Missing focus

[Marac]

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This is the first 'real' test for my CL and to be quite frank, it has let me down by missing focus and also at times it creates a weird movement in the image like it was being shaken from side to side. To be fair, it did get some shots in focus. This is only with the Zooms, the primes have been fine but the 18-56 and 55-135 have been pretty awful especially at infinity and in strong light.

 

I'm going to try it again today just out and about. After the FW update it reset everything, maybe a setting? I'm going to use it in MF mode today, I did try a few in MF and they seem ok but still not up to par. Yes I understand they are zooms and will not be as sharp as my primes but seriously, I got better results from the Canon 18-55 kit lens.

 

 

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both taken with 55-135 at f5.6 1/200th ISO 100 using AF

[danielfrimley]

I've had similar with the 23mm Summicron but have put it down to my inexperience and perhaps doing something wrong (I'm not for one moment suggesting that's the cause in your case). I expected everything taken in good light with f/5.6 to f/8 and a shutter speed higher than 1/125s using AF to be pin sharp - and it isn't. I struggle quite a bit sometimes, comparing to images of others posted here and the quality of their focus.

 

I don't have another lens to try (yet) but I do think it's something I'm doing, or more likely not doing - I'm learning all the time.

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[thighslapper]

What Focus and AF modes are you using ?

What auto/manual shutter speeds are you using (with the longer focal lengths you need 1/2f or longer) ?

 

The images from all 3 zooms should be comparable to the sharpness achieved by the primes ..... and as good as most other Leica lenses whatever the mount..... 

[wda]

Marac, with the long tele lens I would have selected a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake. Why not test the camera on a tripod, to eliminate camera movement?

Edited July 6, 2018 by wda

[jaapv]

The AF on the CL is pretty accurate. Both your images appear to suffer from camera shake. I would advise repeating your tests on a tripod.

Use AFS, spot focus and be precise. 

I agree with Steve, you should get results that are comparable to the primes from the zooms.

[Marac]

Thanks for the comments, I will try it on a tripod just eliminate camera shake although I have a shot taken with the 55-135 at 1/80th that is pin sharp, however it was at closer range. Today we went out and i will look through the various shots, I used MF and AF ... 

[Louis]

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I am using 18-56 and find it fantastic on CL. As it was mentioned above, your problem must have something to do with your setting. If you visit the photo thread, you would realize that many of us, CL users, are using this lens with much satisfaction.

 

I do not have 55-135, but what I have seen from this lens is also breathtaking. I am sure by trying different focus and ISO settings you can find what goes best for you.

 

Good luck; you have a great camera and lens.

[jaapv]

I did a little test for you just now -no artistic merit!-. bright light, 55-135 @ 135 wide open, spot AF , AFS focus on Patricia and dogs:

 

 

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[jaapv]

100% crop:

 

 

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[jaapv]

55-135 @ 6.3, 135 mm AFS, spot AF:

 

 

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[jaapv]

again, but diffused light

 

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[jaapv]

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[jaapv]

Note that I did not do a real horizon shot, there was a bit of mist obscuring the sky and far distance.

[bags27]

Not the first poster who's said he's had trouble focusing the CL (or any other new camera). I'm sure quality control at Leica is truly outstanding, but it's not impossible that there are a couple of lemons in the fruit salad. Virtually every model of every camera maker has some problems sometime, in my limited experience. The question is: how does the new owner of a complex camera--which all digital cameras are--distinguish between his own learning curve and perhaps mechanical flaws in that particular camera? The easy answer is to buy your Leica from a local Leica dealer, bring it back in, and have him go over it with you. 

Edited July 6, 2018 by bags27

[jaapv]

The OP has shots that are pin-sharp, as per post #6, so I would not see the camera or the lens as prime suspects.

[Bill W]

Given how light the CL is it needs a higher shutter speed with the longer lens to hold steady. I shoot field metering and AFS. I also use A and watch the shutter speed selected. While 100 ISO is available, I usually shoot at least 200 or 400 even when there is good lighting. FWIW

[frame-it]

but the 23mm at f5.6 or f8 @ 1/125th? should be pretty sharp.

[danielfrimley]

but the 23mm at f5.6 or f8 @ 1/125th? should be pretty sharp.

Yes I would think so - which is why I've put it down to me finding my feet with it. It's not the lens or the camera as otherwise none would be sharp and that's not always the case. User error in my case I'm sure!

[jaapv]

The handgrip and if desired the Thumbie help - a lot- for keeping the camera stable.

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[ramarren]

The handgrip and if desired the Thumbie help - a lot- for keeping the camera stable.

 

 

"My sharpest lens is a sturdy tripod."