135 2.8 focus problem

[Joseph Reid]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have a 135 2.8 and it doesn't want to focus correctly -- when turned to infinity the rangefinder patch never lines up right. This happens on an MP and an M8. Anyone know why or how to fix it?

[earleygallery]

Hi,

 

It's very unlikely that the lens itself isn't focussing correctly - have you tried it at inifinity? Are the pictures sharp?

 

Assuming you mean lateral alignment, when looking through the viewfinder in landscape format, most likely it is either;

 

simply that you are not looking at something far enough away. Try the moon or a bright star. Does it line up then?

 

OR if after eliminiating the above, the rangefinder is still out, then your rangefinders need calibration.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[doubice]

Joseph,

 

The 2.8/135mm Elmarit's 'goggles' can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. While they increase focusing accuracy, they also magnify any inaccuracies in the camera's rangefinders. They are also quite sensitive to misalignment.

 

Since you have the same problem on two bodies, I would first make sure that you are focusing on an object that is really at 'infinity'. As James suggested, try the moon or a plane high in the sky; not just a building a block away.

 

Secondly - take a picture with the lens set to infinity, of a subject at infinity - is the picture sharp?

 

If the RF image does not coincide at real infinity and the picture is sharp, I would think the problem lies with misaligned 'goggles' of the lens. Assuming of course, that you have an identical problem on two bodies and that both bodies have an accurate and properly adjusted rangefinder.

 

If the RF image does align at infinity and the picture is not sharp (on both bodies), than most probably the lens itself will need shimming.

 

Best,

 

Jan

[gyoung]

Joseph,

 

The 2.8/135mm Elmarit's 'goggles' can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. While they increase focusing accuracy, they also magnify any inaccuracies in the camera's rangefinders. They are also quite sensitive to misalignment.

 

(snip)

 

Jan

 

I had a similar problem years ago with the 'goggles' on a 35 Summicron, it was cemented elements within the viewfinder part delaminating. It was attended to by Leitz UK, quite expensive at the time but the lens has given no trouble since (about 20 years)

 

Gerry