Clandrel Posted March 23, 2011 Share #1 Posted March 23, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I think I may have a rangefinder problem. See the attached photo. I tried to photoshop what it looks like. I tried different lenses, but the same result. Som it must be the M9. In the picture I "focused" on the tip of the yellow measure tool. When I look at the photos it also looks like they are 2 cm out of focus too. Any ideas? /c Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/147020-what-is-wrong-with-my-m9/?do=findComment&comment=1623211'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 Hi Clandrel, Take a look here What is wrong with my M9? . I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted March 23, 2011 Share #2 Posted March 23, 2011 To be perfectly honest, I find it very hard to judge on this image. But by all means have the camera checked, if only for your peace of mind. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightwrangler Posted March 23, 2011 Share #3 Posted March 23, 2011 In the picture I "focused" on the tip of the yellow measure tool. The tip looks perfectly sharp. So where is the problem? Do you state the overlaying picture in the rangefinder is no perfect match and you focused the tip just by guessing? Then there might be an obvious problem with your viewfinder. But maybe you should try harder to explain your issue. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
frc Posted March 23, 2011 Share #4 Posted March 23, 2011 Ben Turpin syndrom! Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/147020-what-is-wrong-with-my-m9/?do=findComment&comment=1623326'>More sharing options...
Clandrel Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share #5 Posted March 23, 2011 Here is also a picture attached that shows that perhaps the rangefinder is misaligned. I focused on the book in the back, but it shows that the book in the middle is in focus... Aargh! /c Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/147020-what-is-wrong-with-my-m9/?do=findComment&comment=1623335'>More sharing options...
eddds Posted March 23, 2011 Share #6 Posted March 23, 2011 In the first picture, you said you focused 2cm back, and in the second it is 2 cm forward. Were you handholding the camera or using a tripod? Regards, Edgard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clandrel Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share #7 Posted March 23, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) The camera was on the table... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted March 23, 2011 Share #8 Posted March 23, 2011 Focus and recompose by twisting the camea creates errors as objects change distance. Take the scale and lay it at 45 deg to lens axis with the camera focused somewhere near the middle. Mark that with a thin strip of black tape. That will assist you to focus exactly there and provide a reference when you pixel peep. Leica RF have traditionally be set up to be correct at infinity and 1 meter from the film plane. All other distances will then be correct. The M9 might have some additional adjustments. Regardless, that is how to set up the test. It works better if the scale goes across right/left rather than front rear. Do not move the camera after focus. Approach focus point from infinity and from close point to see if that makes a difference. I would do this with a 50 mm lens. It will be marked at 1 meter. Set the target at a bit more, 41 or 42 ". You only need it correct if you are actually setting the RF yourself which I would advise against. Clean the focus cam on rear of lens and the pick up wheel on the RF. Use more than one lens because there are always tolerences. Sometimes they cancel, sometimes they add one way, sometimes another. You might need to send the lens and camera so they can both be checked and the set zeroed out together. Might be specially true if you have but one lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted March 23, 2011 Share #9 Posted March 23, 2011 So you've decided there's something wrong with the camera. Why didn't you decide there's something wrong with the lens instead? It might be the rangefinder. It might be focus shift in stopping down. It might be misadjustment of the lens. It might be a misapprehension. Suggestion: to figure out something like this, you need to be extremely careful and consistent. Use a test chart such as the Nikon D70 Focus Chart. (Note that to focus with the M rangefinder, you need to rotate the camera to 'vertical' orientation.) From a tripod: First, shoot the lens wide open. [* Then try again, stopping down a stop. Then again, stopping down a further stop. See below. *] Repeat with several lenses. * [The rangefinder and lens focus should match when the lens is wide open. Trying other apertures is helpful only after you've found that the rangefinder and lens match wide open.] Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FredSF Posted March 23, 2011 Share #10 Posted March 23, 2011 My two cents: did you use a tripod or not? I found myself focusing with my widest aperture, then move myself inevitably an inch or so... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clandrel Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted March 23, 2011 This is not easy! I tried all my lenses. The 35 Summilux ASPH II is spot on. The 50 Summilux ASPH front focuses around 1,5 cm The 90 Summicron APO front focuses around 1,5 cm So either the 50 and 90 is OK and the rangefinder is out of whack, together with the 35, or what I believe it must be, that the rangefinder is OK, but the 50 and 90 needs calibration. The 50 and 90 are brand new lenses. Jesus! /c Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted March 23, 2011 Share #12 Posted March 23, 2011 Dear Clandrel, It's a rather simple problem you have, and it can be fixed rather easily. Because it's a focusing problem, and it could easily be both lenses, camera and even you that cause it. The way to do it is to send in the camera and lenses to Leica for focus adjustment. If you have a chance to go by any of their customer service facilities it will be a very quick and inexpensive operation. Thing is that every lens and camera can be adjusted to factory specifications, and when that happens, it works 100%. So not only do you get perfect tools, you also get the certainty that if something is out of focus, it's probably you who made an error in focusing (happens often to me as well) or you or the subject moved when you shot it. I know it would be nice if there was an explanation and it would just fix everything, but digital requires very precise alignment. And I have had my M9 adjusted four times so far, just because I dropped it a few times and because I generally use it a lot and like it to be 100% in focus. And it's not a rangefinder issue even some say that. It's an issue with also dSLR and oc course also with brands that use AF. Things can go out of alignment. So I would do that, eventual mail customer service at Leica in Solms for advice on how to get it done, where and when, their e-mail is cs@leica-camera.com Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clandrel Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share #13 Posted March 23, 2011 Thanks everybody! I guess I'll have to send it all to Solms. Terrible timing as I'm going to Berlin next week ONLY to take pictures... Maybe I'll hire a car and drive straight to Solms:) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpmac55 Posted March 24, 2011 Share #14 Posted March 24, 2011 Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sspector15 Posted March 24, 2011 Share #15 Posted March 24, 2011 I had a similar problem with a 90 Summicron Version III. I sent it to Leica USA in New Jersey for calibration when I got the dreaded "Shutter Error" message and my M9 locked up. I expect them back next week. The 90mm simply wouldn't focus where it was supposed to focus. My other lenses were fine - 90mm Summaron, 50 Summicron, 35mm Summaron (now replaced), 35mm Zeiss, and 28mm Elmarit. I'll report back how calibration worked. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmelade Posted March 24, 2011 Share #16 Posted March 24, 2011 Hello, It could be all in your head ? =) (not meaning to be rude, but its in my head aswell) About your RF, i thought/think its quite normal that objects that are not "planar", the ruler/vater on the table will get this misalignment. this is due to the triangulation of overlay image... could be just me, but my m9 does the same if i try to focus on something lying flat, from an angle.. my guess is that if i try with an M7 i will get the same result. in the finder.. (not talking backfocus) are Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesBarry Posted March 24, 2011 Share #17 Posted March 24, 2011 Well, my M9 and 35 Cron ASPH have been back at Solms for 2 weeks now with a similar focus issue. Body is 2 months new and lense 2 yrs second hand, both bought together. I'm praying that my trust and confidence in the kit will return in hopefully a weeks time!! For peace of mind (hopefully in warranty), I should send back and all will be waiting for you on your return from Berlin! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hydeca Posted March 24, 2011 Share #18 Posted March 24, 2011 Send the body and lens to Leica for calibration. If the calibration on the body needs correcting it will be covered by the warranty. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 24, 2011 Share #19 Posted March 24, 2011 Why don't you send it in and collect it at Solms whilst you are in Germany? The factory is well worth a visit, and the countryside is rather pretty. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted March 24, 2011 Share #20 Posted March 24, 2011 I would suggest going via Solms and check into the Wetzlarerhof in the evening and go straight to customer service next morning. And while they have a look at it you can do a factory tour and head to Berlin later in the day. With calibrated gear and a new view on Leica Camera Warning: Don't get lost in the in-facotry Leica Store ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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