Nokton 40mm CLE framelines

[android]

Hi,

I've just picked up a CLE, the main reason being to use a Nokton 40mm lens that I've had sitting in the dry cabinet unused for a few years. But when I attach the lens it doesn't bring up the 40mm framelines, only the 28mm framelines are visible. I recall that when I originally purchased the lens, I had it modified to bring up 35mm framelines (instead of 50mm on the ZI). I'm guessing 35 stays at 28 on the CLE. Does anyone know whether it's possible to reverse modify the lens so that it brings up the 40mm framelines on the CLE? I'm aware that the tab on the lens was filed, so I'm not too optimistic but maybe there's another way to force it to bring up the 40mm framelines.

Any help appreciated.

 

[Scrambler]

The filing is irreversible for practical purposes. There is no way to force the 40mm frameline. Options are swap the lens with someone who has an unmodified version, have the bayonet replaced or use a CL rather than CLE. I suppose it would be theoretically possible to fix the framelines in a single position but I couldn't begin to think how.

 

[Godfrey]

I've just picked up a CLE, the main reason being to use a Nokton 40mm lens that I've had sitting in the dry cabinet unused for a few years. But when I attach the lens it doesn't bring up the 40mm framelines, only the 28mm framelines are visible. I recall that when I originally purchased the lens, I had it modified to bring up 35mm framelines (instead of 50mm on the ZI). I'm guessing 35 stays at 28 on the CLE. Does anyone know whether it's possible to reverse modify the lens so that it brings up the 40mm framelines on the CLE? I'm aware that the tab on the lens was filed, so I'm not too optimistic but maybe there's another way to force it to bring up the 40mm framelines.

Easiest thing to do to correct your customization back to stock configuration is to replace the lens' mounting flange. RJ has six-bit capable M-mount lens flanges for Voigtländer lenses. I think he has one for the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.4. Check his Ebay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/RJ-camera-accessory-store

G

 

[android]

Thanks Godfrey. The closest RJ have looks to be this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-bit-flang...ens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item20c4844b96

Not knowing much about this...it looks like it might not be the right design.

Thanks again.

 

[Palaeoboy]

I must respectfully disagree with both posters so far. If you look closely at your lens at minimum focus you will begin to see helical threads of the focus mechanism integrated into the mount itself. As such the mount forms part of the lenses ability to focus. Changing for that cheapy isnt going to work. Only the real deal from Voigtlander is going to get the job done.

So too advice that you cant "force" the 40mm framelines is incorect. Although technically no force required really. The CLE mount although it accepts M lenses is designed a bit different to Leica Ms. It permits slight (And I strongly mean slight) turn past the lens lock off point. What you can do is look through the finder while holding down the lens release butting down and continue to turn only a couple of millimetres past the lock point and you will see the 40mm framelines appear. It even goes as far as to activate the 90mm although not needed in this case. Strangely though you would think with the lens now being mounted but not locked into place that it would move when you begin to focus but it doesnt. I have focused a 135mm Tele-Elmar in that position and they have incredible firm focus. So too there is no risk of the lens falling off because it would have to turn past the lack position again to come off so it clicks in again before that could ever happen. I would see if that is a usable way for you first before investing in an original replacement mount in what I could only imagine would be more than a 100 dollars. Just remember very very slight turn until you get a feel for where the 40mm framelines pop up. You will be surprised how little you have to turn it before they do. Hope that helps

 

[Godfrey]

Thanks Godfrey. The closest RJ have looks to be this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-bit-flang...ens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item20c4844b96

Not knowing much about this...it looks like it might not be the right design.

Thanks again.

Looks like that. At which point, contact Voigtländer through Steve Gandy and get an original replacement part.

G

 

[android]

Joel, thanks so much! You're absolutely correct.. twisting the lens past the lock off point does indeed bring up the 40mm framelines. It feels wrong and I hope it doesn't cause any damage, but since i purchased the CLE just to mount this lens, you've made my day. Thanks again!

 

[Palaeoboy]

Joel, thanks so much! You're absolutely correct.. twisting the lens past the lock off point does indeed bring up the 40mm framelines. It feels wrong and I hope it doesn't cause any damage, but since i purchased the CLE just to mount this lens, you've made my day. Thanks again!

It doesnt do any damage as long as your not aggressive with it. Its more to do with the Minolta not putting any bump stops on the three other flanges of the mount. There are just bits of spring steel behind the chrome mount rather than a more complex and stronger way that Leica do it. But it does have its upside, I use this method as a frameline previewer for number of years on many CLEs. Never a problem.

 

[Scrambler]

Cheers Paleoboy. Nice to know. And very happy I was wrong. Although I don't think that's in the manual?

Had you considered changing your handle to CLE_God? It seems right to me.

 

[Landberg]

I used to have a CLE and nokton 40 1.4. It showed the right frame lines?

 

[Godfrey]

I used to have a CLE and nokton 40 1.4. It showed the right frame lines?

The issue is that Android's Nokton 40 has been modified to show 35mm frame lines.

G

 

[Palaeoboy]

Cheers Paleoboy. Nice to know. And very happy I was wrong. Although I don't think that's in the manual?

Had you considered changing your handle to CLE_God? It seems right to me.

No its definitely not in the manual LOL I think it needs a delicate and understanding touch that Rangefinder forum members could use wisely without forcing things. You couldnt expect that from the usual rough and tumble buyer back in the 80s.

Hahaha Thanks for the compliment but that would be an exaggeration I think, actually somebody does have a CLE username on here.

 

[Landshark]

The 40 Nokton had several different mounts through their lifetime.
I had one with a damaged mount & they had it for almost a year trying to find the correct one. They were never able to locate one, certainly not their fault though, they didn't make the thing.