MP typ 240 focus issue

[Mark A]

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I notice that there is a difference between sharpness when I select the two focus options available. If I use the rangefinder focus and zoom into the image, the object I've focussed on is slightly soft. If I use the LV screen in close-up with focus peaking then the image is sharper when I zoom in.

When working, I want to use the rangefinder focus and not be referring to the LV focus. How do I correct this?

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[andybarton]

How can you zoom in using the rangefinder?

[jaapv]

Either your rangefinder technique requires polishing, or your rangefinder itself needs adjusting, which is no big deal.

 

[Gregm61]

Could be the lens or the rangefinder, especially with longer lenses. I have three 90mm lenses I use with my two bodies; an MP240 and M246.

I have a 90mm f2.8 Elmarit-M that’s tack sharp with both bodies, and a 90mm f2 APO that’s just off enough with the MP240 I don’t use it with that camera, but it’s a really sharp lens used with the M246.

The longer the lens the less wiggle room you have either side of sharp with the rangefinder, especially the wider the aperture used. The ideal shopping opportunity is to try a prospective lens with the body you own, keep it if it works well and keep shopping if it does not.

Edited June 3, 2023 by Gregm61

[Mark A]

I'm zooming in on the screen using the LV. Of course you can't zoom with a prime lens.

I'm using a 50mm lens but I don't think it matters what lens. The point is the discrepancy between focus through the viewfinder and focus on the back screen - this being more accurate.

It's nothing to do with technique either. It seems the focusing through the viewfinder is off. How can this be corrected?

[Mark A]

I'll try and explain one more time.

 

Picture 1: I use the rectangular focus in the viewfinder and find a vertical line. I do this with the focus ring on a 50mm lens. I line this up so that it is in focus and take a picture. I then magnify the image on the screen on the back of the camera. The point I focused on is slightly soft.

Picture 2: I open Live View and look for focus peaking lines on the back screen, as I use the focus ring on the lens to focus. I take a picture. I look at the image on the screen and the point I focused on is sharp.

Conclusion: There's a descrepancy bewteen the two images once magified on the viewing screen.

Why is this?

 

[Patarei]

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When i bought my M246 the rangefinder was a bit out of calibration, so i booked an appointment at Leica in Wetzlar and went there. They calibrated my rangefinder, cleaned the sensor and gave my camera a checkup while i waited in Wetzlar.

 

Also my Leica M10 was out of calibration, and i sent it to Wetzlar through my dealer.

 

 

[Mark A]

Thanks. So you're saying that the focus needs to be re-calibrated? I don't live near Germany so it's not an easy option to have the camera serviced. I did come across this video though but I'm unsure if it relates to the problem I'm having:

 

[jdlaing]

What do the two images look like on a computer screen?

[Gregm61]

The only digital M body I ever bought new, an M262, needed a rangefinder adjustment right out of the box. Sent it to Leica here in the US and they made the adjustment and got it back to me relatively quickly.

Buying second-hand all comes down to the seller. I’ve bought all my second-hand M bodies from Leica Store Miami, which is about as secure as it gets. They identify any issues with equipment they buy/take in on trade and get it fixed before re-selling. I would never buy a second-hand M body any other way.

Edited June 4, 2023 by Gregm61

[Mark A]

Thanks. Both good points. I bought mine second hand so I've contacted the seller.

And yes, I need to examine the files on a good monitor to compare them.

[Volodimmer]

I would suggest a simple rangefinder test. Focus on infinity (the infinity mark on the lens) and look at something far away (conditionally infinity :)). If there is no double image in the viewfinder, then the rangefinder/lens is working properly.

[a.noctilux]

29 minutes ago, Volodimmer said:

I would suggest a simple rangefinder test. Focus on infinity (the infinity mark on the lens) and look at something far away (conditionally infinity :)). If there is no double image in the viewfinder, then the rangefinder/lens is working properly.

If the user mount "known" calibrated lens.

Even then only infinity RF is correct but close range can be off.

[Volodimmer]

Yes. But this can be a starting point, because if there is no infinity, then everything else will not work correctly. Of course, such a simple check will not replace service center.