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Leica m8 rangefinder issues


Kugelfest

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Hi folks.

 

Got myself a good conditioned M8 a couple of months ago. I already have a M3 and M6 classic.

 

I know that rangefinders are a bit tricky to get spot on and I have fixed both analogue Ms with the diy infinity screw trick with great results.

I noticed that the M8 was a bit out of alignment at infinity and at close range so i got a hex key and set the infinity spot on (with three lenses)

 

The problem is now that its still of at close range with back focus.

If I use the infinity screw to set close focus all the lenses are spot on but then the infinity is off.

 

I have heard that the second flat screw on the roller are is close and midrange but im unsure if I should mess with that. Havent found a good guide to set the second screw only answers like "you ususally dont need to adjust that"

Im not to keen to send it of to Solms for many weeks since I use the camera every day.

 

Grateful for tips.

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Welcome to the forum. :)

I would send your camera in to a Leica authorized service if you don't want to send it to Solms. See Leica Camera AG - Service - worldwide network.

Otherwise, i used to set the infinity screw in order to get accurate results at one meter and ten meters more or less and i did not care if the RF patch were slightly misaligned at infinity. DoF is wide there so my pics were normally sharp at infinity as well. I've done this DIY with film Ms though, not with M8 or M9.

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The correct patch overlap at infinity is the most important setting of the range finder. The setting at close distance is connected with it but usually this setting is good enough and can be left alone.

It seems that in your case both settings are off and you will never be able to find an in-between solution that will satisfy you for more than one day. I speak from experience here.

I can recommend digging up this old thread from Julian Thompson: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/122176-m9-coincidence-infinity.html.

When you scroll down to #8 you will find an explanation of the theory and the practice of the Leica M range finder..

Enjoy but think twice before you put your screwdriver inside your M8 body.

 

Maarten

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Hate to say this, but it might be a good idea to also send the lenses if they haven't been checked for focus. Leica checks cameras and lenses independently, but it's good to know that everything falls within respective tolerances.

 

When I first got my M8.2 several years ago after transitioning from my film Ms, I called Leica NJ to ensure timing was right for a quick turnaround. Everything was back in my hands in less than 2 weeks, including adjustment to a somewhat loose aperture ring on one lens.

 

BTW, there are warnings in other threads about taking matters into your own hands, including the notion that as soon as one thing is corrected, another is thrown further off.

 

Jeff

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