Almost macro lens VISO ELMAR 65mm F3.5
A review and photo examples using the Leica Viso Elmar 65mm F3.5 with a digital camera.
Table of contents
Gallery
The example photos were taken using a SIGMA SD10, SIGMA SD1 Merrill, LEICA M9, FUJIFILM X-Pro1+Speedbooster, and HASSELBLAD X2D-100C.
Review
1．Overview
The VISO ELMAR 65mm is a lens for the VISOFLEX released in 1960.
The helicoid that focuses the lens is separate, and when the focusing unit OTZFO /16464 and lens are attached, it becomes a VISOFLEX M-mount lens.
- The main specifications are as follows, and details are listed in the table.
- Aperture value: 3.5
- Lens construction: 3 groups, 4 elements
- Aperture blades: 10
- Minimum shooting distance: 0.7m
- Hood: None
- Lens color variations: Silver (old model OCMOR / 11062) and black (new model 11162)
2．Usability
The VISO ELMAR 65mm is characterized by its sharpness, which is unique to lenses with a small number of lens elements. It is unclear whether all Elmar 65mm lenses produce images like this, but the subtle flare that occurs around the subject gives the photo a unique tone.
The sample images are of the SIGMA SD10, SIGMA SD1 Merrill, LEICA M9, FUJIFILM X-Pro1, and HASSELBLAD X2D-100C.
The cameras used to take the sample images are two cameras equipped with FOVEON sensors, and three cameras with Bayer sensors, all of which are low-pass-less and require lens resolution. Looking at the sample images, we can see that all of the cameras can fully utilize the sharpness of the sensor.
In the example of the HASSELBLAD X2D-100C, vignetting can be seen in the four corners, but there is little image distortion beyond the 35mm film, so we can confirm that the image circle is wide. Therefore, with an APS-C size sensor, using only the best parts of the center allows for more image quality, and when using a focal reducer such as a Speedbooster that shortens the focal length, the enlarged image becomes more stable.
The mounting method for each camera is as follows.
- For the SD10 and SD1 Merrill, the VISOFLEX M mount was converted to an M42 mount and attached to the camera. The VISO M-M42 mount adapter uses an adapter modified from the VISO M-LEICA R mount adapter 14127.
- For the LEICA M9, the VISOFLEX-III type was used to mount the VISOFLEX M mount directly to the camera.
- Since the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 uses a Speedbooster that converts between FUJIFILM X and LEICA R, the VISOFLEX M mount was converted to a LEICA R mount and attached to the camera.
- Since I own an X and a LEICA R mount conversion adapter for the HASSELBLAD X2D-100C, I converted the VISOFLEX M mount to a LEICA R mount and attached it to the camera.
The focal lengths in 35mm format are as follows:
| Camera name | Sensor Magnification | 35mm equivalent focal length(mm) |
| SD10 | 1.7 | 110 |
| SD1 Merrill | 1.5 | 97.5 |
| LEICA M9 | 1 | 65 |
| X-Pro1+ Speedbooster | 1.5*0.8=1.2 | 78 |
| X2D | 0.8 | 52 |
Although no sample images are included, I used it with many cameras, including the PENTAX K20D, SONY α NEX-6, SONY α7Sii, and SONY α900.
3．Summary
In conclusion, to sum up the VISO ELMAR 65mm, its wide image circle and sharp images produced from a small lens are its features.
By using a suitable mount adapter, it can be attached to a variety of cameras, making it a versatile lens that can be used not only as a macro lens but also for general photography.
Specification ,Study and more
As shown in the table below, the VISOFLEX M mount of this lens has a long flange back of 69mm, making it possible to make mount adapters for most SLR and mirrorless cameras.
It seems possible to make a mount adapter for medium-format cameras as well, but unfortunately I have never seen a product like that. A VISOFLEX L39 adapter for medium-format cameras does exist, so it is a bit difficult to make the adapter thick given the dimensions, but one of the reasons it has not been realized is probably because there is not much demand.
| Mount name | Flange back length(mm) |
| Nikon Z | 16 |
| Sony E | 18 |
| LEICA L(L-Mount Alliance) | 20 |
| LEICA M | 27.8 |
| SIGMA SA | 44 |
| CANON EF | 44 |
| M42 | 45.5(median value) |
| NIKON F | 46.5 |
| LEICA R | 47.4 |
| LEICA S | 53 |
| CONTAX 645 | 64 |
| VISO FLEX M | 69(About value) |
| VISO FLEX L39 | 91(About value) |
| Item | VISO ELMAR | ELMARIT |
| focal length(mm) | 65 | 60 |
| Maximum aperture | 3.5 | 2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 | 22 |
| Lens configuration | 10 | 6 |
| Leaf blade | 4 elements in 3 groups | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Minimum distance(m) | 0.33 | 0.27 |
| Lens length(mm) | 70 （R mount） | 67 |
| Lens max diameter(mm) | 62.5 （14127） | 70 |
| Filter type | E41 | 前期型=シリーズ7 |
| Weight(g) | 421(OTFZO+14127) | 375 |
| Hood | none | Cylindrical pin stopper 12514 |
| Lens mount | LEICA R | LEICA R |
| Release date | 1959-1967 | 1970-1980 |
| Production numbers | 12,450 | 28,000 |
Reference links
- Leitz Canada ELMAR 65mm F/3.5 Type 1・LENS.DB
- Leitz Wetzlar ELMAR 65mm F/3.5 Type 2・LENS.DB
- SIGMA SD10・Shige’s hobby
- SIGMA SD1 Merrill・Shige’s hobby
- LEICA M9・Shige’s hobby
- FUJIFILM X-Pro1・Shige’s hobby
- HASSELBLAD X2D-100C・Shige’s hobby
Update history
- 2025.7.10
Affiliate links
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