Akara Labs
M-Coder Kit: 6-Bit Lens Coder for Leica M
M-Coder Kit: 6-Bit Lens Coder for Leica M
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The 6-bit encoder kit for any uncoded M-mount lens. Clips on, codes fast. Works with M/LM, ZM, VM, and most third-party lenses (Voigtländer, Zeiss, 7Artisans, TTArtisan, Thypoch, Light Lens Lab).
Why code your lens
Your digital Leica recognises the lens. You get:
- Lens and focal length written into EXIF, searchable in Lightroom
- Built-in lens corrections applied for vignetting, chromatic aberration, and distortion. Cleaner JPEGs, less work on RAWs
- Correct IBIS on SL2 and SL3 when using the M adapter
Third-party lenses code to the closest Leica equivalent. The corrections still apply.
In the kit
- 6-bit encoder tool
- Black and white pens
- Printed instructions and lens code table
- QR code on the tool links to the latest online table
Find your lens code
Our lens code finder covers 52 Leica lenses and 95 third-party lenses from Voigtländer, Zeiss, Light Lens Lab, Thypoch, TTArtisan, 7Artisans, Konica, Mandler and more. Search your lens, get its code, and see exactly which marks to paint. The printed table in the kit covers the Leica lenses; the finder is kept up to date as new lenses appear.
For what the code actually does and how it is read, see why 6-bit code my lenses.
How long it takes
About 20 seconds to clean off a code and re-apply a new one. If your lens isn't listed, mount the camera on a tripod, shoot the same scene with a few candidate codes, pick the best result. A few lenses takes around 20 minutes.
Got a lens with a screw where a 1-bit mark should sit? Fill it with white, then leave it or mark over it in black.
SL2 and SL3 users get correct image stabilisation automatically. Jonathan Harris at Worldwide Camera Exchange explains why this matters:
Professional photographer Matt Osbourne reviewed version 1:
Credits
Lens code table from lavidaleica.com, originally compiled by Carsten Whimster with contributions from Sean Reid, Jan Dvorak, Dante Stella, and others in the Leica community. Product photography by Rikard Landberg.
International Shipping & Taxes:
- EU (Under ~€150): VAT is included and handled via IOSS. No surprise fees on delivery.
- EU (Over ~€150): A 17% VAT Relief discount is automatically applied at checkout. You will pay local VAT to the courier upon delivery.
- USA: Import duties are prepaid at checkout. No surprise fees on delivery.
- Rest of World: Local import duties or taxes may apply.
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The template is pretty nicely made, but the edges are too thick which causes the code to be weird, and the supplied pens just rub off the metal on the lens barrel.
Hi Rhys,
Thanks for your review. If the code is not staying on the lens it's likely you're coding a vintage Leica lens. These tend to have a flat base so there can be direct contact between the camera mount and the lens causing rubbing to occur. This varies on the camera body and lens combo due to the individual tolerances.
With third-party lenses, they tend to have a slight recess on the lens flange and therefore the ink is protected and lasts months, if not years.
Mycket nöjd med funktionen av kittet, förpackning och frakt, Tack
With this tool, it's very easy to code lenses for the Leica M-system. Works well. Easy recommendation.
The package arrived today marked "RECEIVED IN DAMAGED CONDITION Received without content DAMAGE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER"
Needlees to say I am disappointed and at a loss as to what the remedy .
may be.
Hi James, apologies your package got damaged in transit. I've reached out to you via email and will work towards a good outcome for you.
Works very well!
Product Safety Information
Manufacturer
Henley Bailey (Akara Labs) 38 Marland Fold, OL11 4RF, Rochdale, United Kingdom contact@akaralabs.com | +447764485591
EU Responsible Person
Easy Access System Europe OÜ Mustamäe tee 50, 10621, Tallinn, Estonia gpsr.requests@easproject.com | +372 56 968 939