Coder pen

Fraser · 10-02-2011

Any recommendations for a coder pen, I'm using a sharpie at the moment but only lasts for a couple of days. I've read that some of the kits come with a Zebra MO-120-MC-BK but can't seem to find one anywhere.
Cheers.

Rob-F · 10-02-2011

Mine came with a Zebra. It only lasts for a couple of lens changes! I think I'll have to send in at least one or two of my widest lenses for permanent coding.

gfspencer · 10-02-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraser

Any recommendations for a coder pen, I'm using a sharpie at the moment but only lasts for a couple of days. I've read that some of the kits come with a Zebra MO-120-MC-BK but can't seem to find one anywhere.
Cheers.

Send your lenses in to Leica and have them coded. Coding lasts a life time.

rodl · 10-09-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfspencer

Send your lenses in to Leica and have them coded. Coding lasts a life time.

And costs $175 per lens.

Fraser · 10-09-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfspencer

Send your lenses in to Leica and have them coded. Coding lasts a life time.

I think I would rather do it manually than pay to have it done, 5 lenses £100 a lens maybe not.

jamato8 · 10-09-2011

I use my lenses and don't get rid of them. I scratched the area that the coding shows when using the coding system, reapplied the pen and the black area remains no matter how many times the lens is taken off. So for the 75 dollars for the system, and a small file I already had, I have marked all my lenses and they show up just like I had spent 175 each.

SciAggie · 10-09-2011

I shouldn't tell on myself - but I will. I saw this thread and thought of the Little Orphan Annie coder pin from A Christmas Story. "Don't forget to drink your Ovaltine"

250swb · 10-09-2011

Use a Dremel. Yes, a Sharpie first to test that you have the correct code, then just make a slight indentation with a grinding tip. After the Dremel's cost (which is good for other jobs around the house) you can code all your lenses for free, or if you want the Solms treatment later it will only cost the same as it would anyway. Alternatively try some of the codable flanges available on Ebay and just swap the whole rear flange over, keeping your original intact.

Steve

fotomeow · 10-09-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by SciAggie

I shouldn't tell on myself - but I will. I saw this thread and thought of the Little Orphan Annie coder pin from A Christmas Story. "Don't forget to drink your Ovaltine"

LOL, yes, coding your M9 lenses is for adult kids, whereas the Little Orphan Annie decoder is for li'l kids: "Dont forget to spend another $$____ to code your Leica lens'".

gfspencer · 10-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodl

And costs $175 per lens.

How much do you spend on an M8 or M9? How much do you spend on a lens? I know $175 isn't cheap but neither is our equipment.

ayewing · 10-12-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraser

I think I would rather do it manually than pay to have it done, 5 lenses £100 a lens maybe not.

My Sharpie coding seems to last for several lens changes in Leica lenses and almost indefinitely on my Voigtlander 25mm - it has a groove on the flange so the marks do not wear off.

I had my Tele Elmarit 90mm coded by Malcolm Taylor when I sent it to him for servicing. He is cheaper and quicker than sending the lens to Solms.