M6 rangefinder close focus [faulty] after service in Wetzlar

[Jacobjuul]

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After having my M6 in Wetzlar for 4 months to have a strap lug protector replaced (1000euro lighter + 200 for upgrading to the mp finder), I got it back yesterday and I am surprised to find that the rangefinder patch does not move for the first couple of millimetres when I focus the lens at the MFD. It feels like there is less resistance for the first few (2-5) millimetres and then normal resistance once the rangefinder patch starts moving. 

I shot a roll of film yesterday and developed it, and sure enough everything is out of focus at MFD (tried the Elmar 24 asph, 28 summicron, 50mm summilux and 50mm summicron).

I asked them to upgrade to the MP finder since they were going to take the camera apart and charge me for a full CLA anyways, could they have replaced it with a faulty finder? It seems like the patch lines up correctly at infinity. 

I am hoping this is a simple rangefinder calibration issue, would hate to be without it for another 4 months.

Edited February 24, 2023 by Jacobjuul
clarification

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[skahde]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb Jacobjuul:

I am hoping this is a simple rangefinder calibration issue, would hate to be without it for another 4 months.

If I were you I would at first consider calling Leica but then I would realise they would request it back anyway. Sorry to say but I don't see any other sensible option but sending it back while the repaitr is still under waranty. The earlier you send it out, the sooner you will have it back. 

[jaapv]

Agree, call Leica. In general, corrections of a repair are usually a lot quicker. I don't think that they would replace the finder during a CLA and lug repair. The price of the part is close to 1000€ in itself.

[TomB_tx]

This should be a simple adjustment for a Leica tech. The focus arm in the body stops moving so the roller loses contact with the lens cam. That's why there is less resistance until the lens cam again contacts the roller.

[Mikep996]

"This should be a simple adjustment for a Leica tech. "

For that matter, it's not a difficult adjustment to DIY if you are comfortable with the idea of working on it.  I bought an Ebay M10 a couple of years ago that needed a RF adjustment.  Found some posts on this forum showing how to do it, followed them and the focusing is now spot-on.  Of course, since your camera was just serviced, I can understand the idea that it should be sent back for Leica to correct since they apparently "broke" it...or, at least they didn't check it as part of the service.  

OTOH, DIY means it's not gone for several months!  

[Topsy]

I've done focus adjustment on an M4-P that I got on ebay it was easy especially with all the advice on here and Youtube. I also had to do both focus and vertical adjustment on one of my M9s after I dropped a tripod on it for the vertical I needed to make a tool using an eBay picture to follow also there was a Youtube video showing how a chap had done it. I would say though I am a precision engineer (Toolomaker in UK speak) by trade so I wasn't fazed by any of it, not sure I would recommend someone to do it if they don't have any mechanical engineering skills.

[Jacobjuul]

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Thanks for the replies. I don’t think this is a focus adjustment calibration issue. I think the focusing cam is just not engaging until about 0.8meters. It’s feels similar to how it works if you have a lens that focus to 0.5 meters. 
 

Ive already returned it to Leica 

Edited February 24, 2023 by Jacobjuul

[dpitt]

5 hours ago, Mikep996 said:

"This should be a simple adjustment for a Leica tech. "

For that matter, it's not a difficult adjustment to DIY if you are comfortable with the idea of working on it.  I bought an Ebay M10 a couple of years ago that needed a RF adjustment.  Found some posts on this forum showing how to do it, followed them and the focusing is now spot-on.  Of course, since your camera was just serviced, I can understand the idea that it should be sent back for Leica to correct since they apparently "broke" it...or, at least they didn't check it as part of the service.  

OTOH, DIY means it's not gone for several months!  

I would never touch it while it is under Leica warranty. Chances are you end up with a non functional RF and no warranty becuase Leica can claim you voided it by readjusting it. The OP mentioned that it is not simply off, but sounds like there can be something broken that can not be 'adjusted'

5 hours ago, Topsy said:

I've done focus adjustment on an M4-P that I got on ebay it was easy especially with all the advice on here and Youtube. I also had to do both focus and vertical adjustment on one of my M9s after I dropped a tripod on it for the vertical I needed to make a tool using an eBay picture to follow also there was a Youtube video showing how a chap had done it. I would say though I am a precision engineer (Toolomaker in UK speak) by trade so I wasn't fazed by any of it, not sure I would recommend someone to do it if they don't have any mechanical engineering skills.

Exactly. Only do that if you have the skills (which I do not have) and the tools to do it properly. And even then it makes no sense running the risk of voiding warranty on a $3000+ camera body.