Is this very wrong for a new Summilux 50 ASPH?

[brianv]

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As others stated, send the lens in to be calibrated. If the camera must go in with it, be specific in that the camera works properly with your existing lenses including fast long-focus lenses.

 

Current Leica lenses are optimized for their digital cameras, which as stated- lie perfectly flat. Film did not, and manufacturers made assumptions when optimizing their lenses to their cameras. I have found the Nokton 50/1.1 and Nokton 35/1.2 back-focus on the M9 to the same degree. They are calibrated to a standard that accounts for curvature of the film in the manufacturers line of film cameras. Fixed by putting one layer of copper tape on the RF cam of the lens. Nikon seems to have assumed that film was perfectly flat- 65 years ago. Perhaps because they made Leica mount lenses for to be used on cameras from many manufacturers. Every LTM Nikkor that I've owned (about a dozen) was perfect on the M9. The Tanar 5cm F2 for the Tanack IV-S, required a 0.04mm thicker shim. The body used a swing-open back with a pressure plate with horizontal raised thin bars on it. Different assumption for flatness.

[thighslapper]

There are a good number of similar complaints if you hunt on this forum about the 50/1.4

 

Of all Leicas lenses it seems to be the one that has the most issues with focussing wide open. The combination of FLE and very narrow DOF at 1.4 show up any slight misadjustment, particularly close up.

 

Also .... minor Rangefinder miscalibration which would go unnoticed with other lenses will show up with this lens. Get both slightly off in opposite directions and the effect will be obvious....

 

I have had 2 50/1.4 which were both out and needed readjustment ..... and you will find tales of lenses with multiple visits back to Solms to get the adjustment right.

 

By contrast, you rarely hear of a Noctilux that is off..... partly I feel because Leica have a small dedicated team that specifically assemble and adjust these expensive and complex lenses .....

 

I think getting a 50/1.4 spot on is beyond the capabilities of some of Leicas 'normal' lens production team...

 

If you are certain your M9P rangefinder is perfect, then send the lens back..... and if it's not right .... send it again .....

[IkarusJohn]

Wait till people start getting their M Monochrom cameras - we'll see a while new level of paranoia about calibration.

[Scarlet]

I'm happy I shoot film.

[tobey bilek]

The camera is made for reportage or picturing life. If you need a micro focusing camera, another brand would be more suitable. See if it works in a satisfactory manner with the subjects you will use it for. I would check at 3 feet ,6 10 and infinity.

 

I have found few subjects that could be properly exploited at 1.4 or even 2.0.

 

It could be there is more tolerence in the lenses you now have and the camera RF is out of

adjustment.

[haroldp]

Wait till people start getting their M Monochrom cameras - we'll see a while new level of paranoia about calibration.

 

Being paranoid does not mean that hey are not out to get you.

 

 

:)H

[brianv]

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Wait till people start getting their M Monochrom cameras - we'll see a while new level of paranoia about calibration.

 

No - I'm going to use the same Digital Micrometer that I always do.

 

1936 Coated Sonnar 5cm F1.5, wide-open on the M9 by anachronist1, on Flickr

 

100% crop, F1.5, 1936 Sonnar converted to Leica Mount by anachronist1, on Flickr