More info on coded lenses

[MP Guy]

Some of this info is old. But, there are some new tidbits in this letter.

Leica Camera Inc. / 1 Pearl Court, Unit A / Allendale, NJ 07401-1610 / USA / www.leicacamerausa.com
Telephone (+1) 201-995-0051 / Fax (+1) 201-995-1686

Sales Update

To: All Photographic Division Representatives/Partners
From: Marketing Department

Memo #: 2007-25
Date: July 11, 2006

Re: 6-Bit Identification Code for Leica M lenses

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are pleased to announce that as of July 20, 2006, all Leica M lenses will feature a 6-bit lens
identification code that will enhance the functions of the digital Leica M. Leica Camera Inc. will
be converting the bayonet ring of previously purchased M lenses to the new 6-digit black and
white coded bayonet ring. The new lens bayonet ring is compatible with present, past and future
system components except the APO-TELYT-M 135 mm/f3.4 because of the APO-TELYT-M’s focal
length. All coded lenses can be used on analog LEICA M models. We have attached a list of
lenses that are currently available or discontinued which can be converted.
How does the lens code work?
In order to mark the lens type, the bayonet ring is equipped with a 6 digit black and white code.
On the digital Leica M, the coding, and in turn the lens, is recognized with the help of 6 sensors
integrated in the camera bayonet.
Benefits of Converting to A Coded Bayonet Ring
The digital Leica M writes the lens data it reads off the code to the EXIF file and utilizes this
information to process the image data for optimal image quality. In the digital Leica M, this
allows compensation of system-immanent vignetting customized according to the lens attached.
Therefore, when using the digital Leica M, this feature results in even a slight improvement of
the accustomed high image quality produced by Leica M lenses.
In flash mode, the output of the pre-flash is determined by the focal length information supplied
by the 6-bit code. Dedicated Metz flash units as well as future Leica models will also be able to
set their reflectors accordingly with the help of the 6-bit coding to achieve optimal energy and
illumination efficiency.
General Information
The cost of changing the current bayonet ring to a bayonet ring with the 6-bit code is $125.00
per lens. There will be no additional charges for shipping and handling. Customers can opt to
get a certified pre-owned warranty for $50. The certification is valid for 18 months from the
time of conversion and includes all lens functions tested on factory equipment and complete
cleaning of the external surfaces of the lens.
Customers Who Purchased Lenses Between January 1, 2006 and July 15, 2006
Customers who made new purchases from an authorized USA/Canadian Leica dealer between
January1, 2006 and July 15, 2006 will get the conversion to a bayonet ring with the 6-bit coding
free of charge. The customer will pay a handling fee of $15 for each lens. The customer can
also opt to get a certified pre-owned warranty for each conversion for $50. The dealer discount
will not be available to customers.
Dealers
Dealers who purchased new lenses from Leica Camera Inc. between January 1, 2006 and July
15, 2006 and still have the lenses in stock will get the conversion to the bayonet ring with the 6-
bit coding for free. In addition, lenses sent in the original packaging will get a 6-bit sticker on
the box. There will be a handling fee of $15 for each lens. Dealer discounts will not be
applicable.
For lenses purchased by a dealer before January1, 2006, dealer discounts will be applicable for
each conversion.
Contact Information
Starting August 20, 2006, the conversion of the bayonet rings can be done at our Customer
Service Department at 1 Pearl Court, Unit A, Allendale, New Jersey 07401-1610.
For technical information on the conversion, contact:
Dave Elwell, Technical/Customer Service Advisor at (201) 995-0051 ext. 217
For other information on the conversion, contact:
Rob Fisk, Customer Service Advisor at (201) 995-0051 ext. 236.
Name Color Cat. # Delivered
from
Elmarit-M 21 mm f/2.8 ASPH Black 11135 1997
Elmarit-M24 mm f/2.8 ASPH Black 11878 1996
Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Black 11604 2000
Tri-Elmar-M 1:4/28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Black 11625 2000
Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Black 11874 1994
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH Black 11879 1996
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH Silver 11882 1996
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.0 Black 11822 1994
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Black 11891 2004
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Silver 11892 2006
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11826 1994
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Silver 11816 1994
Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 Black 11831 1995
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11810 1998
Apo-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH Black 11637 2005
Apo-Summicron-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH Black 11884 1998
Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Black 11807 1990
Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 Black 11633 2002
Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 Silver 11634 2002
Macro-Adapter M Black 14409 2002
Below is a list of discontinued lenses that can be updated:
Name Color Cat. # Delivered
from
Elmarit-M 21 mm f/2.8 Black 11134 1980-1997
Elmarit-M21 mm f/2.8 ASPH Silver 11897 1997-2004
Elmarit-M 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH Silver 11898 1996-2005
Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 Black 11804 1979-1992
Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 Black 11809 1992-2005
Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Black 11890 1998-2000
Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f/4 ASPH Silver 11894 1999-2000
Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Silver 11883 1994-2004
Summicron-M 35mm f/2 Black 11310 1979-1996
Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 Silver 11311 1993-1996
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.0 Black 11821 1975-1994
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Black 11868 1992-2004
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Silver 11856 1992-2004
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11817 1969-1979
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Black 11819 1979-1994
Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Silver 11825 1992-1994
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11814 1980-1982
Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4 Black 11815 1982-1998
Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Black 11136 1980-1989
Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Silver 11137 1993-1989
Apo-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH Silver 11885 2002-2004
Tele-Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Black 11800 1973-1989
Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 Silver 11808 1997-2004
Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 Black 11829 1963-1997

[Mark Norton]

That will serve me right for buying 5 lenses on the grey market in May! No free upgrades for me!

