Visoflex Elmar 65mm f/3.5 with Helicoid 16464 set.
This is the later, redesigned version of the Viso Elmar, featuring a black chrome finish.
Leitz catalog number: 11162. Lens serial number: in the 2.61 million range.
Made in Germany in 1973. Optical construction consists of 3 groups and 4 elements.
Filter size: Series VI. Preset aperture design.
With a minimum focusing distance of approximately 15 cm, this lens is a favorite among close-up photography enthusiasts.
Both early and late versions of the Viso Elmar 65mm are known for their excellent image quality, but the later version offers improved sharpness and higher contrast.
It delivers a high sense of resolution with rich color rendition.
Thanks to its deeply recessed front element, the lens performs well even without a hood—another practical advantage.
Originally designed to be used on M-mount Leica bodies via the 16464 helicoid and Visoflex system, it can now be adapted for use on modern digital mirrorless cameras.
This transforms it into a highly versatile and portable vintage lens.
The black-barrel version of the late-model Elmar 65mm is relatively rare.
The lens shows virtually no signs of use and is in excellent cosmetic condition.
Fully overhauled in 2024, it still offers a satisfying click to the aperture ring and extremely smooth operation.
Unlike many Viso Elmars known for their loose or rattly feel, this example operates with silky precision.
The helicoid also extends with a smooth, pleasant feel.
When illuminated with a strong LED light, two or three extremely faint cleaning marks can be seen on the front element, but they have no noticeable impact on image quality.
Overall, the glass is clear and crisp.
Test shots produced excellent results.
Although the test images are from a previous sale, you can view them in our Test Shoot Gallery.
For reference: close-up shots were taken around f/4–f/5.6, while mid-to-long distance images were captured wide open or near wide open.
