6-bit vs non 6-bit

[Rockrug]

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I am considering getting a used 24mm Elmarit. One option is non 6-bit and the other is 6-bit. The non 6-bit option is slightly cheaper. What would be the implications of getting a non 6-bit lens for an M10? Is the non 6-bit lens a lot older than the 6-bit version? Are there IQ differences?

Thanks!

Brian

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SiggiGun]

Yes, the lens is older. It is non necessary a different optical design. If the camera detects a coded lenses, especially wide angle lenses, the camera applies some correction to enhance the image quality 

[luigi bertolotti]

What I remember well abut my (former) 24 asph - coded, is that I did notice the difference between images taken with or without lens lens recogniton ON : and it was onto a M8 : probably on a FF it's even more advisable.

 

[Jürgen]

Leica can add the code to the non 6bit lens as a service 😀

[AndreasG]

vor 13 Minuten schrieb Jürgen:

Leica can add the code to the non 6bit lens as a service

But it costs you a fortune...

[250swb]

Choose the lens from the cameras manual lens menu and you don't need the code on the lens itself for the corrections to be made, however this can be a pain if you then change lenses. This is where I would weigh up whether it's worth getting the more expensive coded lens. If this was a question about a 35mm lens of course that is where coding makes no difference to the image, but the wider lenses do need it whether you use Auto recognition or Manual.

[kegon]

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vor 27 Minuten schrieb AndreasG:

But it costs you a fortune...

239.-EUR flat rate... I ordered it for my 90mm

[AndreasG]

Other people get a camera plus two lenses for that....

[Steve Caddy]

The uncoded lens will be older, but almost certainly no different. Assuming they’re in the same condition and you manually select the lens in the menu there won’t be any difference in IQ. All the 6-bit code does is tell the camera what lens is on it. You choosing the lens in the menu does the same thing.

If you change lenses frequently it’ll save you the hassle of having to do that.

[tom.w.bn]

vor einer Stunde schrieb AndreasG:

Other people get a camera plus two lenses for that....

Which rangefinder would that be.

[lct]

I would not take the uncoded lens. It has been designed for film and it won't be corrected for color shifts if any. If is is only slightly cheaper, as you say, i would not hesitate and pick the coded one right now.

[wizard]

vor 22 Minuten schrieb lct:

I would not take the uncoded lens. It has been designed for film and it won't be corrected for color shifts if any. If is is only slightly cheaper, as you say, i would not hesitate and pick the coded one right now.

Optically, the coded lens does not differ from the uncoded lens at all, as there was only one version of the Elmarit-M 24mm asph lens. So any correction for color shift is not inherent in the lens, but will only be performed by software, triggered by either the coded lens itself or by manual selection of the appropriate lens in the case of using an uncoded lens. It all boils down to price. If the coded lens is less than roughly USD 250 more expensive than the uncoded lens, I'd go for the coded lens, as it will be more expensive then to have the uncoded lens coded by Leica. Else, go for the uncoded lens and have it coded if need be.

[Steve Ash]

If I remember correctly it is ok to have one uncoded lens as you can preselect one lens. This is overridden if you connect a coded lens. Please check your camera manual to correct me.

Steve

[newnew]

To my recollection leica also makes a fine adjustment of the lens during coding for the digital sensors. At least , when I had my 75 Summilux coded it improved the sharpness .

 

[W4Leica]

Since Leica can add the code to old lens, coded lens could be older than non-coded lens. To IQ, it is really personal judgement and preference.

[lct]

2 hours ago, wizard said:

Optically, the coded lens does not differ from the uncoded lens at all, as there was only one version of the Elmarit-M 24mm asph lens. So any correction for color shift is not inherent in the lens, but will only be performed by software, triggered by either the coded lens itself or by manual selection of the appropriate lens in the case of using an uncoded lens. [...]

It is not only a matter of optical version but of calibration as well. Lenses with 6-bit coding are calibrated for digital contrary to the same from the film days. Can make significant differences or not depending on the lenses. My coded 35/2 asph v1 does not suffer from focus shift , for instance,  contrary to some (all?) uncoded models. Same for my 90/2 v3 and 90/2.8 v2 that don't suffer from back or front focus anymore since i had them coded by Leica.  I have no experience with the 24/2.8 asph to be honest but my advice to the OP and to you all folks, in general, is to choose a coded model if you intend to use it on digital Ms. FWIW, YMMV etc...

[250swb]

49 minutes ago, newnew said:

To my recollection leica also makes a fine adjustment of the lens during coding for the digital sensors. At least , when I had my 75 Summilux coded it improved the sharpness .

 

Leica take your old flange off and throw it into the trash, then they fit a new lens flange and check to determine if or how much the new mount needs shimming. The lens isn't fundamentally changed other than this standard adjustment although tolerances are tighter with digital than film. They can't dial out focus shift for example because this is variable and result the of the lens design, not lens adjustment.

[newnew]

5 minutes ago, 250swb said:

this standard adjustment although tolerances are tighter with digital than film

That is what I meant. Sure the lens fundamentals stay the same but they adjust it for a digital camera.

[Jeff S]

OP is apparently in the US.  DAG (Don Goldberg) can do coding faster and less expensively than Leica.  But if price is close and there are no other issues, I would buy the coded lens, especially given wide angle, which is exactly where corrections matter, and simplify lens changing.

Jeff

Edited June 26, 2020 by Jeff S

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[jaeger]

6 hours ago, kegon said:

239.-EUR flat rate... I ordered it for my 90mm

40 euros a bit...  😁, I can only afford 2 bit and no money left for dinner.