Voigtlander 15mm Lens

[Robinyuill]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi there. Just picked up used 15mm, f4.5 Asp lens from a friend. Just wondering what the techniques are to get the best from this lens. I got a screw to bayonet lens mount but do I need to get the Milich adapter for coding and do I need to use a UV/IR filter. I have seen the way to reverse mount a UV/IR. I am aware of the colour casts at the edges but I can live with them and they don't show in b+w. Any tips and hints welcomed. Regards... Robin.

[bocaburger]

You don't need a coded adapter if the cyan corners don't bother you, and in fact if you only shoot b&w you might even not need to bother with an IR filter depending on your preferences.

 

If you do want to code the lens you don't need a Milich adapter but it is the most elegant and easiest to use. Alternatives are adapters from C/V (type II, with full circular edge) or used Leitz (again, you need the early version that has the full outer perimeter, not the one with a large cut away area. Three small cutouts along the edge are not a problem). Then you would need to either get a coding template or make erasable marks on the camera body flange outer edge to correspond with the ends of the code reader, transfer those marks to the adapter, then divide that area into six equal segments and add the codes with either a sharpie (which wears off and needs refreshing now and then) or mill slight recesses with a Dreml tool and fill them in with black paint. (TIP: you need only provide the black codes, which if you code the lens as a WATE is just one, if I recall as I don't have it in front of me).

 

If you want to use a filter, there are a number of options, most of which involve some form of frictional retention (blu-tac, rubber o-rings, pieces of toothpick etc) or direct adhesive (silicone). Mr Milich did make a filter adapter (filter mounts backwards if I recall). Another method, which actually adds female threads to the lens permanently, can be found midway down the page here:LHSA Articles

 

Best wishes with the lens, it's very good on the M8, and takes up very little space in the bag (one reason I haven't bought the new model).

[parigby]

I got mine a few weeks back and have been blown away by the quality of image. I have to admit that l bought the Milich adaptor coded for the Tri Elmar and it works a treat. I also attached a UV/IR filter because of the corner problems.

 

If you are into Street Photography, one tip l picked up on the www, is set the aperture to f5.6 ; place the infinity sign opposite the 4.5 mark on the barrel, and away you go. Because of the huge depth of field, you've effectively turned the M8 and the CV 15mm into a point and shoot outfit.

 

Good luck, and enjoy.

[ampguy]

I would use it without filters, and without coding.

 

I've tried it all ways, and both the M-Mount, and LTM versions. This lens just doesn't need the UV/IR filter, or coding, for outdoor use, IMHO.

 

See my last blog post for an example with no filters and the M8.

 

 

Hi there. Just picked up used 15mm, f4.5 Asp lens from a friend. Just wondering what the techniques are to get the best from this lens. I got a screw to bayonet lens mount but do I need to get the Milich adapter for coding and do I need to use a UV/IR filter. I have seen the way to reverse mount a UV/IR. I am aware of the colour casts at the edges but I can live with them and they don't show in b+w. Any tips and hints welcomed. Regards... Robin.

[MikeMyers]

I would use it without filters, and without coding.

 

I've tried it all ways, and both the M-Mount, and LTM versions. This lens just doesn't need the UV/IR filter, or coding, for outdoor use, IMHO.

 

See my last blog post for an example with no filters and the M8.

 

 

I just went to my photo blog but couldn't find your post. I see lots of links, and lots of photos... am I missing something? I'm using Firefox, if that makes a difference.

[ampguy]

Hi,

 

I apologize for being unclear. What I meant was that my photo entry for July 3, 2010 is an example of using the CV 15/4.5 with M8 without the need for filters or coding.

 

I don't have all of my tests with and without coding neatly online. I would recommend that if you're looking for this that you consider subscribing to Sean Reid's reviews. However, I think his M8 / filter / coding examples may be using a prior version to the latest firmware.

 

In any case, he clearly shows that the in-camera corrections for cyan corners with wides (with uv/ir filters on) can, at times, over-compensate.

 

Keep in mind that the M8 doesn't accurately know your aperture, only a guess, and of course, it doesn't know what kind of look you are going for if under/over exposing from ~18% grey, etc.

 

 

I just went to my photo blog but couldn't find your post. I see lots of links, and lots of photos... am I missing something? I'm using Firefox, if that makes a difference.