Requesting help - Leica MP paired with 35 MM 1.4 Summilux not focusing

[shadowman]

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Hello all,

I searched the forum to the extent that I could looking for a solution to the current issue I am experiencing, with no luck.

I am having an issue where the rangefinder patch only focuses on distant objects between infinity and roughly 7 meters. When moving the focus ring to the left, the patch eventually stops aligning on items between myself and seven meters even though I keep the focus ring moving to the left. It seems to just stop as I turn to the left. In other words, utilizing the rangefinder, regardless of aperture, I cannot focus on anything inside of seven meters as the patch alignment stops. It appears to focus perfectly at infinity.

This is extremely frustrating and occurred out of nowhere while hiking yesterday. I am on a trip where I have shot nearly 200 exposures without issue prior to this happening.

If anyone can offer insight, I would greatly appreciate it!  Thank you for your time.

Edited September 23, 2019 by shadowman

[DickieT]

Do you have a second lens to try if the camera or the summilux is at fault ?

[farnz]

Have a look at the focus follower - when you take the lens off you'll see a small hockey puck shaped piece of brass on an arm at the top of the hole where the lens fits.  This is moved backwards and forwards by the threaded cylinder in the lens (the helicoid) to move the image in the focussing patch in the viewfinder.  If the focus follower is partially stuck at 7 metres then you won't be able focus below 7 metres.

You can check by removing the lens and moving the focus follower back and forth with your finger while looking through the rangefinder.  If you still can't focus on anything closer than 7 metres then the focus follower is sticking and needs attention but if you can then it means that the helicoid is disengaging too soon and your lens probably needs to be checked.

Pete.

[250swb]

On 9/23/2019 at 4:37 PM, shadowman said:

 

I am having an issue where the rangefinder patch only focuses on distant objects between infinity and roughly 7 meters. When moving the focus ring to the left, the patch eventually stops aligning on items between myself and seven meters even though I keep the focus ring moving to the left. It seems to just stop as I turn to the left.

This is precisely what happens if you haven't mounted the lens properly. My guess would be that you've kept your finger on the lens release button as you mounted the lens and it has gone over-centre in the mount and beyond where it should sit. Let the lens snap into place and keep your finger off the lens release button unless you are demounting a lens.

[shadowman]

Following up here.

I appreciate your responses, and suggestions. 

• I tried a second lens and that did not ameliorate my problems.
• I checked the focus follower and it seems to be performing well.
• I unmounted and remounted the lens while ensuring my finger was off of the release button.

I have not been able to fix my problem. The issue seems to have migrated - now my focus patch is not aligned horizontally?  In other words, my area of focus is shown in the patch sliding below the actual scene in the patch.  I'm hopeful this bit of information could be of benefit to someone following along? My gut tells me it's a simple fix, though I have not yet been able to find it!

[wattsy]

9 hours ago, shadowman said:

I have not been able to fix my problem. The issue seems to have migrated - now my focus patch is not aligned horizontally? 

As you have followed the sensible suggestions made in the thread without any success and your RF patch is now off vertically (you wrote horizontally but your description suggests it's a vertical misalignment) I think your camera probably needs some professional attention. At least by someone who knows what they are doing and can take the top off and have a look at the RF mechanism. It might still be a simple fix.

Edited October 2, 2019 by wattsy

[Mute-on]

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It is probably a simple fix if you are a Leica repairer. If that is not you, it’s not simple. 

Take your MP to a Leica repairer. It doesn’t have to be Wetzlar. 

Good luck!

[shadowman]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I wanted to follow up here in the even that someone may experience the same conditions.  

I sent the camera to Mr Youxin Ye who was a pleasure to work with and promptly brought my MP back to excellent working order. Here was his e-mail at the conclusion of service:

Quote

[Redacted],
I have your camera done.
Leica MP - CLA'd, cleaned and lubricated mechanical parts, adjusted shutter speeds and brake, shutter works well at all speeds now.  The focus problem was caused by the condenser lens fell off the frame mask, made second image floating and blurry.  We have the condenser lens refit back to the frame mask.  Cleaned finder, checked focus in good order.  Checked meter in good working order.  Tested the camera with a blank roll film made sure film winding and rewinding are all good.
Below is the total due:
[redacted]
Regards,
Youxin Ye