Leica 6 bit coding for lens

Abstract
Leica earn alot of money by just replacing flange with new 6 bit flange. 6 bit coding for Leica M lens could be DIY easily and neatly, most importantly - cheaply.

Intorduction
Leica has introduced the 6 bit coding system for lens identification with digital M bodies. Since its introduction, Leica has offered to code compatible non-coded lens for a (small) fee. Sending lens to Leica to be coded meant it would be "out of commission" for at least 2-3 months. There are a lot of alternative methods to get the lens coded; Sending to a camera technician (a reputable one), using markers or pencils to "paint" the 6 bit code or buy a flange that has the 6 bit code region recessed and paint it yourself!

Painting on a proper flange would mean a lifetime 6-bit code, unlike temporary solutions with marker or pencils - these would wear off with repeated lens change.

Methods
6 bit flange for 35mm lens was purchased from eBay (please find one that will fit your lens; depending on when your lens is produced, it may have different screw positions.) Black and white automotive paint from Art Friend was used to paint the 6 bit code. A 26G needle and 1 mL syringe for painting. Ethanol was used to clean the flange before painting of 6 bit code.

Results
With the 6 bit code deciphered and available on the internet, it was easy to know what code is used for the lens (in this case, a Summicron 35mm ASPH). 6 bit code from the summicron shown was from http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-news/leica-lens-codes/

 

 

With the code determined, proceed clean the flange with Ethanol. This would remove any oil based residue that was present on the flange, it helps the paint to stick better.


Do take note on the type of flange you are ordering (some have different screw positions), check that the screw positions are correct for your lens before purchasing! It is important to note as well that the flange type (35mm in this case), will be taken into consideration by the camera as well as the code you are going to paint it on. It won't work if you paint a 50mm noctilux f1 code onto a 35mm flange!

 

 

 

After cleaning the flange, prepare the paint brush by filling up the syringe! - this is the trick to get it done neatly and leave no mess to clean up! Don't be bothered to get a fine paint brush for this purpose, nothing works better than a fine gauge needle!

 

 

Proceed and drip a little paint at a time, wait for the paint to dry a little before applying more! The surface tension will allow the paint to fill in nicely in those little recessed holes!!

 

 

Once you are done with black, proceed with white paint - this is just purely cosmetic, the camera really doesn't read the whites.

 

Done! Leave dry and don't touch! Until approximately 24 hours later. Replace your old flange with this and congratulation, you now have a 6 bit Summicron (or what ever...)

 

Discussion

The flange obtained was of good quality. There was no free-play, just like the original non-coded flange. Given the simplicity and cost of DIY, there was never a need for discussion!