M8 on its way - is it worth sending lenses for coding?

[graeme_clarke]

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An M8 is on its way with a late model tri elmar 28-35-50 aspheric . I have a 35mm last model non aspheric f2 summicron, and a 135mm elmarit f2.8

 

I've heard coding is more essential for wide angles up to 28mm. Is that true? Is it worth sending them to Solms for coding? Or, does the sharpie/black nail varnish alternative work well?

 

I'm seeking the learned opinion of you all, from first hand experience, please, on

tri elmar 28-35-50 f4 aspheric

35mm last model non-aspheric f2 summicron

135mm f2.8 elmar?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Graeme

[Shootist]

This subject/topic has been covered many time.

Some will say it's not needed for 50mm and up.

But I find it helpful to have all my lenses coded so I know what lens was used for which shot.

Also there is a menu item for lens detection, with and without IR filter. Leica recommends if you don't have your lenses coded to turn that option off. Some have reported that it really doesn't matter. But if you have all your lenses coded and you use IR filters then you just set it and forget it.

[luigi bertolotti]

If I were you, the only I really would like to have coded is the Tri Elmar ... I regularly use a non-asph-Cron 35, uncoded, and do not see problems; I'd suggest you have it coded ONLY if would happen you have to send it away for some other issue (focusing... some problems have been reported with various 35s...). Regarding hand coding... well you can find lot of threads about... my general idea is that without the milled "holes" (that are surely very difficult to do by yourself) the coding is not so "clean".

[doubice]

Graeme,

 

I decided to use the same philosophy as Ed above - code them all. Even though it is probably not needed for lenses above 50mm, I also prefer to set the camera to UV/IR and Lens Detection On, use all lenses with UV/IR cut-off filters and forget the issue.

 

I must add though, that I did not send any of my lenses to Leica. All, including a few LTM to M adapters had the recesses cut by John Milich.

 

Best,

 

Jan

[sean_reid]

Coding is useful for EXIF info. but has no significant effect on cyan drift with 50 mm and longer lenses. This based on extensive controlled tests with a variety of lenses and filters.

 

Cheers,

[graeme_clarke]

Thank you folks - it seems the best bet is to get the tri elmar coded.

 

Graeme

[neils]

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In my brief week with an M8 I found I'd want an IR filter on each lens for sure. Coding would be nice but not a must have. Filter now, set camera to coding off and shoot.

 

Neil