M-246 Shooting Soft Images?

[BlackCrowFoto]

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Does anyone else get soft-looking images from their M246?

Mine seems to focus just behind my intended point of focus.

I shot a Zeiss 25/2.8 at both f/2.8 and f/8, same for a Voigtlander 50/1.

I then compared those to a Q3 using the lowest DNG resolution of 18MP, on AF and MF.

Here are the JPG files: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBmYWe

I was getting much sharper results right out of the box from my monochrome-converted Ricoh GR3 and Sony a6600. No sharpening needed.

So why do my images look this way? Is this what Leica cameras normally produce? A film-like softness?

These are my first Leicas, in case there was any doubt.

Thanks in advance

 

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[Pintpot]

Not from me my 246 images are very sharp, check the below posts starting at #20675

 

 

Edited April 19, 2024 by Pintpot
post # no. added

[BlackCrowFoto]

That's what I'm looking for in my 246, but I'm not getting it.

I refuse to sharpen my images, in-camera or in LR/PS, especially to compensate for an underperforming camera.

Can this issue be fixed? 

[pippy]

3 hours ago, BlackCrowFoto said:

That's what I'm looking for in my 246, but I'm not getting it. I refuse to sharpen my images, in-camera or in LR/PS, especially to compensate for an underperforming camera.

Can this issue be fixed? 

The M246 camera produces spectacularly good results. If you are getting soft images then, clearly, there is something wrong; either with your kit or else the way you use it.

First thing to do would be to take your body and lenses into a dealership - it doesn't have to be a Leica specialist - to have a second opinion. Hopefully the staff will be able to discover where the problem lies.

P.

 

[BlackCrowFoto]

If I can't figure it out by Monday, I'll take it in.

I'm sure there's nothing wrong with my technique. My focus tests were done on a proper tripod, target secured, and careful rf/live view focusing. Shutter was on a 2s timer to reduce vibration, and ISO was a healthy 320, so little to no noise.

[sometimesmaybe]

16 hours ago, BlackCrowFoto said:

So why do my images look this way? Is this what Leica cameras normally produce? A film-like softness?

sensor on the m246 produces super sharp images, to the point here i prefer using vintage / character lenses.

16 hours ago, BlackCrowFoto said:

Mine seems to focus just behind my intended point of focus

the images are too small for me to see any actual detail. perhaps post the full size JPEG, but it sounds like your rangefinder might be out of alignment and needs to be adjusted - try focusing using your liveview with 5x or 10x magnification

some other things you could check:

1. the Nokton is more of a character lens - could you be seeing the effect of your lens esp at the corners (i dont know re your zeiss)
2. check no dust etc on your sensor (shoot the clear sky at f16)

 

[Luke_Miller]

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You might try focusing in live view.  If those shots are sharp it suggests your rangefinder is out of calibration.

[BlackCrowFoto]

Thanks, guys. I will try adjusting the rf today. Live view was used each second shot, with similar results, so I’m of a mind now to return the camera if I can’t fix it myself. 

[BlackCrowFoto]

Many thanks to everyone who replied and offered suggestions, it is greatly appreciated.

Problem solved, the RF needed adjustment. I looked online for instructions and found them.

Now the camera focuses exactly where I tell it to, and images look the way they should: sharp and clean.

Thanks again!

Attached is my screen door, I focused on the mesh screen using the rangefinder. Even in this crappy JPG, you can make out individual strands of mesh.

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Edited April 20, 2024 by BlackCrowFoto
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