Rangefinder alignment verification and focus peaking

[gettons]

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Hello there,

 

I have just acquired a brand new M11 and I am wondering if my rangefinder patch is properly calibrated (horizontal alignment I believe, but I am no expert). I am using a Voigtlander 35mm Ultron II 2.0 alongside the camera, and unfortunately this is the only lens I have currently.

I know the source of the problem could be the camera, the lens, my eye, or a combination of them. For the moment I tried focusing at infinity (a few kilometers away), and looking through the viewfinder I can't perfectly align the superimposed image. Also, when I shoot at f2, focusing on a subject at 0.8m, it is ever so slightly out of focus.

Also, I know with a rangefinder camera this is a pretty common issue and no I am not after tack sharp shoots (for that I would use a Q3, and I generally shoot using zone focusing, which is what a Leica-M is mostly used for).

That said, I do sometimes take portraits (no evf) and it would be nice to make sure it's all good (not it is not my first rangefinder camera).

 

Now the question: as this camera has liveview and focus peaking, do you think I can use that to verify the rangefinder alignment or this is not feasible?

 

Thanks in advance

Edited November 6, 2023 by gettons
title changed to a more meaningful one

[Lonescapes]

Set the camera up on a tripod. Focus the lens to whatever distance you like (a meter, two--whatever is practical). Don't use the rangefinder--use the distance markings on the lens barrel. Then set up a focus pyramid (or a doll, or the spine of a book) the same distance away from the camera's sensor, using a measuring tape to verify accuracy.

 

Take the photo. Is it sharp? If so, your lens is not the problem. Use a 2mm hex key to slightly adjust the rangefinder until the split image aligns with your focus target at the accurate distance.

 

Some people will say that you shouldn't do the hex key adjustment at any distance except infinity, as it won't give you consistent results through the whole focus range, but I've found that by adjusting at the focal distance that I use most often, I've never had serious issues elsewhere in other focal ranges. And anyway, being able to perform a good-enough adjustment yourself is important, since Leica techs are few and far between and turnaround times are longer every year.

Edited November 6, 2023 by Lonescapes

[algrove]

Never tried self adjustment, but it seems worth a try unless one wants to buy 2 cameras so you can continue shooting while the other camera is away being adjusted by Leica.

[lct]

11 hours ago, gettons said:

Now the question: as this camera has liveview and focus peaking, do you think I can use that to verify the rangefinder alignment or this is not feasible?

For more accuracy in LV mode, better use focus magnification.

[sinjun]

11 hours ago, gettons said:

Now the question: as this camera has liveview and focus peaking, do you think I can use that to verify the rangefinder alignment or this is not feasible?

It is certainly feasible but  think you need more than one lens to be sure that it is the camera's rangefinder which is the issue. In my experience, unfortunately it is not that unusual to have a lens whose calibration is out, so I wouldn't do any rangefinder adjustment based on one lens. I have a few lenses which I know are well calibrated, and on this basis I was able to make the hex adjustment to correct non-aligment of the image at infinity which then corrected the other rangefinder issues I was having. Since your M11 is new, assuming it is easy for you to visit the store, I would go back and ask if you can check rangefinder calibration using a lens of theirs, then let them take care of the adjustment if it is necessary.

[gettons]

Thanks everyone, I decided to visit one of the Leica store in Paris and get that checked upon.

[gettons]

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15 hours ago, lct said:

For more accuracy in LV mode, better use focus magnification.

Yeah, that is what I was referring to.

[DadDadDaddyo]

Use of the 2mm wrench is a worthwhile procedure to know and understand. 

That said, I've only ever had to apply it once, across all these Leicas over lo these many years. My very first Monochrom, an M246, needed a tweak. 

It's much like what fabled VW guru John Muir said about learning to adjust your own valves on an aircooled Volkswagen: learning to do so will not only change your relationship with your car, it will also change your relationship with yourself!

I keep the Allen wrench tucked away in the camera bag.

And I've still got a 1974 Super Beetle I bought in 1995, and you bet, I still adjust my own valves!

[Fireboy]

Got a link to a video on where to use that 2mm hex key?

 

Found this. 

 

Edited July 22, 2024 by Fireboy

[Maarten]

You’ve found an excellent video for fixing a 60-year old camera.
The digital Leicas nowadays use a 2mm hex key instead of a screwdriver to adjust infinity.

Please make sure you have sufficient skills and a steady hand when starting to fix infinity alignment issues.
The tip to align focus on your most used distance, like 2 or 3 meters, doesn’t work in the end. When your lens is not the culprit, alignment at infinity is to be preferred. I’ve learned that the hard way over the last 17 years.