Voigtlander Skopar 8.3cm f4.5 Anastigmat

This lens has been sitting quietly in the "to do" box for a couple of years. I always wanted to see what kind of pictures some very old, un-coated lenses can create. This particular Voigtlander Skopar 8.3cm f4.5 lens is actually a complete camera minus the film box. It has a shutter speed dial, exposure modes, and shutter lever. Of course, I have no intention to shoot any film with it, so it has to be converted to work with digital SLRs.

I have a number of Yashica 50mm/55mm lenses that's been collecting dust. They are ideal as lens barrels because the glass is easy to remove. It took an evening to put it all together and it actually focuses to infinity.

The conversion is a bust. The lens works, but not well. The lens barrel has too much internal reflections and therefore all the pictures have a hazy, white-out middle area. I need to get some non-reflective spray paint to paint over the internal barrel and the rear of the lens.

Aside from the white spot, the lens itself is actually quite sharp. I can't wait to try it again once it's fixed up. I will post more pictures from this lens when it's better.


The lens "planted" into a Yashica 50mm f1.9 lens barrel. Larger Picture.


Chinese Lantern -- Canon 5D & Voigtlander Skopar 8.3cm f4.5. Larger Picture.