Minolta CLE and M-Rokkor 40mm Mk I framelines

[benoitflorencon]

Hello,

New to the forum and to rangefinder cameras (but seasoned photographer)! I recently acquired a CLE, sold as near mint, as well as a M-Rokkor 40mm Mk I (the one with the serial number at the front).

I just realised that the 40mm framelines do not display at all when the lens is mounted. Unfortunately I don't have a second lens to test it out. I am wondering if this is a compatibility problem with the first generation 40mm lens, or if my camera has a problem.

Thanks!

- Benoit

 

[ferider]

Most likely somebody filed the lens flange to bring up 35mm frame-lines on a big Leica. Check the mount on the lens.

Roland.

 

[benoitflorencon]

Most likely somebody filed the lens flange to bring up 35mm frame-lines on a big Leica. Check the mount on the lens.

Roland.

Roland,

Thank you for your reply! Here is a snap of the flange that seems to have been file, but not sure?

Thanks,

Benoit

 

[Scrambler]

This is not my area of expertise so I may prove to be mistaken if a real expert turns up.
I am a former CLE owner though.
This whole thing will get easier if you have access to another Leica mount or lens, and a camera with automatic framelines in the 35/50/90 common pattern.

Firstly, the CLE shows 28mm framelines at all times so only 50mm equivalent (40mm in the case of the CLE) and then 90mm require other lines to appear.

The simple test of the CLE is to mount a 50mm or 90mm (or adapters with that mount setting)

The simple test of the lens is to mount on a standard Leica M which should bring up 50mm framelines.

If you check online you can find which of the 4 bayonette flanges need to be checked for filing. Its the chromed not the brass section of your lens. But really another camera is the simplest way to check the lens.

I will grab a shot of my adapters to help.

 

[Scrambler]

Photos will follow but confirming it is the flange to the left when looking at the unmounted lens from the rear. The lengths are 10mm for 90mm, 9mm for 50mm and 8mm for 35mm. In your case you need to confirm whether 8 or 9mm. But thats easier with comparison.

 

[Huss]

Someone filed the mount to make it appear as a 35mm lens.
I verified this with my CLE. When I have a 40mm lens on it (Summicron 40 or CV 40 1.4) the 40mm frame lines appear. When I mount any of my 35mm lenses, the 40mm frame lines disappear and all that appears is the outermost 28mm frame lines.

 

[Scrambler]

I've never seen anything on reversing this but would be tempted to try 1mm of epoxy glue (araldyte). Not too large and allowed 24 hrs to fully cure before testing. Filed to size once cured if required.

 

[benoitflorencon]

Photos will follow but confirming it is the flange to the left when looking at the unmounted lens from the rear. The lengths are 10mm for 90mm, 9mm for 50mm and 8mm for 35mm. In your case you need to confirm whether 8 or 9mm. But thats easier with comparison.

Scrambler, thank you! Just measured the one flange that seemed filed and it does measure 8-ish mm. Removes a big worry off my mind as I thought the camera may have a problem. All good then, I can live without the 40mm framelines for now.

Huss, thank you too for confirming!

Regarding the body, anything I need to keep an eye on on a regular basis?

 

[Scrambler]

Check around the site here. Use frequently. Best not left cocked. If issues with metering display then clean the switches within the shutter dial. But really its a pretty solid camera.

 

[benoitflorencon]

Check around the site here. Use frequently. Best not left cocked. If issues with metering display then clean the switches within the shutter dial. But really its a pretty solid camera.

Excellent thank you!

 

[Palaeoboy]

While still an M mount, the version on the CLE is a simpler design even to that on the CL. As such it permits the ability to turn the lens past the lock point to bring up other framelines not usually afforded to that mount. You hold the lens lock button and turn the lens ever so slightly (and importantly very slowly with care) past the lock point to which the 40mm framelines should then appear. This can be done successfully using a 35mm lens mount and should work with a filed one but it will be dependant on how ruthless the filing job that was done on it. Often you can still focus without having to hold the lens from twisting without having the lock pin to hold it steady. The exception being some of the early Rokkor/Summicrons with the steep cam have incredibly firm focus and the force required to focus is greater than the friction in the mount preventing the lens from twisting.

While this method would get you out of pinch for the odd critical framing shot, it would get very tiring for every shot as care needs to be taken when doing it as harsh forcing of the lens past the lock point could cause damage. So use it sparingly to get you out of trouble and I would be selling it on to a Leica M user and getting yourself one with an unfiled mount.

 

[benoitflorencon]

Joel, thank you for all this info. I've kind of gotten used to shooting without framelines, which seems less annoying than having to hold or block the lens while shooting. Waiting to develop my first rolls to see if that actually works...Otherwise yes you're right, I've been thinking the same about selling the lens back and getting an identical unfiled lens. Cheers!