Strange rangefinder problem- M8

[odyocu]

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I'm a new M8 user, but I'm used to RF cameras from the time of SM systems.

 

1. I changed my M8 the same day I bought it because the RF was adjusted very badly. The lens was showing at least 3 mm off from the actual distance and the pictures were blurred. By moving an app. 3mm after focusing, I was able to get something decent

2. My new camera was given immediately after I showed the problem. It's a compromise now, because of the following problem, so I'm trying to decide whether I should send this one to service.

3. Problem is: (using 35/1.4 old silver version, new 90/2.0 and 1 year old 28/35/50 3E lenses), my M8 focuses perfectly and takes great pictures. BUT, the indication is wrong on the lens barrel. That is, assume taking a photo of something at infinity, lens fully open, I get a great picture by RF focusing. At the point of focus, if you look at the lens barrel (correct for all lenses) the point is about 1-2mm short of the infinity engraving. If you move the lens to infinity, then in the RF you start seeing off lined double figures (as you may guess)

4. Therefore I have no problems if I use RF focusing. But assume I manually get the lens to infinity for a distant object, then everything is blurred (at the widest aparture of course)

5. Possible cause: I don't think RF is wrong. I think my M flange is at a shorter distance than required, and a guy at Solms adjusted the RF w/o noticing the real problem, so that overall the system works.

 

What else can it be?

 

Thanks.

 

Seyhun

[doubice]

Hello Seyhun,

 

When checking infinity focus on a Leica, you have to be focused on objects at least 500 meters (1500 feet) away. The M's rangefinder is much more accurate than the one on the screw mount bodies, as its optical and physical base is much wider.

 

Best way to check infinity focus is on an airplane in the sky during daytime hours or the moon in the night sky. That is true infinity.

 

You might be aware of this, but in case you are not, I hope to have helped.

 

All the best,

 

Jan

[wilyum]

I wouldn't think that a 3mm difference in distance would be enough to produce blurred images, unless you're shooting in macro mode with a wide aperture. Am I missing something? Best regards, Bill