6bit code for Summilux 35 double aspherical

[jpk]

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Today I got the news from Solms that it's not possible to code my Lux-35 lens (1st version "double aspherical", no. 11873). As my camera menu shows a setting for this lens I wanted to hand code it with one of those coding sets, but I can't find the code itself for this lens.

 

Does anybody know what the code is for this lens?

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[cbretteville]

There isn't a lens code that can be coded on the flange for this lens and correctly identify it. The codes that are only available from the menu requires a faked frame selection position of zero for the camera's firmware to recognize them. A lens bayonet sets this value to 1, 2 or 3 thus the code will either not be recognized or as i seem to recall in your case the lens would be identified as a 35 summilux asph as the lens id part of the code is the same as the asph. This makes sense as the vignetting corrections for the three generations are close enough to be mapped to the same data. You can off cause hand code it to the asph.

Carl

[IWC Doppel]

The other problem is Lightroom recognises it as the later ASPH, not aspherical. This is the only code that can be applied mechanically.

 

I have left mine uncoded and was told it will hold more value this way. I am unsure the differences in coding between the ASPH and aspherical, but suspect very little in any case.

[jpk]

Many thanks for your input! So there are 4 possibilities:

 

1.) If possible modify the bayonet to set the frame selection lever to position zero and mark the flange with the 6bit code of the 35 Summilux ASPH. Question: can the bayonet be modified to set the frame selection lever to position zero?

 

2.) Set the lens detection to Auto and forget about this lens and use it without code. Question: vignetting, distortion, CAs and even EXIF data can be corrected in post, but what about color shifts?

 

3.) Manually select the lens from the menu each time I use this lens and wait for a firmware update wich brings up the lens selection menu in auto mode for lenses without code. Question: is it possible to set the camera so that it automatically recognizes coded lenses but otherwise uses the manually selected lens?

 

4.) Wait for a firmware update which brings up the menu of manual lens selection when the new R lens adapter is used and code the lens with the code of the R lens adapter. Question: is it likely that Leica makes this kind of use of the R lens adapter on M9/M8/MMs possible?

[jpk]

BTW I just noticed that there is a screw in the area of the 6bit code...

[IWC Doppel]

I think I can answer, your questions :

 

You can get the lens coded, even with the screw, this has been done safely and successfully as an 'ASPH' lens, there is no code for the aspherical profile unfortunately. I am unsure of the differences between the M9 menu for ASPH and aspherical.

 

Leica will not code like this, but specialists like Malcolm Taylor can. The consensus is leave alone as it will devalue with a specialist ASPH code. Maybe in the future lenses will have 7 bit codes as well as 6 bit and they will cover all old and new for later cameras, who knows.

 

I actually love the look of it uncoded and have all my other lenses coded and just leave on auto so this comes up as unknown. I convert 99% to B&W, but the colours I have seen from it are fantastic, very rich and saturated but anything but garish.

 

It might be worth an experiment coding as ASPHERICAL, and ASPH to see the difference and if you like the ASPH or there is little difference use a non permanent marking kit ?

[lct]

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Screw heads can be painted in black or white but i would not modify such a lens if you want to keep its resale value. With 35mm lenses, vignetting and color shifts are not huge and are easy to fix in PP.

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[tobey bilek]

You can buy a flange from Jinfinance on ebay. It leaves out one screw hole and the requisite pits for coding are in place.

 

My only problem is some of the ones I purchased were .001" to thick. I had to grind the internal side to match the one removed. A micrometer and some emery cloth will be required. .oo1 worth of chrome can not be noticed. They still look as new and the internal side can not be scene in any case.

 

Take care to tighten the new one down a little at a time using MULTIPLE TRIPS around a star pattern like you use to tighten lug nuts on a car wheel. Tighten a bit more each trip.

 

What I do not know is if this lens has a non removable flange . Since a screw hole was mentioned, I think not.

 

The old flange can always be put back on. I have coded 6 lenses this way with complete success. Take care the lens focuses properly before you start. If wrong at beginning, it will still be wrong. digi lenses either require more precision or are set a bit differently as they sometimes are off if we resurrect older lenses.

[cbretteville]

Many thanks for your input! So there are 4 possibilities:

 

1.) If possible modify the bayonet to set the frame selection lever to position zero and mark the flange with the 6bit code of the 35 Summilux ASPH. Question: can the bayonet be modified to set the frame selection lever to position zero?

 

Not possible, zero is a software only setting. The bayonet sets it to one, two or three depending on the type (50/75, 35/135 or 28/90). Each 6-bit code is only valid for its appropriate frame line setting. Thus the code for a 28mm lens is ignored by the camera if it is read from a 35mm bayonet.

Carl