M2 frames for Nokton 40 mm

[HarryW]

Hi Tom,
I have recently bought an M2 and a 40 mm Nokton.
I have carried out a search of the threads on the forum but can't seem to find anything on this.
The 40 mm lens brings up the 50 mm frame however since the lens is closer to the 35 mm frame it seems that it would be better to have it bring up the 35 mm frame and compose slightly inside. Short of using the frame preview lever for every shot is there another way to achieve this?

Regards

Harry

[kbg32]

Do a google search. If you are handy, you can, or have it done by a camera repair tech, to file off the part of the mount that brings up the frame view, so it brings up the 35mm framelines.

Courtesy of Photo.net -
http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00AQS2

[Tom A]

It is a quick job with a file to adjust the "claw" that engages the frame selector cam in the M2. You need to take off about 0.8 mm to have the 35 frame show. I simply used a Dremel tool with a small cutting disc to do it - about 10 sec!
There was a thread on just this somewaher on the Forum, but if you cant find it - PM me and I will try to take you through the process.
I find that using the inside frames of the 35 frames on the M2 works reasonably well as a guideline. Rangefinders were never designed for ultra precise framing anyway - and occasionally it is better to get a bit more on the neg and crop later.
The M2 and the 40f1.4 is a great "walk about" combination too.
Tom

[sienarot]

Here's a picture that may help



I did the mod just last week myself on my Nokton. I don't have a dremel tool, so I just used files and worked at it for a few minutes. File the cam a bit, mount the lens, check framelines and repeat until necessary. As it happens, I filed just enough so that both the 35mm AND the 50mm showed up in my M6! It wasn't intentional, but I decided to keep it that way to see if it the added lines help with my composition (I hate angled lines in my photos). If it bothers me, I can either file it down just a bit more to get only the 35mm or I just nudge the preview lever a bit and it disappears.

If you want, I can take a quick snapshot of my 40mm's mount for reference, but the picture I posted should be more than enough for you to work with.

[__hh]

Same here.... I just used the file from my Swiss Army knife, and got to it gently and patiently.... after a few tries, it just works.....

[HarryW]

Ah - Thats much better.
Five minutes with the file on my leatherman and that was that, a 35 frame for a 40mm lens.
I'm looking forward to using the combination of the M2 and the 40mm f1.4 Nokton.
My Weston Master V is being repaired and calibrated at present so I'm on Sunny 16. I get the feeling this could be addictive and I could get through a great deal of Tri-X.
Many thanks to all for your very prompt and helpful responses.
Best wishes
Harry

[chikne]

Rip a thin piece of cardboard, double it if needed and place it under your lever or between the lever and the lens, that's it. I do this with mine all the time....

[rxmd]

If you decide to file, take care not to drop any metal filings into the lens' focusing mount.