Re: 135mm Tele-Elmar f4.0

[wilcox@umcc.umich.edu (Ken Wilcox)]

I use various Viso units often and really like them. I rarely use them with
a 135, but with the 65, 200 and 400, they are really usefull.

One of my favorite combinations is the Viso II, Oubio, and 200 Telyt
mounted on a IIIf or IIIg body. Small and quick to use. Combine it with a
Metrastar or a spotmeter and the combination is unbeatable. IMHO

Cheers!

kw

>Last week, on a whim, I bought a Visoflex III for my M6.  Needing a lens to
>use with it, I did some research and shopping and ended up with a used
>Tele-Elmar 135mm f4.0 in Ex condition -- the older model with the removable
>head that fits the Viso.
>
>Anyhow, though using the Viso is fun (more on that later), this note is to
>comment on the Tele-Elmar.  WOW!  This lens is nothing short of fantastic.
>I've now shot a couple of rolls, studied the Provia 100 slides under an 8X
>loup and printed several 11 X 14 Cibachromes.  The image quality is truely
>"Leica" and the resolution, even wide open is superb.
>
>According to various books, this lens is, according to Leica, an APO in all
>but name.  Interestingly, the lens design hasn't changed in almost 30 years
>-- only the cosmetics have been upgraded.
>
>I havn't had a 135 in my Leica M set because back in the late 60's when I
>used Leicas to make a living I found this focal length to the the least
>useful.  For some reason, I now find that I don't perceive the same
>limitations.  I bought the Tele-Elmar to use on the Viso, but it's now going
>to form a permanent part of my travel kit for rangefinder use.
>
>As for the Visoflex III -- I've enjoyed it, but in reality it's of limited
>usefulness.  For anyone who hasn't used one, here's the proceedure with an M6.
>
>1:      Open lens to maximum aperture, focus and frame.
>2:      Flip up mirror, lightly depress shutter, shift eye to viewfinder
>window and meter the scene,         (guessing at the area being metered
>because there are no framelines) then closing lens to
>        shooting aperture.
>3:      Reopen mirror, open lens to maximum, reframe shot.
>4:      Close lens to shooting aperture.  Shoot.
>5:      Reopen aperture, prepare for next shot.
>
>I use my Nikon F4 system in fully manual mode for nature and landscape work,
>on a tripod 90% of the time, so I'm used to a contemplative approach -- but
>the above is quite tedious -- but nevertheless fun.  I'm going to hang onto
>the Viso, but I don't think I'll use it much.
>
>Michael