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0x, 1.25x or 1.4x magnifier...?


Rune

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Hi all!

 

I would like to get some advice on this issue. I have a 90mm Summicron (no APO) which I am really fond of, but more than often, focus is a hit or miss. I would really wish that I didn't have to take 3-4 picture each time and later chose the sharpest... well, somebody will inevitably say that it's down to training or something similar, but I don't see focus clearly enough, and I don't need glasses...

No flaming please, just seeking advise on keep trying with what I have (M8.2) or buy a magnifier...

Thank you all good people for any advice!

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There are a number of factors that may contribute to this difficulty (assuming good technique and conditions).

Your vision may need correction

The lens may be out of adjustment

the camera RF may be out of adjustment.

Each or both may be within tolerance but the combination of those tolerances may be adverse.

 

If possible try some careful testing of the lens on another camera and vice versa.

If possible try the photographer with another camera and lens ;-)

 

The 1.25x or 1.4x magnifiers may assist. They will also reduce the eye relief and brightness may be reduced to a certain extent.

I suggest that the 1.25x is the better choice. You might find it useful for the 50mm and upwards.

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The focus patch is set at a virtual distance of 2m. Be certain that you see clearly at that distance (and without astigmatism); if not, the magnifier will just exacerbate problems. Then put your camera on a tripod to eliminate human error, and test all lenses using a fixed target to assess any misalignment (camera and/or lens).

 

You should have consistent findings, good or bad, unless your lens exhibits focus shift only at some apertures. If all is fine, then you need to practice proper technique.

 

There aren't any shortcuts if you want to be sure. Only then should you consider a magnifier. At that point, maybe you can find a dealer that will let you experiment.

 

I wear glasses and find the magnifier unnecessary.

 

Jeff

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A Summicron 90mm wide open should be focussed very carefully.

At 2m the DOF is about 6cm, for instance.

Remember also, that there is only a plane of (highest) focus at the chosen distance setting. So the tolerance of measuring the distance is less than 3cm (plus minus).

If your setting would be at 2.03m (highest sharpness), the range of sharpness is from 2.00 to 2.06m

 

The lens/camera should be ok, if there are hits sometimes.:)

Train your method of focussing, would be my advice.

 

A magnifier could help for the decision during focussing. But you have an accessory more to think of.

 

Search in the forum for Summilux 75. The users of this lens have the same problem at 1.4 and they complain.

Jan

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  • 2 years later...

1.4 is used for 90/135 and will cut off 50/75

 

1.25 can help with 90, but 1.4 is better.  

 

Not needing glasses does not mean you have perfect vision.   

 

Take some pics with steady tripod and focus on a vertical line.   Fence at 45 degrees works fine.  

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Hi all!

 

I would like to get some advice on this issue. I have a 90mm Summicron (no APO) which I am really fond of, but more than often, focus is a hit or miss. I would really wish that I didn't have to take 3-4 picture each time and later chose the sharpest... well, somebody will inevitably say that it's down to training or something similar, but I don't see focus clearly enough, and I don't need glasses...

No flaming please, just seeking advise on keep trying with what I have (M8.2) or buy a magnifier...

Thank you all good people for any advice!

Why should anybody flame you? That is not the way this forum works :)

 

You may not need glasses, but you might have some eye defect that does not matter in normal viewing, but can be an obstacle in rangefinder use. like mild astigmatism. I would have my eyes checked out by an optometrist if I were you.

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If you are over 40 years of age your eyes have a way of their own...the muscles tend to get stiff and focusing becomes a problem..this in a nutshell.There are 3 major role players with eyes, the Cylinder , Sphere and Axis. Also remember if you increase the magnification, you will have less depth of field. A magnification of 1.25 is always good to start with...you can work your way upwards as you get older.

On a side note....stay away from these cheap magnification glasses you buy at the convenient store, they are mass produced and the optical quality is not good...resulting in more damage in the long run to your eyes. As photographers our eyes are the way into our sole.....a visit to once a year to an optician is highly recommended.

 

Kind regards

Walter

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At full aperture, 90/2 lenses are out the accuracy range of the M8's rangefinder due to the crop factor. Same for 75/1.4 lenses. Ditto for 135/3.4 on full frame Ms as far as focus accuracy i concerned. Don't expect high hit rates w/o a magnifier or an EVF.

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