6-bit coding in Bangkok

<p>Is there anyone doing it for non-coded Leica M lenses? How long does it take? Thanks</p>

<p>Nope, you have to send the lenses to Germany.<br>

Or you can just order the inexpensive, useful Match Technical M-Coder kit and do it yourself for a fraction of the cost and hassle.<br>

;></p>

<p>For US$6 you can order the Bo Coder and do it yourself. I have it and it works perfectly.</p>

<p>http://bophoto.typepad.com/bophoto/2009/01/m8-coder-simple-manual-handcoding-of-m-lenses.html</p>

<p>The template is great, just use a black marker (I use a Sharpie pen). Here are the codes:</p>

<p>http://whimster-photography.com/leica_m_lens_codes/index.html</p>

<p>The idea of sending my lenses somewhere, paying a lot for the coding, waiting for weeks at a time, and sometimes not getting a perfect lens back, is risky.</p>

<p>You better try to contact "http://www.cameracollection.net/". They are in Bangkok....</p>

<p>Pat</p>

<p>Thanks for the answers. I was told the marking through the kits wears off. I realize it has to do with how frequently you change your lenses but has anyone had an experience of more than a year or two?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I've been using the Match Technical M-Coder kit for about a year; I just check the markings on my lenses before I go out to shoot, and if they're in need of a refresh, I take care of it then. <br>

I also carry a marking pen with me, just in case - had to use it once when I forgot to check prior to heading out. With the M9, I leave the lens selection set to automatic, and look to ensure that the camera recognizes the lens prior to shooting.<br>

Note that even if you fail to do all this and the lens isn't recognized by the camera, your photos will still be fine; it's just the EXIF lens-reporting data that's dorked up. You can either fix the EXIF data manually in Lightroom or whatever, or you can do it programmatically with exiftool.</p>