So, it looks like the focal length will be put in the EXIF header, used to set a flash gun refector (a bit like Nikon flashes zoom with the lens), plus the expected vignetting control.

[RML]

I don't see the Summicron 40/2 for the CL in that list

[jaapv]

I'm still grieving for my 135 apo....

[rxmd]

Hi RML,

that's probably because of the allegedly incompatible rangefinder coupling of the CL lenses that Leica claimed so that people would still buy regular M lenses for their M bodies.

Philipp

[rxmd]

Jaap,

if you insist on using a 180mm FOV lens on a rangefinder body, I guess you can use it uncoded or code it manually as a goggled 135/2.8 with some white and black paint. I somehow doubt there will be much vignetting problems with a 135mm lens. If you need correct EXIF info, insert them with a script.

Philipp

[jaapv]

They never said it was incompatable Philipp. They said it would work but be less exact. Which it is. We seem to crosspost, I was faster on the draw .
About the 135 apo, they specifically mentioned that one, and not the 4.0 series. As the apo is full diffraction-limited it may well be that there is an issue with the microlenses on the sensor - just speculating. Anyhow, I did not relish having to compose within the RF window anyway, so I decided to bail out and get me a 2.8.

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by Mark Norton

That will serve me right for buying 5 lenses on the grey market in May! No free upgrades for me!

So, it looks like the focal length will be put in the EXIF header, used to set a flash gun refector (a bit like Nikon flashes zoom with the lens), plus the expected vignetting control.

Grey market...... Don't let the boys in Solmes see that....
While you have opted for the dots, I am in a wait and see mode. The EXIF info isn't important to me and I haven't missed it whaen I use manual legacy lenses on my DSLRs. The flash gun communication isn't an issue for those using older manual flash units, like me. This leave the vignetting from sensor fall off and that can be handled in post processing. You can even create taylored filters for each lens, using exposures through an Expo-Disc. More PP steps, but maybe more lens choices in trade. Judging from the lack of outrage by Epson owners about vignetting problems, I'll be curious to see how it shows on the M8.
Bob

[ampguy]

anyone want to start an aftermarket business coding older lenses??

[rxmd]

OK, how about opening a thread for the various lens codes here so everybody who sends a lens off for coding can post how his lens has been coded?

[Mark Norton]

Sounds a good idea - if I ever get my lenses back, I'll post some information!

A FF sensor requires an image circle of 21.63mm, an Epson 14.14mm and an M8 16.27mm, so it may be that in those extra 2mm into the corners which Epson users do not see, the image fall-off is more severe.

I certainly agree it can be fixed in post processing, but many users will want the images out of the camera to be sorted.

[MP/CLE]

Holy cow! That's gonna be $1250 to 'maximize' my lens effectiveness with the M8! Just tack it onto the purchase price and wait six weeks? Nice little premium to any M8 purchase...

[LCT]

Originally Posted by jaapv

...About the 135 apo, they specifically mentioned that one, and not the 4.0 series. As the apo is full diffraction-limited it may well be that there is an issue with the microlenses on the sensor - just speculating...

Or, more simply, Leica have choosen a lower VF magnification than 1:1, making it impossible to focus accurately a 135mm lens at f/3.4.
Best,
LCT

[John Robertson]

Originally Posted by RML

I don't see the Summicron 40/2 for the CL in that list

have a look at the official Leica website , M series, then camera cases.
It mentions that the small front will cover various lenses including
an 40mm f 1.4 !!! Its not mentioned anywhere else, and I doubt if its the CV lens!!!
Standard lens for the M8 to cover the smaller 4/3 sensor????

[Mark Norton]

Got to be a typo surely?

[John Robertson]

Perhaps! but who knows!!

[rxmd]

The German version says 1.4/40 too.

However, I bet it's a typo. They're probably just translated by a persion who doesn't know the Leica product lineup. Not too uncommon here in Germany.

[John Robertson]

Hope springeth eternal!

[JohnL]

Well a 6-bit binary code can provide 64 discrete numbers, so that could cover both the range of focal lengths and the range of maximum apertures, with some margin remaining. Is there to be any electronic communication from the lens to the camera so that the actual aperture will also be recorded in the exif data? This is not available from existing lenses AFAIK.

[Mark Norton]

The coding of the lens involves replacing the lens mount bayonet ring to identify the actual lens in use. There will be no indication of working aperture.

[rxmd]

I don't think it's possible to get the aperture data out of the Leica M mount, unless there's a little spring-loaded LED that pops out from the top of the camera and shines into the front of the lens.

Philipp

[jaapv]

There could be an aperture indication - if they use an external white-balance sensor that can also see the amount of ambient light.

[Ben Z]

Originally Posted by jaapv

There could be an aperture indication - if they use an external white-balance sensor that can also see the amount of ambient light.

Maybe it'll have a little ear we can whisper into

[jaapv]

Yes-rosebud pink, small, scent of magnolia... You're a romanticist at heart, Ben