Anybody got their M-Hexanons 6-bit coded?

[kmallick]

I love the M-Hexanon lenses, 50, 28 and 90. I am still looking for a M-Hexanon 35, but thats a different story. The built quality of these lenses is very nice contrary to what some others think. Their sizes are just right and their renderings are very much like old pre-ASPH Leicas. I am using them on M9 and the shiny surface on the back flange does not hold the hand codings very well. I was wondering if anyone has got their M-Hexs 6-bit coded (I mean recesses put in) by DAG etc. I contacted John Milich and he was not sure if he can machine the 6-bit grooves on the flanges without requiring a separate fixture. The flanges on M-Hexs do seem thicker than normal Leica lens flanges. Any thoughts?

 

[ramosa]

I don't think you'd need it on the 90 and perhaps not on the 50. There would likely be some benefits on the 28.

For instance, I use a Rollei 80, and the only benefit would be that the metadata would indicate what lens was used. (That's not a big deal for me, as I have two coded lenses and one non-coded lens, so when the code is missing, I know it's the 80.)

 

[kbg32]

I have A Konica Hexanon 21/35 Dual. On the M9 I sent the focal length manually to 21mm. Works great.

 

[RZetter]

My Hex 50 was hand-coded by the previous owner. I haven't used it on a M8/M9, so I've no idea if the coding actually works. It's supposed to be coded as a Summicron 50(surprise surprise).

Here's a quick cellphone snap:

On a side note: Am I the only one who finds the focus ring too harsh to hold?

 

[tbarker13]

John milled the mount on my Hexanon 28. The milling surrounds one of the screws, but that has no affect on the camera's ability to read the code.

 

[lewis44]

On the 90mm, you can put a spot of black paint on the screw head where the coding area is and it works properly.
Has no effect on the image, but gives the data for a 90mm lens in the camera/lens info.

 

[kmallick]

On the 90mm, you can put a spot of black paint on the screw head where the coding area is and it works properly.
Has no effect on the image, but gives the data for a 90mm lens in the camera/lens info.

Thanks. I will try that on the 90.

The only reason I was looking to code the lenses was to have the lens info recorded in exif.

Thanks for all the advice. I might just send a flange or two to John to have the grooves cut. I am too chicken to use a dremel tool myself.

 

[HKHoward]

John Milich milled the mount of my 21 - 35 Hexar and after some experimentation I found that the coding for 24 Elmar worked best with my M8. It is a great lens and draws very sharply on the M8. Only 500 units were made so it is quite rare.