Winter with M6 and M-Rokkor 40/2

[Krosya]

I wanted to get a 40mm lens for a long while. As there were several choices, I was not sure what I should get. I thought CV was a good idea, but I didn't care for the photos I saw taken with that lens. I came across Summicron-C - and it looked very good, but that odd filter size kept me away from it. So, gradually M-Rokkor made perfect sence. After several months of looking around, I found a CLE version (serial on barrel) - you know with a better/multicoating, possibly better/improved design, straight focus cam, so no questions about focusing on M bodies. I really liked the lens the moment I got it. Small but solid. Very smooth - as good or better built as my Leica lenses. All in all - very nice and worth all the money I paid for it. (and I had a hard time justying it too - I have 35mm Ultron lens thats very good and a 50mm Summicron). Now that I have M-Rokkor 40mm - I really am glad I got it. It still has a place between 35mm and 50mm. And I really really like the tones and feel it delivers. Smoother than Ultron, yet sharp and precise.
I guess I should stop talking and show what I was able to do with it on my M6, back when we had an ice storm. here are a few pics. Keep in mind these are quick scans of prints and at low res. Actuall photos look way better.

 

[Krosya]

here are a few more

 

[leica M2 fan]

Krosya, awesome photos. You should be very content with that lens. Even though I prefer 35, I love the pictures my Canon QL17 Glll produces with the 40. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Doug]

You took advantage of an unusual situation in good light to get some very nice pics! That is one fine lens... 🙂

 

[swatch]

frame line for Rokkor 40mm lens on M camera

frame line for Rokkor 40mm lens on M camera

Krosya, I live in area without snow in winter and your photos remain me the first snow I had during a vacation in Japan about 10 years ago.

M6 does not have frameline for 40mm, how do you manage the framing?

 

[Krosya]

Krosya, I live in area without snow in winter and your photos remain me the first snow I had during a vacation in Japan about 10 years ago.

M6 does not have frameline for 40mm, how do you manage the framing?

Well, my lens in not filed down, so it brings up 50mm frames. I use either that or sometimes 35mm frames just by holding the frame lever. I think 35mm frames are very close match to this lens. But I also find 50mm frame useful as well, - it gives me something to crop later in a game and this way I know that I got what I need for sure, plus some extra. I will need to experiment more and see but so far I was not brave enough to file the lens down to make it bring 35mm frame. Time will tell.

Thank you for your comments everyone.

 

[shadowfox]

I assume your M6 is the .72 mag one, yes? because I'm considering to get an .85 mag, I wonder if I'll still be able to use a lens like yours...

 

[Graham Line]

I will need to experiment more and see but so far I was not brave enough to file the lens down to make it bring 35mm frame. Time will tell.

.

My experience, using the 40/2 M-Rokkor on an M4-P, is that you learn very quickly how big an area the lens covers in relation to the frames and that, in the absence of a true 40 frame, filing is kind of pointless.
I also find it very easy to toggle in the 35 frame with my left hand if I really need the reassurance. (I also use a CLE ; another reason to leave the file in the toolbox)

 

[Krosya]

I assume your M6 is the .72 mag one, yes? because I'm considering to get an .85 mag, I wonder if I'll still be able to use a lens like yours...

Yes, mine is .72 mag M6. But I think you should have no problem with .85 one. While 28mm frame lines may not be there, 35 and 50 lines are good enough - I use both, well either, depending on situation.

 

[Krosya]

My experience, using the 40/2 M-Rokkor on an M4-P, is that you learn very quickly how big an area the lens covers in relation to the frames and that, in the absence of a true 40 frame, filing is kind of pointless.
I also find it very easy to toggle in the 35 frame with my left hand if I really need the reassurance. (I also use a CLE ; another reason to leave the file in the toolbox)

That is how I feel so far, If I need 35mm frame I just toggle the frameline switch. Works for me so far.

 

[John Rountree]

Jeez Krosya, this is like telling people about your favorite fishing hole! Just because the M-Rokkor is one of the finest lenses made, doesn't mean it shouldn't remain a secret. I figure if you don't know about it, you don't need to know about it. So, about the 40 Rokkor ...shhhhh

 

[Krosya]

Jeez Krosya, this is like telling people about your favorite fishing hole! Just because the M-Rokkor is one of the finest lenses made, doesn't mean it shouldn't remain a secret. I figure if you don't know about it, you don't need to know about it. So, about the 40 Rokkor ...shhhhh

LOL. But we are all a one big happy RFing 😛 family here. And its Ok to tell your family, right? :angel: