Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 27

Thread: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtländer

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    6,246

    Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtländer

    This another of my hairbrained schemes!

    Both the Voigtländer Heliar and the large F.4 Epis projector series from Leitz have the first triplet design from Cooke (T,T & H). The central -ve lens is quite close to the rear lens in both products. The Heliar differs in that the front and rear lens are cemented doublets, rather than the simple meniscus lens of the "Epis". However, this was considered good enough for Cooke!

    The Heliar Universal has the same basic design as the Heliar, but the central lens can be moved forward separately to achieve increasing degrees of "softness".

    My thought was to modify the mounting of the Epis so that the focussing device (angled slot) would just move a shortened barrel, with the rather complicated central central lens mount, forward. The front and rear "cells" could be mounted to the sleeve to maintain their original positions.

    Most "Epises" have a full length sleeve. A nice clean example can be seen currently, with better than average photos, at E**y 320880872634.
    I do not know the seller - pure co-incidence! This is exactly the same Epis (F.4 and 400mm) that I have cut up.

    This is basically a hacksaw job on the barrel. First cut off the rear cell complete with a section of barrel, Then do the same with the front cell.
    After this, remove enough of the largest piece of the barrel containing the -ve lens to allow it to come right behind the front lens when the focussing slider is moved. The front and rear cells in a section of the cut barrel can be mounted using grub screws. Access for lens cleaning must be kept. The sliding shorter barrel does allow some light to enter from the side but doesn't influence focussing and a piece of dark cloth can be held over the lens. The system certainly works, although I think some kind of liner is nesessary to smoothen up the movement - shorter barrel means more "yawing". A very different image appears as the middle lens shoots forward. I will post some paper images and compare with the real thing as soon as I can. And using front stops as well.

    The reason for doing this is because I had an Epis lying around and I know there are others that have one (also unloved and unused) as well (see previous Epis posts) and this might be a good and economical way of approaching the effect achieved in the real article. And at very different price. One good thing is the Epis flange is an integral part of the barrel so they are never lost.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Leipzig, Germany
    Posts
    512

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    Have you completed your conversion? Can you show any images that you have taken with it?

    Michael

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    6,246

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    Conversion is completed. The mounting is temporary at present - see photo.
    Ground glass confirms " something happens". I'll post images - comparing with the real Universal - when I have had an opportunity.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails episuniversal.jpg  

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Barcelona/Spain
    Posts
    1,403

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    Yes, images please!

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    257

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    I have one of these... can't wait to see pics... Bill

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    6,246

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    Should be this weekend I can register some images.
    Made a suitable lens boards for the real Universal now - comparison test.

    The e**y Epis I mentioned, sold for what must be a record - 305USD. Pure coincidence!

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    257

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    Steven, Looking for a reason (pics) to "have at" this lens.... hacksaw at the ready.... If poss. a couple of progress shots if you took them so I'm less likely to screw it up or a shot or two of the lens after surgery. Thanks, Bill

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Santa Maria, CA
    Posts
    7

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    Dying to see pics!

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    6,246

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    I'll do a retrospective re-enactment of the operation - I still have the section I cut out! This is not for the very nervous!
    Will post the photos on Saturday. And the paper prints on Sunday.

  10. #10
    Cor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Leiden, The Netherlands
    Posts
    764

    Re: Turning a Leitz Epis Projector lens into a "Universal Epis" -apologies to Voigtlä

    FYI

    I have almost the same lens only labelled Vöigtlander, not with that hinged flap but with a nice black velvet lined leather lens cap. Anyway I could put to good use as a portrait lens for Wet plate work, it ain't a Petzval but has a nice signature at a fraction of the costs of a Petzval (obviously you shoot at f4)

    Best,

    Cor

Similar Threads

  1. Leitz lens Epis f:3,5
    By Miguel Coquis in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 13-Aug-2011, 12:10
  2. Leitz Epis lens
    By luphot in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 8-May-2011, 13:03
  3. Turning a 6x9 folder into a "convertable" ?
    By Ken Lee in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 16-Jan-2009, 22:00

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •