135 APO question

[Franka373]

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I have this lens and the M11.  Although I have used M cameras for 17 years it’s a first for the 135.  I feel like I am getting back focus using the rangefinder.  I have tried it at 7 & 23 feet.  At 7 feet it is off a little over an inch.  At 23 feet it’s a little more.  I got concerned when I first used it at infinity and it was not in focus. I was outside with a fast shutter speed up around 2000.  With the new visoflex I can get good focus.  The focus thrown on the lens is surprisingly short.  I wonder if that has an affect?  I have checked my 28 summicron and 50 summilux asph and those seem fine.  My question is could it be the rangefinder, the lens or both?  Thanks for you help. 

[stephan54]

My Summicron 28 and Summilux 50 focus also accurately. The Apo 135 focusses accurately at infinity but I do see some misfocus as the object a meter behind where I focussed is sharp. Does mainly happen when pointing the lens up or down.

Edited April 5, 2022 by stephan54

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[Franka373]

When I focused at infinity for a landscape it was parallel to the ground.  When I did my test it was at a target with inch markings at about a 45 degree angle down. 

[spydrxx]

It sounds like you may need to get it properly calibrated.

[charlesphoto99]

I use a 135 APO often with my M10-R. It can be a finicky lens for closer precise focus with the rf - mine is off probably 1/4 inch at closer distances but that's within tolerance and typically will be covered up if using f5.6 and above. I mainly use mine at infinity for landscapes and there it should be razor sharp at all apertures. So it sounds like your lens needs a calibration. Had this happen with my 75mm APO. 

[Jeff S]

Have Don Goldberg (DAG Camera) check it out.

Jeff

[Franka373]

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Thanks for the help.  What irks me is that it is a new lens.  I’ll check DAG. 

Edited April 6, 2022 by Franka373

[Jeff S]

Call him first to briefly discuss issue and, if deemed appropriate, timing of service. I recommend him over Leica NJ, despite warranty coverage, as he does excellent work for very reasonable cost and generally fast turnaround, schedule permitting. There are many corroborating discussions.

Jeff

Edited April 6, 2022 by Jeff S

[overexposed]

i also use the lens on my m10m and m10r, and yes via RF it is difficult to acquire critical focus, but once this is achieved, its a great lens

[Maarten]

Using the RF you might notice focusing is more precise when starting from infinity and stop turning the focusing ring once you've reached focus. Use your body to fine tune when needed. On my M10 i can get perfect focus with my 135mm Tele-Elmar this way.