M9 + Backfocus, now what

[Vlad]

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I am currently on assignment (and vacation) in Germany near Frankfurt. After my chaotic, long-arse flight via London Heathrow, I took out my M9 for some leisurely shooting out in the woods and noticed that it was backfocussing pretty severely. I am not aware of getting the body banged at any time during my travels.

 

The proof is in the pudding, as they say. 100% crop.

 

 

 

Shot with my 35Lux at f/2.8, the focus was supposed to be on the sign but clearly shows focus on the grass behind it.

 

Should I send it to Solms for quick service, though I don't know if a. this would be even considered a warranty case and b. whether they'd honor the US American warranty. Heck, I could drive to Solms, as it's about an hour away via the A5.

 

Or I could just manually compensate, hope for the best and then send it to NJ once I get back to the States on the 21st. Opinions?

 

Thanks,

Vlad

[wattsy]

What does the focus look like with the 35 Summilux at F1.4?

[Vlad]

What does the focus look like with the 35 Summilux at F1.4?

 

 

Focus was adjusted on the petal marked in red. Tried a few shots just now, still shows backfocus.

[JWW]

Does it backfocus with your Nocti or 50 lux asph? Have to determine if it's your lens or RF.

[wattsy]

Did the 35 Summilux focus okay before these shots? The reason I ask is that my first 35 Summilux (subsequently sold) and every example I later tried in the shop showed significant backfocus at all apertures out of the box. I ended up getting one special ordered from Solms (via my dealer) that was "setup for the M8" and which focusses fine (at least at F1.4 and F5.6+).

[menos I M6]

Does the RF images perfectly align at infinity with this lens (and your other lenses)?

 

If it does not, the close focus setting of the rangefinder is off and needs calibration (I suppose, you will not be able, to fully get the movable RF image to infinity, but have it slightly stop before alignment).

 

I would give the quick ride to Solms a chance (after calling them up and explaining your urgency for a quick help).

 

You sound not like wanting to fiddle with the RF by yourself (which is never advisable).

[Vlad]

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Did the 35 Summilux focus okay before these shots? The reason I ask is that my first 35 Summilux (subsequently sold) and every example I later tried in the shop showed significant backfocus at all apertures out of the box. I ended up getting one special ordered from Solms (via my dealer) that was "setup for the M8" and which focusses fine (at least at F1.4 and F5.6+).

 

 

To be honest, I don't have enough experience with the 35Lux as I haven't owned it for long yet.

 

However, I did try some wide-open shots with my 50 Lux and the sharpness is definitely not as I expected from prior experience.

 

[Vlad]

Does the RF images perfectly align at infinity with this lens (and your other lenses)?

 

If it does not, the close focus setting of the rangefinder is off and needs calibration (I suppose, you will not be able, to fully get the movable RF image to infinity, but have it slightly stop before alignment).

 

I would give the quick ride to Solms a chance (after calling them up and explaining your urgency for a quick help).

 

You sound not like wanting to fiddle with the RF by yourself (which is never advisable).

 

Inifinity focus lines up perfectly for the two lenses I have with me. Guess the close focus needs adjustment, but I am definitely nowhere near capable of playing with it myself. Some things are better left for experts!

[fjheimann]

Vlad,

Solms is not too far from Frankfurt,

Greets

fjh

[menos I M6]

Inifinity focus lines up perfectly for the two lenses I have with me. Guess the close focus needs adjustment, but I am definitely nowhere near capable of playing with it myself. Some things are better left for experts!

 

Head to Solms (after verifying capacity and will, to help you on the spot) for a quick help.

 

Your 50mm shot shows, you want an adjustment.

Describe your dilemma and ask for help, to get an appointment - I bet, you won't be let down.

[Shootist]

Hate to tell you this but the 35 Lux is notorious for focus shift when stopped down.

there has been tons of threads on this going back 3+ years.

[Jamie Roberts]

Hate to tell you this but the 35 Lux is notorious for focus shift when stopped down.

there has been tons of threads on this going back 3+ years.

 

Yeah, but Ed, if you read the whole thread you'll see

 

1) the 50 also isn't focusing properly

2) the 35 is out at all apertures, even wide open, which isn't focus shift, but probably an RF problem

3) the focus shift of the 35 Lux ASPH is greatly exaggerated... yes, it shifts, but on a properly set up camera you can use it all the time at all apertures and the point of focus is always in focus.

 

Anyway, to the OP, I'd bet even money infinity focus is off, even if it "looks alright" to your eyes.

 

But I'd echo the sentiment here and get the camera to Solms with the lenses and let them have a look!

[therbert]

I had two lenses 6-bit coded and my M8.2 rangefinder adjusted at Solms a year ago - about a 24 hour turnaround after I drove there from France. They were very helpful.

[viramati]

Had to send mine back today along with lux 50 and cron 35, Back focusing and other strange things (seemed worse when stopped down!!).