tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573193546035756071.post4986771732780861975..comments2024-03-21T07:30:48.866+00:00Comments on Photo-Analogue: Distars and ProxarsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573193546035756071.post-81832067752360583432017-06-12T09:01:03.065+01:002017-06-12T09:01:03.065+01:00Thanks for your comments. I'll start with the ...Thanks for your comments. I'll start with the Distar and Proxar numbering system: the numbers refer to the power of the lens, 1 being the weakest, 3 being the strongest, i.e. the greater the power of the lens, the more the focal length will be changed (the number in Roman numerals after is, I think, the series number, and not related to what the lens does). The Focars are probably the same, but I haven't looked into them. As for using the supplementary lenses on a camera with fixed bellows, the Distars can't really be used, as the focal length being extended, the existing bellows length is very unlikely to achieve affinity focus; the Proxars can be used as close up lenses rather than wide angle lens, but in practice I've had to manually check how the focus changes - by opening the camera (without a film of course) and working out where the focus is with a bit of tape in place of the film, and making notes; I've done this with my Kodak Retina. I believe there were tables for this information, but I haven't found any online.Nicholas Middletonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09069364566487735897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573193546035756071.post-86714012872841732242017-06-08T17:47:36.893+01:002017-06-08T17:47:36.893+01:00Hi, great article on Distar and Proxar filters!
I...Hi, great article on Distar and Proxar filters!<br /><br />I do have a question, hoping not to be too much of a hassle. <br />I have a Voigtländer Vito III, the last (I believe) of Voigtländer folding 35mm cameras. Since I got it it has become my fave camera,, and use it on a daily basis, also on commissioned works. I do a lot of portraiture, and I have been looking for a filter that would allow me to get closer (I do the same thing with the Rolleinar series on my Rolleiflex Automat MX). Moreover, I have been thinking at a Distar filter, too when using the Vito III for my street work.<br /><br />And finally, the question! How does the numbering system work? I have seen here on the internet there are Proxar 1, 2, 3. Distar 1, 2, 3. And also Focar 1, 2, 3.<br />With my Vito III the bellow is what it is, i.e. it cannot be stretched nos reduced in length, and the focusing scale is fixed, marked on the camera. So, once I put the slip-in filter on top of the original, fixed lens (the fantastic Zeiss Ultron 50mm 25mm) How can I be properly focusing on the subject? What calculations do I have to make?<br />I have been looking for some literature but found none. <br /><br />Thank you so much for reading me and, I hope answering me too.<br /><br />Best regards,<br /><br />Matteo Preziosomatteo prezioso photographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04265253604524451580noreply@blogger.com