Close up lens for Bessa II folder?

In looking for close up lenses for a Bessa II, I happened upon the Zeiss Opton Proxars in the A37 size. Actually I bought two of them, a f=1m and a f=2m, which I'm assuming will work on the Voigtlander. The question is are they the same strength as the Focar and can they be used interchangeably as if they were a Focar. Thanks, Bill Barber

nsurit said:

In looking for close up lenses for a Bessa II, I happened upon the Zeiss Opton Proxars in the A37 size. Actually I bought two of them, a f=1m and a f=2m, which I'm assuming will work on the Voigtlander. The question is are they the same strength as the Focar and can they be used interchangeably as if they were a Focar. Thanks, Bill Barber

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Hi Bill,

I was wondering if you have any findings to share on this question. Thank you.

I do not even understand the OP's question, as to my understanding at all Focar lenses either the diopter or the focal length are indicated on the ring.

(integer figure = diopter , decimal number = focal length in meter)

If the Proxars aren't designed for your camera and lens, I can't see how they would work. Those are very specific in their designs. Why shoot close ups w/ a Bessa II though? I've owned several, they have great lenses, I'd just crop the neg, that's a huge one you've got.

TLRs are easy to shoot w/ close up lens attachments because they're almost like a SLR. You actually see the image go in and out of focus visually, while w/ a folder you don't see anything happening, you just see a static view. Maybe I'm wrong, but shooting closeups w/ aux, close up lenses that are mounted on a 120 folder seems like a case of the wrong tool for the job.

While waiting for a reply, I did a little further research and found this table in the Zeiss Ikonta manual. Since both the Bessa II and the Zeiss 531/2 have the same focal length, I presume these figures would apply equally to the Bessa. While the Focar filters are not the same as the Proxar filters, the Proxar filters may be usable if one applies the settings from the Zeiss manual.

While folders may not be the best tool for macro shots, these close up filters would help in narrowing the minimum focus distance from 1m to say 0.5m.

AgX said:

I do not even understand the OP's question, as to my understanding at all Focar lenses either the diopter or the focal length are indicated on the ring.

(integer figure = diopter , decimal number = focal length in meter)

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Well, I had it about the Focar lenses, but at looking at Proxar lenses it seems they all got the focal length indicated on the ring.