File or not file 40 f1.4

[presspass]

I have a 40mm f1.4 that I love - wonderfully sharp and useable wide open. But I don't have a camera with a 40 frame. I have read the instructions on how to file it so it shows the 35 frame instead of the 50, but this can't be reversed. Can anyone give advice on whether this is a good move or not? I realize the lens includes a lot outside the 50 and less than the 35. Thanks,

 

[klapka]

Depends on the camera you use it with. With my m6Ttl 40mm lens works just fine with the 35 mm frame, but it you have one of those older Leicas, their 35 mm frames might happen to be too big for proper framing.

 

[Glenn2]

Do you wear glasses? I do and can't see the all of the 35mm frame line without moving my eye around or removing my glasses. For this reason I've stuck with 50mm lines for the Nokton. When shooting I crop extra tight with the 50 lines and then have some wiggle room for later framing. Having frame lines wider than the lens sounds like a good way to clip content by accident.

 

[ferider]

You use an M8, right ? Easy to check then ...

I've mine filed. Then again, I use it sometimes on the M3 as a well.

Roland.

 

[delft]

The 35mm framelines on the M8 are a very good fit. I have mine adapted to bring up these lines.

Dirk

 

[baycrest]

What body are you using, if an M8, then go ahead and whittle it down. Be careful to follow the on-line posts (i.e. don't file away too much)

 

[Bob Michaels]

I use this lens unmodified on a ZI body which automatically selects the 50mm frame lines. I find it simple to envision the 40mm FOV in the finder as it approximates the indicated 35mm FOV. An occasional quick toggle of the frame selector lever reminds me of what the 35mm FOV is.

If I thought I was going to keep the 40mm lens for a long time, I would have it filed down to bring up the 35mm frame lines. But I bought it for one specific purpose which is ending and will be selling it. But it certainly no problem using it as it came with the 50mm framelines. But then, I am just a practical kind of guy that makes whatever I have work to get the photos I want.

 

[presspass]

Update: I used the lens Sunday evening to shoot a barn fire. Again, a very sharp lens, but it was tough to remember to toggle the frame preview lever when I was standing 25 feet from a fully-involved building. I've been using it with the 50 frame lines, but until I decide, it's going back on the shelf and I'll carry a 50 and a 35. Not the best solution, I know, but there are times when I should be paying attention to what's going on in front of me, not fooling with levers.