Leica with a 40mm

echard · Jan 7, 2016

Hello, I need some advice. I am thinking of getting a M4 or M6 in a few months. My favorite focal length and lens is a 40mm Voigtlander. I know I'd shoot with the 35mm frame lines, but how will the camera know which lines to show? Is there a manual frame line selector switch? Or, does it just show them all, which would be so distracting. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Echard

Ko.Fe. · Jan 7, 2016

M doesn't have manual switch it is smart camera . Buy Cosina R3M(A) it has 40mm and switch for it.

trojancast · Jan 7, 2016

With the M4 the 35 mm frame lines will come up with the 40mm Skopar. You can toggle the frame lines, but there is no 40 mm.

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frank · Jan 7, 2016

I believe that the CV40 lens brings up the 50mm tramlines automatically on Leica cameras unless you modify the lens's mounting claw by filing away a bit of metal at a particular point. I've done this with my CV40 lens so that the camera's 35mm framelines are activated. On CV cameras, the framelines are manually activated and you can simply move the selector switch to 35.

trojancast · Jan 8, 2016

Hi Frank. I'm sitting here with my M4 mounting my CV 40 and the 35/135 frame lines are coming up. I can toggle the field of view lever to bring up the 50 and 90 frame lines, but my 40 defaults to 35/135. Do you think someone messed with my lens mount?

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CropDusterMan · Jan 8, 2016

I just recently picked up an M4-P with a Voitlander 40mm Nokton. With the 40mm, the 50mm crop lines engage, but the 35mm are closer to what you actually see. There is a simple trick...you simply file a tiny bit of metal from the lens barrel where it engages with the frame line actuator...it literally took me two minutes..then, voila, 35mm lines engage. (This is the default).

Numerous posts online give clear instructions with images....it is sooooo easy!

frank · Jan 8, 2016

trojancast said:
Hi Frank. I'm sitting here with my M4 mounting my CV 40 and the 35/135 frame lines are coming up. I can toggle the field of view lever to bring up the 50 and 90 frame lines, but my 40 defaults to 35/135. Do you think someone messed with my lens mount?
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It must be. It is a common and easy modification. It is well known that unmodified CV40mm lenses bring up the 50mm framelines. I am not aware that CV changed this during the production run.

echard · Jan 8, 2016

Thanks for the wisdom everyone!

Xmas · Jan 8, 2016

You can use an elastic band to pull the selector over looping round the strap lug, or a rubber wedge.

I think Leica altered the frame lines of later maybe eg of M6 cameras to represent the 35mm lenses more exactly so unlike a M2 where the frames are close to 40mm equivalent you need to leave a margin.

The CV 40mm are nice in SC or MC, as are the CL and CLEs.

echard · Jan 8, 2016

Thanks Xmas, I was thinking about the CLE. But, I really want to get a fully manual camera. And, I've read about how the shutter can't be left cocked. I'm leaning towards an M4. A basic, no fuss, everyday user cam.

I currently have a Cosina R3M and really like it. I might just stick with it.

I just have that Leica "itch" and owning the R3M, sadly, hasn't helped.

I love the 40mm Nokton and want to stick with it whatever I do. I don't want to own anymore lenses for my RF.

McFortner · Jan 8, 2016

There's the Leica CL with it's default 40mm frame lines. You can shoot without a battery in the camera, or use the built in light meter if you want. I love mine.

ademora · Jan 19, 2016

40mm with Leica

I use a M2 with the 40mm lenses, I took a file to the lens and now the 35mm frame lines show, found it more convenient than having just the 50mm lines

Renato Tonelli · Jan 19, 2016

40mm and its equivalent on larger than 35mm formats is my favorite focal length.
I use the 40mm Voigtlander on my M2 in conjunction with a 40mm viewfinder on top of the camera.

MotoMark · Jan 24, 2016

I use my 40 Nokton on my M2 and over time I've just got used to having the 50 frame lines in view. Just can't bring myself to taking a file to my lens :eek:

Leica with a 40mm

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