40 nokton with 35 framelines

I think that on that the author of the post on photo.net took off far more metal than he had to. I saw another 40 Nokton that had been modified and it was nothing like that.

Essentially the owner had taken a file to the right-angle face on the flange (the only one on the lens, I believe), and just took it straight back 1-2mm, maintaining the right angle. angle.

Best thing to do: get a 35mm m-mount lens or adapter and compare to the 40mm/50mm mount. You have to look very carefully to spot the difference.

Good luck!
 
This sort of alteration makes me nervous, since it seems like it's a more precise task than might first appear. (I'm also not sure it helps with ultimate resale value, either.) I guess I'd rather use the 50 framelines, so you can frame conservatively, rather than doing a "by God and by guess" with the 35.
 
I'm not concerned about resale values, I can guarantee that I will be the last owner of everything I buy. I find it a little akward trying to thing of how far outside the frame it may be with the 50 frameline, whereas with the 35 I know the angle of view isn't too far off. I'd also prefer to not try to hold the frameline selector as well as focus at the same time.
 
i've done it twice, and it's rather easy. adjust the focus so the lens element is recessed as possible. put some packaging tape across the back, and burnish it down real good around the top metal "ring". basically block off the possibility of any metal flakes falling into the lens or helical. then just use a dremel on slow speed, and it takes literally 1 second. blow all the metal dust off carefully w/ some canned air, take off the tape...and you're good to go. easy-peasy!
 
I did it on my new 40 a few hours ago, it was really easy. I used masking tape (2 layers) to project the mount. I use my "rocket blower" to remove particles between the lens tryouts.
I filed with a small flat file the mount bit mentionned in the various threads, I'm sure I filed a lot less than a millimeter of metal in the end. the masking tape returns to its protective duties very easily between tries.
I'm very satisfied with the job, it's clean, and the 35mm frames are very, very comfy :D
 
Not to challenge anyone else's stated opinion, but I had the opposite reaction. In particular, I purchased a used 40mm M-Rokkor lens in the fall. The previous owner had done the file trick to make it bring up the 35mm framelines and that is one of the very reasons I was interested in purchasing the lens (that, and the fact that it was about the least expensive way I could get a "Leica" lens in the "close to 35mm size"). So, while I'm sure others might be worried about resale value of doing a file job, when one is talking about a lesser expensive lens to begin with that modification may actually make the lens even more desireable. At least it was to me. As always YMMV! ;-)
 
Someone on the forum said that on a M2 it was negligeable at infinity (about one "width" of the frame line inside) and about 3 width of the frame line at close focus; I used that rule roughtly and found it was pretty much spot on. It is indeed a LOT closer to the 35mm lines than the 50mm lines!
 
40mm with Multi-Framelines

40mm with Multi-Framelines

The 40 I just bought had been modified by the previous owner. On the Leica it brings up the 35 frameline. Press the selector to the 50 frameline and the 35 & 50 framelines ome up at the same time. Sight between the two and you've got it made! Nice touch.
 
I ended up doing it just that exact way. It didn't take too long really, about five minutes or so. Thanks for all the replies I've received.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom