Framelines on M2 w/ 40mm 'cron

[JimG]

Frank mentioned in another thread that when using an M2 with a 40mm 'cron you could get 50mm framelines or with a little filing 35mm. So my question is which might be easier to compose with? 35mm is closer to 40mm then 50mm but with 50mm at least your still inside the framelines. Is one choice better then the other?

 

[wlewisiii]

It probably depends on how you like to compose an image when you're shooting. Shooting with Tessars that tend towards soft edges, I like to have the main focus of the image near the center where it will be sharpest and then cropping the image for the final composition.

So, as a result, I would be in the 50 frame line camp, I think. I'd rather have a situation where everything I framed within the lines was on the negative but perhaps with some cropping needed than have something on an edge be cut off or completely missing.

Your mileage will, naturally, vary... 🙂

William

 

[FrankS]

I think the 35 to 40mm difference is easier to work with than the 40 to 50mm difference. Most of our pictures could do with somewhat tighter framing. The 40mm cron or Rokkor is the best value in Leica lenses I believe!

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Don't know if this helps but the angle of view of each lens follows:

35 'cron: 64 degrees

40 rokkor/cron: 57 degrees

50 'cron: 45 degrees

does this transfer to the framelines, don't know. This info and a couple pints of Guinness will get you a buzz though 🙂

 

[VictorM.]

I quickly found that I prefer the 35mm framelines to the 50 when using the 40/2 Summicron on my M4-2. The image is cropped tightest when the lens is at its closest focus, so I shot a dart board at the minimum focusing distance with the 35 framelines just touching the top and bottom of the board. The 40mm lens cropped a small part of the board.

 

[existrandom]

helpful info!
so what about the option of filing? any one did that? is there particular precautions?
thanks!

lee

 

[VictorM.]

helpful info!
so what about the option of filing? any one did that? is there particular precautions?
thanks!

lee

Filing is easy. Two precautions: 1) Remove the chrome lens mount from the lens before filing and 2) remove a minimum of material. I removed about 1mm of the frame selector tab. The white arrow shows the area. I used a small triangular file, as shown.

 

[existrandom]

hello Victor

thanks for the illustrated reply!

by "...Remove the chrome lens mount from the lens before filing..."

do you mean unscrewing the 5 small screws on the flat surface of the mount (those at the bottom of the first pictures)?
if so, is there precaustion for alignment when assembling it back?

thanks!

lee

 

[VictorM.]

The screws aren't arranged symmetricalyl, but I use a fine-point marker to mark the lens and mount so I worry less. I also lay the screws out in such a way that they go back in their original holes; but that's probably unnecessary except when rebuilding motorcycle engines.

 

[ampguy]

Hi Frank

Hi Frank

What's the best value lens for the CL? I've read the CLE is better than the CL rokkors, but which Rokkor corresponds to the German one(s)?

Are there any issues with buying a 40 f2 that an M user modded to bring up 35mm lines instead of 50mm lines? (Other than being forced to use 50 lines if/when using it on another M) ?

Thanks!!

I think the 35 to 40mm difference is easier to work with than the 40 to 50mm difference. Most of our pictures could do with somewhat tighter framing. The 40mm cron or Rokkor is the best value in Leica lenses I believe!