SiMPLiFY Posted April 29, 2007 Share #1 Posted April 29, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am hoping someone can give me some advise. I just received my first Leica and my first roll was very out of focus so I mounted it on a tri-pod and shot a still life all through the range of exposures from f/2 to f/16 and again all of the photos are out of focus. I then took it outdoors and shot at f/16 on infinity and again at closest focusing distance and it does look a bit better but not what I would consider tack sharp. I really want to keep this camera but not if it is needing a great deal of repair work. It was a bargain from keh and I have a 14 day return period. Can you help me trouble shoot and see if it is user error or camera error? Could it be that the actual film is not lying flat enough due to improper loading? Maybe the rangefinder is out of alignment? I'm not mechanically inclined so any clues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 29, 2007 Posted April 29, 2007 Hi SiMPLiFY, Take a look here M2 & 50mm f/2 Summicron Out of Focus. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stunsworth Posted April 29, 2007 Share #2 Posted April 29, 2007 Hi Kathleen, it could be the rangefinder or it could be the lens. You say this is your first Leica, could you describe how you were focussing the lens? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiMPLiFY Posted April 29, 2007 Author Share #3 Posted April 29, 2007 Thanks for the fast response! I am lining the double image in the rangefinder and gently pressing the shutter when they become one image. I did recompose on the first roll but in the tests I just left the camera still on a tripod and left it very still. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted April 29, 2007 Share #4 Posted April 29, 2007 Hi Kathleen, well if the two images are perfectly overlapped you are focussing correctly, and if you are using it on a tripod then that removes camera shake from the equation. I'd send it back, it sounds like something's out of alignment - I'd guess the camera's rangefinder. A Summicron should provide beautifully sharp images. If you focus on something a long way - at least a mile or so - is the indicated focus point on the lens infinity? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiMPLiFY Posted April 29, 2007 Author Share #5 Posted April 29, 2007 Thanks It's not the ONLY Leica out there, right? I'm going to shoot one more roll today and be extremely methodical in my approach. If they are also out of focus I'll have to return or exchange. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted April 29, 2007 Share #6 Posted April 29, 2007 Kathleen, there are _lots_ of Leicas out there, but it's always disapointing when something has to be sent back. My first M was also an M2, it's a excellent choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted April 29, 2007 Share #7 Posted April 29, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Are you sure its not faulty processing? Are you looking at prints or negs? I've had out of focus prints from sharp negs before. Also you could try focussing by guessing the distance, something like 10' away, and use 5.6/8 - should come out sharp, or if you have another camera compare them both focussing on the same point (see what distance is indicated by the lens). Another suggestino, its possible - maybe - that the film didn't sit correctly between the upper and lower guide rails when you loaded the camera? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiMPLiFY Posted April 29, 2007 Author Share #8 Posted April 29, 2007 I am looking at the negatives. I shot my non-brand rangefinder side by side with the Leica and those came out sharp. I developed them in the same tank. I will check the sprockets and run another roll through it and double check that before I return it. Thanks for the tip! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted April 29, 2007 Share #9 Posted April 29, 2007 With the camera base-plate removed and the back of the camera 'up' ... you could try taping a piece of drafting film ... or any other translucent film ... or thick tracing paper ... across the film gate and then use same as a focusing screen ... then with the shutter on 'B' , focus the image on the temporary focusing screen, compare the focus , or lack of it, in the camera viewfinder. If there is a difference it would confirm that something is wrong as both the images should be in focus. If you can focus on the temporary focusing screen it would prove that the lens is ok but the rangefinder might be 'out' if the images in the viewfinder dont coincide. If you cant focus a sharp image on the temporary focusing screen it might suggest that there is something wrong with the lens rather than the camera. This test would require a 'focusing cloth' over your head and the camera .. and a loupe or magnifying glass would also help. Have you examined the lens on a light box to make sure there is nothing amiss with the optics? ... e.g no major scratches or fungus? How old is the Summicron? It could be up to 50 years old and in need of a service .... note the lens serial number and check the age here Leica Objektiv Serienummer og produktionsår -Leica Lenses serial number and production year And check to make sure there isnt a faulty filter on the front of the lens ... sometimes a previous owner may have used a scratched/damaged UV filter in lieu of a lenscap. .... Just had another thought about this anomoly.. note from your previous introduction that you are using a collapsible Summicron ... have you pulled out the lens to the non-collapsed position and locked it ?? I have not use this lens but assume it is similar in operation to my collapsible Elmar ... I can 'focus' my Elmar when it collapsed . And your Summicron must be at least 49 years old ... it might need a service? Dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomad Posted April 29, 2007 Share #10 Posted April 29, 2007 Agree with Dunk. Could it be a collapsible Summicron which needs to be extended and twisted clock wise to lock??? Failing that - send it back. Hope you get it sorted. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StS Posted April 29, 2007 Share #11 Posted April 29, 2007 I have not use this lens but assume it is similar in operation to my collapsible Elmar ... I can 'focus' my Elmar when it collapsed .[/i] And your Summicron must be at least 49 years old ... it might need a service? Dunk The collapsible Summicron can be 'focused' even when it is collapsed, like your Elmar. In 'collapsed' position it's lenght should be 27mm, in this position one can read only part of the aperture numbers. In 'photo' position it's lenght should be 40mm measured from the camera body to the front edge (filter thread without lens cap). In my experience the probability of getting damaged parts is unfortunately quite high when buying used equipment. I guess I returned almost half of the used equipment I bought after I checked the first test roll. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiMPLiFY Posted April 30, 2007 Author Share #12 Posted April 30, 2007 It's a rigid chrome Summicron from 1956 according to the link above. Does anyone know a reputable dealer who would sell me the same kit that is in working order for a reasonable price? I want a shooter so cosmetic issues won't bother me at all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted May 1, 2007 Share #13 Posted May 1, 2007 It's a rigid chrome Summicron from 1956 according to the link above. Does anyone know a reputable dealer who would sell me the same kit that is in working order for a reasonable price? I want a shooter so cosmetic issues won't bother me at all. But in your introduction you said " will be receiving my first Leica M2 with Preview, Self Timer & Lever Rewind on Wednesday. I got the 50mm f/2 collapsible Summicron to start as I could not locate an affordable 35mm..." .. which is why we suggested checking the collapsible was fully extended/locked ... Might be worth borrowing another lens to try and isolate the focus problem to either the camera or your existing lens. Another thought ... Is there a diopter adjustment lens in the viewfinder ? I once bought an M4 and could not focus it properly as previous owner had a prescription viewfinder lens fitted to suit his/her own eye ... Dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tourmie green Posted May 1, 2007 Share #14 Posted May 1, 2007 Just my 2p worth Kathleen.Is there any chance of you posting a picture of the camera and lens? My Leica M history is a bit rusty,but Leica did make a dual focusing/close focusing Summicron at about the same time as the Leica M2.A picture would help eliminate this possibility. if you also post the seriel number,maybe a more learned visitor to this site could also help to identify/eliminate this possibility from the equation.All the best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StS Posted May 1, 2007 Share #15 Posted May 1, 2007 These links might be helpful for identification: At Erwin Puts pages Leica report Summicron, 2003 a drawing of the 'Summicron Rigid' (non-collapsible) is shown (first and third picture, the second shows a prototype). Please find two images of the collapsible Summicron attached. It's kind of a photographic Chapeau claque, or collapsible top hat. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/22764-m2-50mm-f2-summicron-out-of-focus/?do=findComment&comment=242813'>More sharing options...
SiMPLiFY Posted May 1, 2007 Author Share #16 Posted May 1, 2007 oops! you're so correct and i am so embarrassed! i just extended it! oh well, a DUH moment for sure! i'll test another roll with the lens extended. I come love my many LUCY moments!!!!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiMPLiFY Posted May 1, 2007 Author Share #17 Posted May 1, 2007 It's sharp! The film is drying now and I am VERY relieved and grateful for you all pointing out my silly error! I am as embarrassed as I am happy but again, THANKS so much! I get to keep my Leica! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted May 1, 2007 Share #18 Posted May 1, 2007 Don't worry about it, you got there in the end <grin> Enjoy the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted May 1, 2007 Share #19 Posted May 1, 2007 Great news! Forget the embarrassment and enjoy your "new" camera to the fullest. I think every single one of us has snapped a shot with the lens cap on, so you just passed "initiation to the club" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted May 1, 2007 Share #20 Posted May 1, 2007 LOL all part of the fun of getting to know a camera like the Leica. Don't forget you extend the lens then turn it clockwise to 'lock' it in position. I thought it would turn out to be something simple - its easy to see if the rangefinder is off and you would certainly notice a severely hazy lens. Look forward to seeing some of your results. I've only shot one roll with my M2 so far but initial impressions are good (having previously tried an M3 and not so enjoying it). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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