Solution to use filters on Voigtlander Heliar 15 mm, first version

Hassasin · Feb 4, 2024

Looking for input on filter use on this Heliar 15mm first version lens. It has no filter threads and built in hood. I don't see an off-the-shelf solution, but was thinking about adopting something like Cokin or similar system holder to mount on the outside of that hood. There seems to be enough space to accept this solution, But maybe there is a ready made solution?

To be clear I am yet to own this lens, but it appears to be a good fit for MDa body.

Laurent · Feb 4, 2024

If I still had mine (sold 'cause it would not accept filters) I'd try this https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2747754

Note: in the end I also sold V2 'cause it did not see enough use

Hassasin · Feb 4, 2024

Laurent said:
If I still had mine (sold 'cause it would not accept filters) I'd try this https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2747754

Note: in the end I also sold V2 'cause it did not see enough use

I think a solution can be found. The file you linked, I'm not sure how that was supposed work. I'm thinking more like a clamp type attachment on the router side, with filter thread on front with something sufficiently larger than the hood diameter (which I'm not sure what that is yet)

Laurent · Feb 4, 2024

This thing is, if I understand the pictures correctly, clamped on the lens, and clamps a 67mm filter.

If you have 3D printer at hand, or someone with such printer, it's worth a try

Hassasin · Feb 4, 2024

Laurent said:
This thing is, if I understand the pictures correctly, clamped on the lens, and clamps a 67mm filter.

If you have 3D printer at hand, or someone with such printer, it's worth a try

Thanks. Just realised there were a couple of pictures. I think this concept will kind of work, but I'm not sliding anything on a new lens just to surely scratch outer coating. At least description states "small vignetting at corners" which I guess means 67mm is still too small, but that's a good start to think of own solution. Unfortunately the larger that filter the more obstruction for viewfinder, which in the end might prove counterproductive.

Laurent · Feb 4, 2024

there's another version with 77mm filters. I agree on VF obstruction.

Andrew O'Neill · Feb 4, 2024

A quick, and primitive, but it worked for me. Very thin, double-sided tape. I utilised this trick with my Mamiya-Six folder, to hold a small, Zomei 720 filter on the lens. I have a video on my channel where I briefly show this while photographing in Japan.

Ian C · Feb 4, 2024

Assuming that this is for a non-SLR camera, if you do mostly black-and-white photography and mainly use one filter, say, a #8 yellow, then you can probably cut what you need from a Kodak gelatin, or Lee acetate filter. These are so thin that they don’t distort the projection in a meaningful way used between the lens and film.

These can be affixed onto the rear of the lens barrel with tape. Also, you might make a simple version of a Xenopon Beak rear mount holder (secured with tape). Cardstock or heavy paper is a likely material. Once installed, you’d simply leave it there.

This might not work on an SLR due to the proximity of the reflex mirror, as the snapping motion of the mirror might induce enough air turbulence in the mirror box to dislodge the filter.

grain elevator · Feb 4, 2024

Ian C said:
Assuming that this is for a non-SLR camera, if you do mostly black-and-white photography and mainly use one filter, say, a #8 yellow, then you can probably cut what you need from a Kodak gelatin, or Lee acetate filter. These are so thin that they don’t distort the projection in a meaningful way used between the lens and film.

These can be affixed onto the rear of the lens barrel with tape. Also, you might make a simple version of a Xenopon Beak rear mount holder (secured with tape). Cardstock or heavy paper is a likely material. Once installed, you’d simply leave it there.

This might not work on an SLR due to the proximity of the reflex mirror, as the snapping motion of the mirror might induce enough air turbulence in the mirror box to dislodge the filter.

You could do essentially the same but press the gel inside the hood. Still a bit more flexible and probably better for iq than behind the lens. Adox even sell gels made for this, no idea if they come in the right size though.

Hassasin · Feb 4, 2024

Ian C said:
Assuming that this is for a non-SLR camera, if you do mostly black-and-white photography and mainly use one filter, say, a #8 yellow, then you can probably cut what you need from a Kodak gelatin, or Lee acetate filter. These are so thin that they don’t distort the projection in a meaningful way used between the lens and film.

These can be affixed onto the rear of the lens barrel with tape. Also, you might make a simple version of a Xenopon Beak rear mount holder (secured with tape). Cardstock or heavy paper is a likely material. Once installed, you’d simply leave it there.

This might not work on an SLR due to the proximity of the reflex mirror, as the snapping motion of the mirror might induce enough air turbulence in the mirror box to dislodge the filter.

This is purely for Leica MDa so non SLR use. Hoping for a solution that will allow filter change. This would obviously work, but I can't see being that committed to a single fixed filter on the bac of the lens.

The Heliar ver. II has actual filter thread, but it's basically double the price, at least, and strangely V.I has minimum focusing 0.3 m while V.II 0.5, which is to me quite a difference.

mtnbkr · Feb 4, 2024

Laurent said:
If I still had mine (sold 'cause it would not accept filters) I'd try this https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2747754

Note: in the end I also sold V2 'cause it did not see enough use

Back when I had a 15mm Heliar, I printed one of those. It fit fine after a bit of sanding, but I never got around to buying the appropriately sized filter before selling the lens.

Chris

Solution to use filters on Voigtlander Heliar 15 mm, first version

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency