>More sharing options...
lleo Posted January 27, 2016 Share #11 Posted January 27, 2016 I found this one on the web. They say it's a OUCLO 4x magnification Visoflex II. I notice the back is screwmount, so it fits mine. The front is bayonet? Does it fit the M Telyt? Or the front of the various Telyts are all in this way? In this case, I could buy this Viso and a M Telyt? I saw a review by Marco Cavina and I'd probably go for the 3rd model, made in Canada. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted January 27, 2016 Share #12 Posted January 27, 2016 Hello Ileo, The Visoflex I came with either a screw thread or a bayonet camera mount. It only came with a screw thread lens mount. The Visoflex II came with either a screw thread or a bayonet camera mount. It only came with a bayonet lens mount. I don't know about the Visoflex IIa's camera mount but the lens mount was only a bayonet mount. The Visoflex III came with a bayonet camera mount & a bayonet lens mount. Best Regards, Michael Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted January 27, 2016 Share #13 Posted January 27, 2016 Hello Again Ileo, Sometimes when people are writing about "mounting" various Visoflex models what they are writing about is the ability to mount or remove various Visoflex models on different camera models with their viewfinders attached. Some viewfinders are not usable on various 'M' models film or digital. Some have to be put on before or after installing. What is usually different between the screwthread & bayonet models of the Visflex is the shutter release arm. This can be interchanged for various bayonet & screw models where & when appropriate. As an example: Not all arms will operate on all models of Visoflex with an M5. Altho some do. Best Regards, Michael Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lleo Posted January 27, 2016 Share #14 Posted January 27, 2016 Vielen Dank, Michael. So I can be assured that Visofles will fit properly my IIIf. Now I have to find a Telyt Canada Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted January 27, 2016 Share #15 Posted January 27, 2016 (edited) Hello Ileo, Please make sure the shutter release arm lines up correctly with the shutter release as well as making sure that the model you have is a screw mount camera mount Visoflex. Remember: The arms are interchangeable. Please look at Jean Claude's photo in his Post #10, this Thread, just above. Best Regards, Michael Edited January 27, 2016 by Michael Geschlecht 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. No Posted January 27, 2016 Share #16 Posted January 27, 2016 I found this one on the web. They say it's a OUCLO 4x magnification Visoflex II. I notice the back is screwmount, so it fits mine. The front is bayonet? Does it fit the M Telyt? Or the front of the various Telyts are all in this way? In this case, I could buy this Viso and a M Telyt? I saw a review by Marco Cavina and I'd probably go for the 3rd model, made in Canada. very nice IIeo OLAF Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted January 28, 2016 Share #17 Posted January 28, 2016 (edited) The front is bayonet? Does it fit the M Telyt? Or the front of the various Telyts are all in this way? In this case, I could buy this Viso and a M Telyt? I saw a review by Marco Cavina and I'd probably go for the 3rd model, made in Canada. Nice item indeed ; to answer your questions, yes in the front you have a std. M bayonet, so you can fit directly on it the various Telyt with M Mount (280, 400, 560... also the scarce Elmarit 180, to be precise) ; the Telyt 200 (both the f4,5 and the f4 you quoted before), which have the screw Mount for the "old" Visoflex I or PLOOT, need on the contrary the (common and easy to find) OUBIO adapter. Of course, this kind of Viso allows also to mount many other kind of lenses... and also to mount a Bellows II (for macro, too, with proper devices and lenses)... it opens lot of possibilities to enjoy a Barnack Edited January 28, 2016 by luigi bertolotti Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lleo Posted January 28, 2016 Share #18 Posted January 28, 2016 Hello Michael, thanks alot. I guess I'd have to be sure the arm connects in the right way with my trigger, because I don't know how easy is to find the right one if this doens't fit good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lleo Posted January 28, 2016 Share #19 Posted January 28, 2016 Luigi, I enjoy my IIIf even just looking at it or holding it in my hands. But not on the shelf Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted January 28, 2016 Share #20 Posted January 28, 2016 Leo I saw this Viso yesterday on the shop pages and I assume you that it is absolutely the one you need and the arm is the right one also. Not cheap indeed...as you said Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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