Vertically misaligned rangefinder on M11

[neonvoid]

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New M11, purchased a couple of days ago, has a vertical misalignment that is apparent from ~3m to infinity, but at closer ranges seems to be aligned OK, or at least not very noticeable. Doesn't sound like something a simple twist of a screw can fix, because the offset changes relative to the focusing distance.

From your experience, is my only option shipping it to Germany for calibration, even though it's a new one?

Edited April 15, 2023 by neonvoid

[dpitt]

Vertical alignment can also change with the angle of view (that is actually normal for a RF). Did you hold the camera perfectly horizontal on all tests?

Edited April 15, 2023 by dpitt

[neonvoid]

5 minutes ago, dpitt said:

Vertical alignment can also change with the angle of view (that is actually normal for a RF). Did you hold the camera perfectly horizontal on all tests?

Yes, I also have an MP which I can compare the M11 rangefinder to. In the M11 it’s misaligned consistently when held perfectly horizontally and doesn’t get better when rotating the camera left/right a bit.

[Photoworks]

Sounds like a return or exchange is the only option if you don't want to send it in for calibration.

[hdmesa]

15 hours ago, neonvoid said:

New M11, purchased a couple of days ago, has a vertical misalignment that is apparent from ~3m to infinity, but at closer ranges seems to be aligned OK, or at least not very noticeable. Doesn't sound like something a simple twist of a screw can fix, because the offset changes relative to the focusing distance.

From your experience, is my only option shipping it to Germany for calibration, even though it's a new one?

My first M11 had a vertically misaligned rangefinder as well. No way in hell I was going to wait for a repair on a brand new $9K camera. A new camera should be perfect. Exchange it.