[Leica] Visoflex on MP (II or III, bellows or....)

[michiel.fokkema at wanadoo.nl (Michiel Fokkema)]

Ralph W. Schardt Photography wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I'm a professional photographer who has recently re-embraced film in my 
> work.  As a result, I bought an MP with  35, 50 and 90mm lenses.  One of 
> my frustrations with the Leica system is trying to do closeup work.  I did 
> not purchase the 90mm macro as I didn't want to have to buy the additional 
> viewfinder to make it work.  However, I just picked up a nice (mint) 
> visoflex bellows at a garage sale for near to nothing and I'm thinking 
> about the visoflex SLR contraption.
> 
> I'm trying to find out what I need to make this intriguing contraption 
> work on my MP with my current lenses.  I know I need the Visolex II or III 
> veiwfinder/mirror device, but I'm wondering who has experience with this 
> setup and if anyone can give me advice on what I need to do close-up 
> photography with my Leica.
> 
> I apologize in advance for the seemingly naive approach to my quest, but I 
> LOVE the Leica and my digitals have been sitting in a corner collecting 
> dust lately....
> 

Hi Ralph,

Yes, you need a viso 2 or 3 if you have bellows 2.If it is a bellows 1 
you  need a viso 1.
Besides that you will need a lens and an apropirate ring if not already 
on the bellows. Best choice would be a 65mm, but almost no lens longer 
than 50mm will do. Of course the shorter the lens the higher the 
magnification.
If you have an older 90mm the head might be detachable and will work 
also. The head of the 135 tele elmar is also a good choice. This one 
will also focus to infinity.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema