Using VC 40mm f1.4 on Leica M6

[hon910]

I need some advice here, planning to get a VC 40mm f1.4 to be used on my Leica M6.
Does anybody have experience in it?

such as

1. any problem with Focusing alignment?
2. any difficulty using the 50mm frameline to do framing
3. Single coated or multi coated (I plan to use this for B/W)
4. anything else u guys facing?

thks in advance

[jky]

I think it's a wonderful lens - well built and balances well on an m6. I've filed the mount to give the 35mm framelines not the 50 (a 5 minute procedure) and have not had any problems framing even close up i.e. cut off heads & limbs. Mine's the MC version and so can't speak of the SC, but find that for BW (I've never shot color with it) it's a good lens. Shadow detail is fine although I've heard/read that the SC improves on this. It's a sharp lens so that shouldn't be an issue. However, bokeh at f/1.4 has mixed reviews.

There's plenty of info here on RFF - just type in 40mm Nokton in the search bar.
Cheers & good luck, j

[hon910]

hi, thks for the advice.
could u show me how to file the lens to make the framelines to 35mm?

thks

Originally Posted by jky

I think it's a wonderful lens - well built and balances well on an m6. I've filed the mount to give the 35mm framelines not the 50 (a 5 minute procedure) and have not had any problems framing even close up i.e. cut off heads & limbs. Mine's the MC version and so can't speak of the SC, but find that for BW (I've never shot color with it) it's a good lens. Shadow detail is fine although I've heard/read that the SC improves on this. It's a sharp lens so that shouldn't be an issue. However, bokeh at f/1.4 has mixed reviews.

There's plenty of info here on RFF - just type in 40mm Nokton in the search bar.
Cheers & good luck, j

[sockeyed]

I use my 40mm as a 35mm, just like jky does. Works like a charm, and I have yet to cut off heads and feet.

It's a simple procedure to modify - there's one tab that engages the frameline selector it's the only flange at right angles, I believe. Simply take this flange straight back a little at a time, continually remounting it until the 35mm framelines pop up instead. It you take it too far, the 28mm framelines will come up, so be careful. Ideally you'd have a 35mm lens already to compare the flanges. It's a very subtle different.

I would recommend covering the rear element with masking tape before filing to prevent any metal shavings from getting in there.

Good luck.

I have the single coated. It's great in B&W and in colour.

[ferider]

Originally Posted by sockeyed

It's a simple procedure to modify - there's one tab that engages the frameline selector it's the only flange at right angles, I believe. Simply take this flange straight back a little at a time, continually remounting it until the 35mm framelines pop up instead. It you take it too far, the 28mm framelines will come up, so be careful.

It's a great lens on the M6 (I have both SC and MC) and the M6 35mm framelines fit it well.
Modification is easy like sockeyed described, three additions though: (1) I recommend taking
the mount entirely off before you file, that way you don't get brass on the glass. (2)
no worries about filing off too much, the 35mm frameline is brought up by the shortest
flange on the M6 (it goes like this with decreasing length: 28/90, 50/75, 35/135). (3) if you
ever want to use it on CL or CLE (an even better fit) don't shorten the flange, since the CL/CLE
40mm framelines are triggered by the same flange length as the M6 50mm frameline.

The bad bokeh is wrong internet hype, IMO. It is not worse than with the 50/1.5 or even the
35 Summicron. There are plenty of pictures on flickr to check, for instance:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/nokton40mm (over 1600 pictures).

Best,

Roland.

[BadMonkey]

Ok I've tried searching the web on the exact place where to file down this flange that will yield 35mm frame lines on a Nokton 40mm f/1.4 MC, well after several attempts and filing down the wrong flange all way down to the edge. (I was using a Dremel, man those things are hard to control, he he)

I finally found the right one after searching for more info, smacking my forhead with the shear simplicity of how this flange moves the frameline on the camera body. Geezz could I be more of a bonehead...

I've caused some damage to the lens mount ring that screws onto the lens barrel, my question, is there place I can get a replacement lens mount ring?

It works and I see the 35mm Framelines but looking at the len mount ring it just looks ugly and things like this really, really bug me.


Thanks in advance,

Originally Posted by sockeyed

I use my 40mm as a 35mm, just like jky does. Works like a charm, and I have yet to cut off heads and feet.

It's a simple procedure to modify - there's one tab that engages the frameline selector it's the only flange at right angles, I believe. Simply take this flange straight back a little at a time, continually remounting it until the 35mm framelines pop up instead. It you take it too far, the 28mm framelines will come up, so be careful. Ideally you'd have a 35mm lens already to compare the flanges. It's a very subtle different.

I would recommend covering the rear element with masking tape before filing to prevent any metal shavings from getting in there.

Good luck.

I have the single coated. It's great in B&W and in colour.

[vrgard]

Actually, I don't think that's exactly correct Roland. The 40mm framelines are always present on the CL regardless of what lens or adapter is mounted. Don't have my CL with me today so I couldn't check directly, but I did just check my digital copy of the CL manual which confirmed this. As such, there's no worry about removing too much of the flange and later using it with the CL.

