Leica R4s out of focus images but sharp in viewfinder

[andrew01]

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As you have noted the R4 has no viewfinder diopter adjustment. In any case, an incorrect diopter adjustment cannot cause the viewfinder image to appear sharper than the image projected on the focusing screen, in other words if the image is out of focus on the focusing screen, diopter adjustment cannot bring it back into focus.  Any diffrence between the focussing screen sharpness and film plane sharpness is a calibration issue (mirror and focusing screen position could be a little off).  To me your images don’t look significantly out of focus.

[Vanchijackson]

15 minutes ago, andrew01 said:

As you have noted the R4 has no viewfinder diopter adjustment. In any case, an incorrect diopter adjustment cannot cause the viewfinder image to appear sharper than the image projected on the focusing screen, in other words if the image is out of focus on the focusing screen, diopter adjustment cannot bring it back into focus.  Any diffrence between the focussing screen sharpness and film plane sharpness is a calibration issue (mirror and focusing screen position could be a little off).  To me your images don’t look significantly out of focus.

Yeah I understand on this diopter correction. Thank you!

As you and others also pointed out that image don’t look that out of focus, I keep thinking of my stability during the shot . Also checking for calibration issues with focusing screen & film plane. Considering everything in mind, next roll loaded for test with the following adjustments & corrections

1. Window light seal fixed

2. Mirror dampened with foam ( not sure how perfect I did)

3. As per the early suggestion plate corrected in Parallel to the back (checked 1st frame with B shutter, it seems film lays perfectly flat inside now, not sure how it was before)

4. as per manual – setting the Lens focus at 1 meter, view finder image should look sharp, other wise needed for Diopter. ( I can see sharp, no issues here)

5. Will do some really good steady shots with different Aperture  & shutter.

6. then a high quality scan in Noritsu.

after this I think I will come to know if there is a calibration issue. Hoping it will be perfect this time. 

 

[Vanchijackson]

Thank you everyone! I will share results here once done.