Voightlander Bergheil 9x12 with 120mm Heliar

[ChuckP]

Looking around Ebay I saw a Voightlander Bergheil 9x12 with a 120mm Heliar lens. It looked like the factory lens as the depth of field chart was marked 120. I was wondering if the 9x12 Bergheil came from the factory with a variety of lens choices? I would think that 135mm would be the standard choice. Also it would seems like 120mm would have tight coverage on 9x12cm limiting the use of the camera rise/fall and shift. I assume the Heliars cover 60-65 deg. Does that sound correct for the ones that came on these Bergheil cameras.

 

[Cybertrash]

I think some versions of the Bergheil had interchangeable lenses, but not sure if they ever came with 120mm lenses... Are you sure it's not the 6x9 version?

 

[MDR]

The Bergheil had interchangeable lenses (pseudo bayonet) the 120mm Heliar was one of them, though mostly used on the smaller 6.5x9cm Bergheil. It should cover the 9x12 format but just barely, better stop down a few stops. The 120mm Heliar was the top lens for the 6.5 x 9cm Bergheil.

 

[ChuckP]

It's listed as a 9x12 but I can't tell the difference from the pictures. I usually look at the lens and 105 means 6.5x9. Maybe I'll give the seller a question about the actual film back size. At $400 it's too much for me to buy so just curious.

 

[Ian Grant]

The 120mm Heliar doesn't cover 9x12 according to Voigtlander themselves in their catalogues, like other manufacturers 9x12 cameras were sold with 13.5cm & 15cm standard lenses.

6.5x9 cameras were sod with 10.5cm or 12cm standard lenses.

Ian

 

[ChuckP]

I checked with the seller and he said the opening was around 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 so this is really a 6.5x9 camera with the wrong label. I'll tell him he should correct the listing. Thanks for the information. Maybe some day I'll spring for a 9x12 with Heliar. I've always wanted to try one but they sell for collector prices.