Uncoded

[shushi]

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Hello,

 

I am in a hurry.

 

In a couple of days I am travelling to the USA, and want to buy an M8.

My problem is if I can use my M lenses without coding them. (It takes several weeks).

24mm asph, summillux 35 non asph, 35 and 50 mm asph and elmar 50mm (bought about 1996).

 

Or keep my M6 for my routine http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

 

thanks in advance

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[shushi]

Where is my smily in my last post?

[dpattinson]

I coded my 24/2.8 asph using a sharpie, based on the images that carsten posted. It took me a few tries, but I got it eventually.

 

So my short answer is yes, but do get the filters - because they really do improve the image, even after conversion to monochrome in my experience.

 

David.

[hdrmd]

Definitely get the filters, and coe the 24 and 35. DR

[shushi]

What filters, any clue?

[jeffwros]

I think they're suggesting (strongly suggesting) you get the Leica IR filters for your lenses that you plan to use with the M8.

[lars_bergquist]

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You will not get your hands on any Leica filters in "a couple of days" – or even a couple of months. You may, maybe, be able to rustle up a couple of B+W filters. The 24mm and the 35mm lenses will want coding. Hand (felt pen) coding may, or may not work with the first try. So my considered advice is to remain with film during your trip. Learning a new game on the run can be extremely frustrating!

 

It is not difficult to learn the ropes with a M8, but stress and hurry can make it so.

 

The old man from the Age of Glass Plates

[hdrmd]

The filters are called 486 UV/IR cut filters and are offered by Leica, B+W, and others. PopFlash Photo has them(as does B&H Photo, and others). They are needed in particular when shooting black fabrics. Without them the color is rendered as magenta. There are numerous threads on this forum that go into further detail. Regards. DR

[ttriolo]

I don't see where anyone is advocating the Leica filters over any of the the others (B&W, Heliopan). I think the consensus is fairly mixed. Personally, I'm having good success with the B&W's

[shushi]

Thanks for your advices.

 

BTW, it is imperative to "see" the camera when using the M8?

I can see far distances without eyeglasses, but need them to see close to me. When using my M6 I don't need any eyeglasses.

[wilfredo]

I'VE GOTTEN SO USED TO USING MY LENSES WITHOUT ANY CODING THAT I HAVE FORGOTTEN WHY THEY SHOULD BE CODED. CAN SOMEBODY REFRESHEN MY MEMORY? I DO, HOWEVER, USE THE 486 UV/IR CUT FILTERS AND KEEP THEM ON MY LENSES ALL THE TIME. I HAVE LEICA FILTERS ON TWO LENSES, AND B+W ON A THIRD LENS, AND BOTH BRANDS WORK AS THEY SHOULD.

 

CHEERS,

WILFREDO

Benitez-Rivera Photography

[Printmaker]

So far, I have not found the need to code or use the filters. Sure, I shot a few cops in purple clothing but not being a wedding photographer, I don't really care about the occasional dark purple black. All other colors seem fine. Greens, reds and blues look spot on. At least they seem to be faithful to my color memory. So, while I have the filters, I rarely put them on and my lenses have not known the tip of a Sharpie.

 

As for vignetting, it is hardly noticable on my 21 Biogon or 35 CVM. Its far less than I get on my Nikon wide angles.

 

I do, however, reserve the right to change my opinion and mark my lenses if the evidence suggests I'm wrong.

 

Tom

[dpattinson]

I'VE GOTTEN SO USED TO USING MY LENSES WITHOUT ANY CODING THAT I HAVE FORGOTTEN WHY THEY SHOULD BE CODED. CAN SOMEBODY REFRESHEN MY MEMORY? I DO, HOWEVER, USE THE 486 UV/IR CUT FILTERS AND KEEP THEM ON MY LENSES ALL THE TIME. I HAVE LEICA FILTERS ON TWO LENSES, AND B+W ON A THIRD LENS, AND BOTH BRANDS WORK AS THEY SHOULD.

 

CHEERS,

WILFREDO

Benitez-Rivera Photography

 

Basically if you're using anything wide, with the IR filters - then without coding you will get cyan vignetting in the corners. This can be corrected post-proc, but it's a bit of a pain and coding pretty much removes it due to in-camera processing.

The vignetting is quite evident with the 24/2.8.

 

I have no experience with the non-leica IR filters, but I expect that the difference would be marginal from comments previously in the forum.

 

For the original poster - if it's an important event, I'd stick to what you're comfortable with (M6), by all means get yourself an M8 - but it does take a little getting used to and I wouldn't use it untried on an important shoot. You would need to be able to see the back of the camera to adjust white-balance, iso and other stuff, as well as review (chimp) images to ensure you aren't inadvertently blowing the highlights.

[shushi]

Thanks to anyone.

I think the best advice is to take my pictures with my M6 and buy the M8 for later use.

Dan

[wilfredo]

Dan:

 

Once you start shooting with your M8, you will never put it down, you are hereby warned!

 

David:

 

My widest lens at this time is the 35mm Summicron and I haven't had any problems with vignetting so I guess there really is no point in geting the lens coded. I do plan to get wider lenses but they probably won't be Leica lenses, ie 21mm Biogon. I suspect that in that situation I'll just have to correct the vignetting.

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo

[Guest tummydoc]

Thanks to anyone.

I think the best advice is to take my pictures with my M6 and buy the M8 for later use.

Dan

 

That's probably a good idea, or at least bring the M6 along. I wouldn't bring any new camera on holiday until I was completely familiar with it and was certain it functions reliably. In the case of the M8, without the IR filters you could be in for some long and tedious post-processing depending on your subject matter and sense of the aesthetic.