6 bit coding

[ymc226]

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Did any Leica lenses that came in the older white boxes come with 6 bit coding?

 

A f1 Noctilux (last version before .95) came in the white box and is 6 bit coded. I was wondering if this was factory installed or modified later by Leica and so, should have had its focus re-calibrated.

[jaapv]

6-bit coding was introduced in 2006. Any older coded lenses have been retrofitted.

[ymc226]

Thanks Jaap. Were they using the white boxes in 2006?

[01af]

Dealers who in 2006 had unsold Leica M lenses sitting in their inventory could send these to Leica Camera to have them retro-fitted with the 6-bit codes at no cost. They would then come back re-boxed in the current-style black-and-silver boxes with a label saying "6-bit-coded."

 

So if your lens comes in a white box and still is 6-bit-coded then I guess it was sent to Leica Camera for coding after it was sold, i. e. by the original owner, not the dealer.

[ymc226]

Dealers who in 2006 had unsold Leica M lenses sitting in their inventory could send these to Leica Camera to have them retro-fitted with the 6-bit codes at no cost. They would then come back re-boxed in the current-style black-and-silver boxes with a label saying "6-bit-coded."

 

So if your lens comes in a white box and still is 6-bit-coded then I guess it was sent to Leica Camera for coding after it was sold, i. e. by the original owner, not the dealer.

 

That helps. My lens does back focus a bit so if it was already calibrated by Leica, there may be no great advantage in letting them try again.

[jaapv]

You can send it either to Leica or to Will van Manen. It should not backfocus.

Leica only started calibrating lenses to "digital" standard in 2007/08 when they got their new calibration setup.

[essphoto]

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Just to jump off the topic of coding -- what are the benefits for getting your lenses coded? I understand it will show up in the EXIF info, but is there anything else? Why pay $250 for that? Are non-coded lenses sold at a significantly lower price than coded ones?

[jdlaing]

Did any Leica lenses that came in the older white boxes come with 6 bit coding?

 

A f1 Noctilux (last version before .95) came in the white box and is 6 bit coded. I was wondering if this was factory installed or modified later by Leica and so, should have had its focus re-calibrated.

 

I have a 50 mm Summilux Pre aspherical in a white box that is six bit coded. The box has the six bit logo on it from the factory.

[lct]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. Would you have a pic of this box by chance? Just for my records.

[jdlaing]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. Would you have a pic of this box by chance? Just for my records.

 

I am in New York doing hurricane repair but will be home two days before Christmas and take a picture just for you.

 

The lens was purchased from Ken Hansen new.

I just had it cleaned, lubed and adjusted by Sherry Krauter. Beautifully done.

[jdlaing]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. Would you have a pic of this box by chance? Just for my records.

 

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[lct]

Thank you much