dchew
Well-known member
I purchased a non-Helvetar version of the 43xl in an Alpa mount. I'm wondering if someone with the Helvetar version could do a measurement for me: I need the total distance of the lens, from base of the Alpa mount to the end of the front threads with the lens helical rotated to infinity. Mine measures about 59.5mm. The lens itself (without the additional Alpa mount distance) matches the 54mm dimension documented in Schneider's brochure.
I'm trying to figure out the best way to mount my center filter. Back when all these lenses were available in Alpa mounts, Alpa created their own "Helvetar" branded SK lenses. Some of them had unique housings for the front elements that allowed them to share center filters. For example, the sk center filter "IIj" was used for several Alpa-Helvetar lenses. That center filter is 67mm, and the Alpa version came with a 67mm male x 67mm female spacer labeled, “Center Filter Adapter for Helvetar 5.6/43 and Helvetar 5.6/60.” This adapter spaced the IIj center filter a bit further away from the lens, making the center filter sort of "universal." I have this center filter for my 60xl, and I want to use it on the 43xl.
Helvetar versions of the 43xl and 60xl both had 67mm filter threads. The standard 43xl had 58mm, which is what mine is. The standard 60xl was 62mm. I'm just trying to figure out whether or not I should use that adapter on my 43xl in addition to a 58-67 step-up ring on the front. If someone could provide the measured overall length of an Alpa-Helvetar branded lens, I could figure it out. My guess is, the Alpa-Helvetar is either just like mine at 59.5mm (2-11/32"), or ~63.5mm, 4mm longer.
Thank you,
Dave
I'm trying to figure out the best way to mount my center filter. Back when all these lenses were available in Alpa mounts, Alpa created their own "Helvetar" branded SK lenses. Some of them had unique housings for the front elements that allowed them to share center filters. For example, the sk center filter "IIj" was used for several Alpa-Helvetar lenses. That center filter is 67mm, and the Alpa version came with a 67mm male x 67mm female spacer labeled, “Center Filter Adapter for Helvetar 5.6/43 and Helvetar 5.6/60.” This adapter spaced the IIj center filter a bit further away from the lens, making the center filter sort of "universal." I have this center filter for my 60xl, and I want to use it on the 43xl.
Helvetar versions of the 43xl and 60xl both had 67mm filter threads. The standard 43xl had 58mm, which is what mine is. The standard 60xl was 62mm. I'm just trying to figure out whether or not I should use that adapter on my 43xl in addition to a 58-67 step-up ring on the front. If someone could provide the measured overall length of an Alpa-Helvetar branded lens, I could figure it out. My guess is, the Alpa-Helvetar is either just like mine at 59.5mm (2-11/32"), or ~63.5mm, 4mm longer.
Thank you,
Dave