1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of your Voigtlander Ultra Wide-Heliar 12mm f/5.6 Aspherical M Mount Lens. Designed for Leica M-mount cameras, this lens offers an exceptionally wide 121-degree angle of view with minimal distortion, making it suitable for architectural and landscape photography. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the lens to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Safety Information
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Do not point the lens directly at the sun or other intense light sources, as this can damage the camera's sensor or your eyes.
- Handle with Care: The lens is a precision optical instrument. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts.
- Temperature Extremes: Do not expose the lens to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, which can cause condensation or damage.
- Chemicals: Keep the lens away from corrosive chemicals.
- Storage: When not in use, store the lens in a dry, dust-free environment, preferably in a lens case.
3. Setup
3.1 Attaching the Lens to Your Camera
To attach the lens, align the red dot on the lens barrel with the corresponding red dot on your Leica M-mount camera body. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks securely into place. Ensure the lens is firmly seated before use.
Image: Rear view of the lens, highlighting the M-mount and alignment dot.
3.2 Attaching Filters
The Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 lens accepts 67mm filters. Carefully screw the filter onto the front thread of the lens. Do not overtighten. Using a step-down ring (e.g., 67mm-58mm) with a 58mm filter may be possible on APS-C sensors without vignetting, but results may vary.
Image: Front view of the lens, showing the filter thread.
4. Operating the Lens
4.1 Focus Adjustment
This lens features rangefinder coupled focusing. Rotate the focus ring to adjust the focus distance. The focus scale is marked in both meters (m) and feet (ft). For optimal sharpness, ensure the rangefinder patch in your camera's viewfinder is aligned.
Image: Side view of the lens, indicating focus and aperture rings.
4.2 Aperture Adjustment
The aperture ring allows you to control the depth of field and exposure. Rotate the aperture ring to select your desired f-stop, ranging from f/5.6 to f/22. Smaller f-numbers (e.g., f/5.6) result in a shallower depth of field, while larger f-numbers (e.g., f/22) provide a greater depth of field.
4.3 Using an External Viewfinder
Due to the extremely wide 121-degree angle of view, the camera's built-in viewfinder may not accurately show the full frame captured by this lens. It is highly recommended to use an external 12mm viewfinder (such as the Voigtlander 12mm viewfinder) for precise framing and composition.
5. Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a lens brush to remove dust from the lens surfaces. For smudges or fingerprints, use a specialized lens cleaning solution and a clean microfiber cloth. Apply the solution to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
- Cleaning the Lens Body: Wipe the lens body with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use organic solvents like paint thinner or benzene.
- Storage: Store the lens with both front and rear caps attached to protect the glass elements. Avoid storing in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures.
6. Troubleshooting
- Vignetting: Slight vignetting (darkening at the corners) may occur, especially at wider apertures like f/5.6. This is common with ultra-wide lenses and can often be corrected in post-processing by stopping down the aperture.
- Color Shift: Some users may observe a color shift in the corners, particularly on certain digital sensors. This can be mitigated through camera settings or post-processing adjustments.
- Minimal Focus Distance: The lens has a relatively long minimum focus distance compared to some other wide-angle lenses. This is a characteristic of the lens design.
- Image Bowing: To maintain rectilinear perspective and avoid image bowing, ensure the camera is held level when shooting, especially for architectural subjects.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Voigtländer |
| Model Number | 330113 |
| Focal Length | 12 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Angle of View | 121 Degrees |
| Filter Size | 67 mm |
| Lens Design | Prime |
| Item Weight | 162 Grams |
8. Warranty Information
Please note that this product is generally sold "as is" with no returns. Specific warranty terms may vary depending on your retailer and region. It is advisable to retain your purchase receipt for any potential inquiries. For detailed warranty information, please consult the documentation provided at the time of purchase or contact your vendor.
9. Support
For further assistance, technical support, or service inquiries regarding your Voigtlander Ultra Wide-Heliar 12mm f/5.6 Aspherical M Mount Lens, please contact your authorized Voigtlander dealer or the official Voigtlander customer support channels available in your region. Always provide your model number (330113) and purchase details when seeking support.