-Randy

[ferider]

Originally Posted by vrgard

Actually, I don't think that's exactly correct Roland. The 40mm framelines are always present on the CL regardless of what lens or adapter is mounted. Don't have my CL with me today so I couldn't check directly, but I did just check my digital copy of the CL manual which confirmed this. As such, there's no worry about removing too much of the flange and later using it with the CL.

-Randy

That's correct, Randy, but you will get 40 + another frame if modified, right ?
Anyways, what I said is true for the CLE, where the 28 lines are always present.

Cheers,

Roland.

[vrgard]

Originally Posted by ferider

That's correct, Randy, but you will get 40 + another frame if modified, right ?
Anyways, what I said is true for the CLE, where the 28 lines are always present.

Cheers,

Roland.

Sorry, Roland, I didn't mean to argue with you and merely wanted to clarify one point. With the CL, you always get the 40mm framelines and then, depending upon lens/adapter mounted, you will also get either the 50mm or the 90mm framelines. So, modifying the lensmount doesn't really change the situation with the CL because you will still get the 40mm plus some other frameline. And yes, I believe you are correct re the CLE although I can't confirm that personally since I don't have one myself.

Best,
Randy

[Terao]

Bokeh is fine in my opinion. A little harsh sometimes but then this isn't a Noctilux...
Have shot the 40mm a lot, it was my preferred low-light portrait lens until I got the mad Canon 50mm f/1.2.

[Benjamin Marks]

Great lens and one of the best values in fast RF lenses today. About the size and weight of my 4th gen 35 Summicron and a stop faster. Hat's off to Mr. K for this one. I'll never sell mine.

Ben Marks

[vrgard]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Marks

Great lens and one of the best values in fast RF lenses today. About the size and weight of my 4th gen 35 Summicron and a stop faster. Hat's off to Mr. K for this one. I'll never sell mine.

Ben Marks

Ben makes a good point here. I recently commented to Roland while holding up my 4th gen 35 Cron against his VC 40, "gee, it's no smaller so what's the big deal about this lens?" And Roland quietly responded with a knowing look, "yeah, but it's a stop faster.'' "Oh yeah, I forgot about that" I dumbly replied...

-Randy

[justins7]

I've been using it on my M6 and love it (although I need to relubricate it, as I've mentioned in previous posts).

Is the 40mm really that much closer to a 35 than the 50? Are the 35 framelines that much more accurate than the 50?

[vrgard]

Originally Posted by justins7

I've been using it on my M6 and love it (although I need to relubricate it, as I've mentioned in previous posts).

Is the 40mm really that much closer to a 35 than the 50? Are the 35 framelines that much more accurate than the 50?

It is my understanding that the 40 is closer to a 35 than to a 50 in field of view and that, on an M6 Classic, the 35 framelines are a better match as well. Do a search for the 40 Rokkor or Summicron lens from the CL/CLE cameras and you'll find more specific discussion of this. Of course, different folks prefer different things so there are those who would rather use 50mm framelines with a 40mm lens.

-Randy

[BillBingham2]

I took the lazy approach and had DAG file my down for me. Roland is right, take the mount off the lens (a few screws) and do the filing off lens. There are four different flanges, make sure you get the right one. Mark the lens and the mount so you get it back in the same position (not sure if wrong is possible). Take it slow and test it without remounting it.

I love the 35mm frame lines with the lens. Never had any problems up close or anywhere. I switched from the CV 35/1.7 when the 40 first came out. I do not own the SC, but I would not shy away from it. I've found CV lenses very flare resistant by nature so I'm not sure you would be loosing too much.

I do wish that they would come out with a lens hood that you could mount backwards on the lens while you store it in a case. Other than that, IMHO, it's just about the perfect lens.

B2 (;->

[jky]

hon910: search photo.net for instructions on filing the mount. As mentioned above, it's best to remove the mount prior to filing - prevents filings getting into the lens.
If you choose to remove the mount however, make sure you mark where the screws are with respect to the lens barrel (use masking tape and just draw two matching lines - one on the mount & the other on the barre). This way it aligns properly when you put it back on.
Cheers

[sockeyed]

Actually, I'd be careful with the postings on photo.net regarding modifying lenses for 35mm framelines. I recall a posting by MonkeyC (?) where the photos showed the removal of way too much metal at a bizarre angle. It's just a matter of moving one flange back about 1mm on the same plane. No angles.

[hon910]

Guys, Thanks for all the advice, really appreciate.
Guess I would try using the 50mm & see if I am used to it or not.
Because I am afraid I might get a Bessa R3a later.

Anyway, getting a 40mm soon, thks for the advice again

[justins7]

I think I should file the 40mm lens flange down to make the 35mm framlines appear.

Has anyone been able to find a link to the modification thread on photo.net? Please post it; I can't find it.