[Leica] M8 question #2: Barcoding lenses

[grduprey at mchsi.com (grduprey@mchsi.com)]

Ken,

I have only 2 lenses with the 6 bit coding, the 28 Elmarit Asph and the 21 
Elmarit Asph.  I use all my other lenses with no coding and not a single 
problem.  My 21 Apsh does not have a filter, and I probably will not buy one 
for it.  My M8 is set for IR and lens recognition for all of my shooting 
with no imaging problems either way irregardless of what lens I have on the 
camera.  Generally the wider the lens the more important the coding and 
filter requirements, but not using a filter on my 21 has not shown any goofy 
coloring at all.  I would not worry about this until you try it for 
yourself.  If you shoot primarily B&W, then it is not an issue at all.  YMMV 
this has been my experience with my M8 and lenses.

Gene

-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Ken Lassiter <kenlass@gate.net>
>
> As I begin shopping for my M8.2, I realize that I must have my M lenses 
> barcoded.  I gather that it is required for the best performance of wide 
> lenses such as the 21mm ASPH, 28mm and 35mm Summicrons. What about for 
> longer lenses such as 50mm Summicron and 90mm Elmarit?  Last, what about 
> the Noctilux?  Which lenses are important to have barcoded?  At $175 
> each, I need to set priorities for which lenses I have coded first and 
> know if it might be a luxury for some others. I see that Tina sometimes 
> uses a 135mm lens on her M8 and no barcoding is available for that lens. 
> 
> My main concern is optical performance not just recording which lens was 
> used for a particular photo.
> 
> All advice offered will be highly appreciated.
> 
> Many thanks... Ken Lassiter, Boynton Beach, FL
> 
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