40mm on a Hexar RF: to modify or not to modify?

sockeyed

sockeyed

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I've recently purchased a Hexar RF (thanks Laptoprob!) It's in Holland currently, but will be in my hands in March when my brother flies here with it.

Now, I've got two 40mm lenses: a CV Nokton 40/1.4 and an M-Rokkor 40/2. I love them both and would like to use them on the Hexar. I'm guessing that they'll pop up the 50mm framelines.

Do people have any feelings about modifying the lenses so that they'll pop up the 35mm framelines instead? I know that in terms of FOV, 40 sits pretty squarely between the 35 and 50 framelines. Does anyone here have experiences they can share with either the Hexar or an Leica?

thanks!
Ben
 
Hi Ben,

I have a couple of RF bodies and use the CV 40 on them. Yes, the 50 framelines come up. You can toggle the frameline lever so the 35 framelines pop up for framing but I find I use the 50 framelines most of the time. However, I am still thinking about attacking it with a file or getting the VF. Nice lens and I don't think I'll be selling it anytime soon.

Good luck with the new RF. I don't think you'll regret getting one.

Cheers,

Lou
 
I struggled with this same thing for a long time. The thing that finally put me over the edge was the .6 magnification of the hexar's viewfinder, which makes the 50mm framelines quite small. Apart from the issue of framing accuracy, I just had a psychological problem with framing inside the little box when half of the viewfinder was being wasted outside. I eventually modified the lens mount and have been really happy with it (it takes a VERY little bit of filing, surprisingly little so don't get carried away!). At infinity and far away, the framelines are practically a match. Only when you get up close to you have to be careful and leave plenty of room.
 
dgray said:
At infinity and far away, the framelines are practically a match. Only when you get up close to you have to be careful and leave plenty of room.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I did. I used to have a 40/2 summicron that I used on the Leica M2. For close up, I frame with the 50mm framelines, and for distant subjects, the 35mm.
 
Yeah, I guess resale could be an issue, but it seems to me that so many people ask about this and eventually do it that more than likely you'd be able to find a buyer for whom the modification would actually be preferable. I don't think that there is quite the mystique and collector's mentality with CV lenses that there is with Leicas, so a functional change like this might not hurt so much. Just guessing here, though. I remember that when it was first announced, Gandy was even talking about selling them pre-modified as a bonus feature!
 
From my experience with the Hexar RF, I get the feel that the framelines are not really conservative. The parallax compensated framelines show more field of view than equivalent fixed frame external finders. The built in 28mm frame was even as wide as my external 25mm finder.

I'd suggest sticking with the 50mm frames and using them liberally. The 35 ones will be much too generous and will require you to consciously maintain some space between the frames and the subject. That's a major distractor in my opinion..
 
I just checked the CLE and the Hexar to projected image on the film plane. Guess what? The 40mm viewfinder frame of the CLE is just a little wider than the real projection of a 50mm lens. At about 3 meters distance.
The frames of the Hexar are similar to a Voigtlander 50mm viewfinder, but too small.
I have to compare more to figure out the real size.
SO my new old Quinon Sonnar sits happily on the CLE for tomorrow. With a little black ducttape on the front chrome ring to protect it from scratches by the 12585 Summicron hood.

But 40mm... Must be closer to the Hexar 35mm frame I guess.

cheers, Rob.
 
I guess that as long as you do it correctly and you're able to adapt yourself to the decision you make, either of them (35 or 50) will work.

Geez, I just feel as if I said absolutely nothing :D
 
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