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Where can I get M240 focus adjustment done quickly?


doublev

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I just came back from a trip and the rangefinder was out of focus.  the pictures were hard to snap accurately -- all crap.  very dissatisifed with the rangefinder on the m240 getting out of whack so easily (i have no idea how it happened -- i didnt drop it?!) .. anyways i have another trip coming up in 2 weeks..

 

I cannot wait the 6 weeks that leica says it takes to do a focus adjustment.  It is a m240 with a noctilux.  I only use the noctilux lens and I would like to get focus adjustment done with the lens and body together.  I dont mind spending the money -- Leica's turnaround is a joke. 

 

There has to be someone in the U.S. that can do this with a quick turnaround and does an exceptional job?  if it helps, i spend a lot of time in southern california or chicago -- if there happens to be someone in that area (would rather drop off than mail for obvious reasons).

 

 

 

 

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You might try Sherry Krauter at The Golden Touch.

She fixed my 35mm Summicron Asph very quickly.

Hope you can get your camera adjusted in time.

 

It amazes me that  a camera this expensive has a turnaround time of weeks, if not months from Leica.

With all the "super special" cameras with astronomicla prices they sell, they can't field an adequate service department.

 

But this is what you get with the "Ranfefinder Experience".

I'sn't it grand?

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If the rangefinder has drifted and is out at all distances.....

 

buy a 2mm Allen key.

 

Find a target 15 meters away. Search the forum on how to adjust the infinity position on the M8/9/240. Adjust at 15 meters and then test at minimum and infinity. It'll take you 15-30 minutes. Looking down from the top of the camera, clockwise cures backfocus and anti-clockwise cures front focus. Use tiny adjustments and take your time.

 

Gordon

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Sherry explained to me that the reason she doesn't repair digital Ms is that the equipment to calibrate and repair properly would be cost prohibitive.  I think she said that just one of the machines would exceed $70,000.  Maybe she should just get an allen key.  

 

Jeff

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When it happened to me it turned out that a piece of paper or lint had worked itself into the wheel on the rangefinder lever. It took me a few minutes to get it out.

Normally the focus on an M240 does not drift by itself, nor is it affected by less than extreme knocks etc. What could have happened is a that a careless lens change has knocked the rangefinder arm askew or a really strong knock could have dislodged the sensor slightly.

In that case an Allen Key infinity adjustment can make the camera usable again. It will still need a proper calibration to get it perfect though.

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A careless lens change means that the roller is pushed up or down when placing the lens in the bayonet mount.

Have a look when you change your lens and peep through the top of the bayonet. You will see the rim that engages with the roller. Especially wide angle lenses have a far protruding rim.

I try always to place this rim on the roller first before I fully engage the lens. Others mount their lenses when turned to the closest focus distance first (moving the focusing rim out of the way and more to the front of the lens).

I personally have no proof that the way you mount your lenses influences focus accuracy.

I agree with Jaap that once correctly adjusted the M240 shows little drift.

 

When the sensor is not correctly in the plane of focus you will no longer be able to focus on infinity: turn your lens to infinity and shoot a high contrast object at large distance.

When your camera passes this test check the rangefinder at infinity. This is the setting you can change with the 2mm Allen key.

Then check focus on a 1m object. When this is correct too, intermediate distances should be okay as well.

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Sherry explained to me that the reason she doesn't repair digital Ms is that the equipment to calibrate and repair properly would be cost prohibitive.  I think she said that just one of the machines would exceed $70,000.  Maybe she should just get an allen key.  

 

Jeff

 That would be for alignment of the sensor ...... and it's hard to see how that can shift easily as it's bolted into position .......

 

RF calibration takes a 2mm allen key, a screwdriver and something that you can focus on at infinity (or in my experience at least 1 km to be certain the adjustment is correct). The latter is the only problem that may be difficult to overcome in repair shop or at home .......

 

You will be able to correct for infinity and if the error is small you may get away with it ....... but be aware that anything other than tiny adjustments will alter the near point calibration as well ....... the two points are inter-dependent and altering one ALWAYS alters the other ..... the question is by how much and the practical consequences. 

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I would second a recommendation to Don Goldberg, (DAG). Give him a call. If your job is a quick one, I am sure he will accommodate you. Everything he has done for me has been perfect.

Good luck.

the 2mm Allen key route is not for everyone.

 

rafael

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