M8 and Noctilux - backfocusing?

[thpeters]

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From Bill Hollinger,

 

I have exactly this problem Theo, and it makes me crazy. Worse, it varies with different lenses.

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Hello Bill,

 

We all, ( I do ) expect from Leica to fix that problem or Camera or Lenses.

 

There are different treads in the forum about the back focus, with all great solutions and advise from other forum members,I dont want to go there, to many people have problems with it, I fully understand that Leica New Jersey and Solms is overwelmed with problems regarding the M8, but it least when a camera is there with 2 lenses (in my situation) then fix it, right???????????????

 

Also the Shutter is not staying open for sensor cleaning?????????????

 

Only with the lens connected to the camera, I am not sure if that is normal??????????

 

I dont want to be nitty picky, but also the sensor cameback with more dust then before.

 

How is doing the quality control before it is sent back?

 

Should I phone and complain again??????????????

 

I am not interested to sent it back again, maybe they want me to buy a second body.

 

Is it only ME? or WHAT? I am not much of a complainer or whiner, but at this moment it sucks regarding part of Leica services.

 

Theo

[frank_dernie]

I have exactly this problem Theo, and it makes me crazy. Worse, it varies with different lenses. I wonder if Leica could add something to the next camera like Canon did here (scroll down to focus test) with their 1D3?

 

http://eng.mobile01.com/newsdetail.php?id=3263

 

 

You are joking right? The rangefinder is entirely mechanical. If all the lenses behave the same way but are wrong the camera needs adjusting, if some lenses focus correctly and others don't the ones that don't are out of calibration and need adjusting.

[newyorkone]

The same thing happened with my M8 and Noctilux. I took a hex wrench, and using the technique discussed in other threads, and the following photos, seem to have fixed the problem:

 

Focus Adjustment on M8

 

If you have to turn the focus toward infinity to get the image in focus, try turning the wrench away from the red dot. Limit turns to about 1 to 2 degrees at a time.

 

Regards,

Bob Rose

 

Bob,

 

Did this adjustment mess up the focus at infinity?

 

I'm also confused about your description as to which way to turn the hex wrench. One of the threads with photos indicated that if your camera is backfocusing, then you should turn the hex wrench away from the M8 - clockwise. Your description appears to describe frontfocusing issues if you need to focus toward infinity to get the image in focus - compensating by focusing farther away. Yet, you also state that the hex wrench should be turned away from the red dot - also clockwise.

 

Could someone clarify for certain as to the direction that the hex wrench should be turned depending on the problem. Thanks.

 

for a backfocusing problem - turn hex wrench _____________

 

for a frontfocusing problem - turn hex wrench _____________

[thpeters]

- s t e v e

 

“Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have someone click the shutter.” - Ansel Adams

 

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But Ansel Adams doesnt need a "Hex Wrench" to change every time something in the camera to make a picture.

 

We should not have to do it either right, when we change lenses?

 

It make Bill crazy....lol..... and me too.

We love to change lenses and keep shooting.

 

Theo

[bradreiman]

you only have to adjust it once silly. not every time you change lenses. take a deep breath. turn hex key a little EITHER direction. put lens on and test. rinse and repeat. really simple operation that anyone who uses rangefinder cameras should be able to perform. maybe the hex key adjust should be the new standard for liscensing rangefinder users.

[newyorkone]

you only have to adjust it once silly. not every time you change lenses. take a deep breath. turn hex key a little EITHER direction. put lens on and test. rinse and repeat. really simple operation that anyone who uses rangefinder cameras should be able to perform. maybe the hex key adjust should be the new standard for liscensing rangefinder users.

 

2mm hex wrench included with every M8 - limited edition

[thpeters]

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from Steve:

2mm hex wrench included with every M8 - limited edition

 

Steve,

 

I like to have it in Gold that "2 mm hex wrench", with the red dot on top.

 

 

Theo

[Guest guy_mancuso]

I have one in my bag all the time. Love the fact that you the user can fine tune itif you need to. I've done it on jobs

[newyorkone]

Well, I dug up my 2mm hex key and here are my findings:

 

To correct the backfocus, I had to turn the hex key counterclockwise. I prefer the clock terminology since it creates less confusion. Away from this or toward that can be misinterpreted...or maybe it's just me.

 

Anyway, wide open the noct, 90 APO and 35 cron are better, BUT (and this is a huge but - J Lo size) when you stop down any of the lenses, the focus point moves backwards rendering the sharpest point behind the point where you focused...hence, backfocusing yet again.

 

So, in my case I was able to correct the backfocusing for the most part for the lenses used wide open but then when you stop down the lenses, all bets are off.

 

This will do for now since I prefer to shoot wide open 90% of the time but I think the M8 will need to make a trip to Leica service sometime in the future with all my lenses.

 

NOTE: I just want to reiterate what others have said about making VERY VERY fine adjustments. Even 1 degree makes quite a big difference. Make lots of small adjustments if need be, rather than large ones.

[thpeters]

I have one in my bag all the time. Love the fact that you the user can fine tune itif you need to. I've done it on jobs

 

Hello Guy,

 

I can only talk from my own experience, in more then 25 years having a Leica M4 with a couple of lenses, I have never fine tuned it and never have used the "hex wrench". "

 

And the pictures where always in focus where I want to have it.

 

Needless to say but all leica lenses where develop for film.

 

Having said that, I think there is a bigger problem on the hand at this moment, to many lenses are out focus,(reading the different treads) and not go further in the rest of the problems with the M8.

 

Is there clearly the problem of the sensor position comparing to film? the thickness etc.?

 

 

Just a thought.

 

I still love my M8 and the pictures with the 90 mm are great.

 

Theo

[billh]

I like to have it in Gold that "2 mm hex wrench", with the red dot on top.

 

 

Theo

 

But Theo,

 

Isn’t the black dot more prestigious?

[thpeters]

But Theo,

 

Isn’t the black dot more prestigious?

 

Bill,

 

Instead of the "red dot", a diamond from Swarovski will do it..............

 

Theo

[gravastar]

you only have to adjust it once silly. not every time you change lenses. take a deep breath. turn hex key a little EITHER direction. ................

Either direction could well be true. If turned far enough most eccentrics will reverse direction. We don't know if during assembly the same directionality is maintained between cameras.

 

Bob.