msg Posted June 15, 2009 Share #1 Posted June 15, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello all, I am new to the Leica world as I just picked up an M3 over the weekend at an estate sale. I have always wanted one and was anxious to get shooting. I shot a roll of film through and every picture is completely blurry. They all seem to be the same amount out of focus. Everything seemed to be at least close when I was focusing. I was wondering if anyone can shed some light on what I did wrong. Is it a lens issue, a film loading issue, or is it just me? Thanks! Matthew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 Hi msg, Take a look here LEICA M3 focus issue. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
earleygallery Posted June 15, 2009 Share #2 Posted June 15, 2009 Hi, Could be any number of things. Are you familiar with the rangefinder? Were you using it correctly? Is the lens OK, is it clean etc? (which lens is it btw?) Were you exposing correctly - what shutter speed/s were you using. How about posting an example of one of the photos here, so we can see how 'blurry'. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
msg Posted June 15, 2009 Author Share #3 Posted June 15, 2009 Thanks for the response, I don't have a scanner here at home but I will say that they are out by at least 3-4 feet. They are not even close. I am using a 5cm f2 lens. (By the way the camera is a 738xxx double stroke). I used almost every shutter speed and a variety of apertures. My exposures looked close, as far as i could tell considering how blurry the pics are. As for the lens, it does have some scratches on the front glass but nothing that should make the pictures look like this. And finally, no I am not familiar with rangefinders. I did own a Contax G1 at one point and sold it out of frustration. I thought I was lining everything up correctly, and even guessing at how far away I was and making sure that it is close on the lens. The inside looks clean, the shutter speeds sound good, the aperture is moving fine through the range. The camera shows some exterior wear, mainly on the back and bottom. Msg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 15, 2009 Share #4 Posted June 15, 2009 Hmmmm, Well it probably has to be one of; User error - not focussing correctly or camera shake Rangefinder is out of alignment Lens is damaged in some way Processing error (just a thought, if you have had negatives printed, are the negatives blurry?) Are you lining up whatever it is you are focussing on correctly i.e. getting the two images in the rangefinder to coincide? Try focussing at something which you know is X mtrs away and see if it matches with the distance scale on the lens barrel (to see if something is wildly amiss). I think you should shoot another film, try different focus points including infinity, and take care to hold the camera correctly or use a tripod. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
msg Posted June 15, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted June 15, 2009 James, Please don't laugh. Ok, you can laugh. As I said I'm a Leica newbie. I just found out that it was a collapsible lens. I was not using it out. I am guessing that's the problem. What do you think? M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KM-25 Posted June 15, 2009 Share #6 Posted June 15, 2009 Not pulling the lens out and putting it in the locked position would be the problem.. It's quite possible you had the focus set to line up with "Anti-matter"...:-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted June 15, 2009 Share #7 Posted June 15, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) MSG, welcome. If there is anybody here who tells you that they own a collapsible lens and have not done exactly the same at least once they are lying like a cheap Swiss watch. Don't feel bad about it! Have another bash, with the lens fully extended (and locked in position) and let us see the results. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
msg Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted June 16, 2009 Thanks guys! I am going to shoot a roll through it this week and will definitely post some pictures soon. I have one more question. I just loaded a roll and noticed that when advancing, the little screw in the middle of the rewind know is not moving. I thought that I noticed it moving last roll I shot. I may be wrong. Maybe I'm being paranoid but I am absoultely in LOVE with this camera and want to learn everything about it. Thanks again everyone. Matthew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 16, 2009 Share #9 Posted June 16, 2009 If there is anybody here who tells you that they own a collapsible lens and have not done exactly the same at least once they are lying like a cheap Swiss watch. Actually Bill I honestly haven't ever done that! Left the lens cap on plenty of times though MSG - I didn't even think to ask if you were using a collapsible lens! But yes its a fairly common error, don't worry, and very cheap to put right unlike a damaged rangefinder. AFAIK the red dot/s in the middle of the rewind lever should rotate as you advance the film. It might just be that you are taking up slack. Pull up the rewind knob and 'rewind' it gently (without touching the rewind lever!) and you should feel tension after a turn or two. If I would open the camera up and make sure the film is engaged properly on the sprockets and that the spools are sitting in the chambers correctly. Good luck with the next roll! Leica's take a little getting used to and you learn from your mistakes. (you can find a user manual to download here; Leica M3 instruction manual) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBA Posted June 16, 2009 Share #10 Posted June 16, 2009 MSG, Don't worry. You haven't cornered the market on dumb mistakes you can make with an M. Even experienced photographers blunder once in a while. Some common pitfalls: - Misloading the camera and then rewinding the film back into the cassette when preparing a second attempt. (Can't count the times I've done this!) - Flipping the rewind lever, getting distracted, and then opening the camera without rewinding the film. (Been there, done that. Total loss.) - Shooting with the lens cap on (see James's post above). - Loading film and not catching the barn door when you put the baseplate back on, then merrily firing away with the barn door flapping in the wind. (Never done this because I read about someone on the forum doing it.) - Accidentally pressing the lens release button and dropping a very expensive lens when it suddenly releases itself from the body because you are a compulsive focusing ring turner and never noticed that the lens disengaged. (I learned this the hard way with a 21 Elmarit Asph mounted on an M6.) There are probably other dumb things you can do with an M, but if you keep these pitfalls in mind you can save yourself further embarrassment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted June 16, 2009 Share #11 Posted June 16, 2009 James, Please don't laugh. Ok, you can laugh. As I said I'm a Leica newbie. I just found out that it was a collapsible lens. I was not using it out. I am guessing that's the problem. What do you think? M I think anyone who can admit to a mistake that out loud must be a pretty well grounded sort of a bloke:D. I'd have been hiding. Good thing I dont got one:D. Welcome to the forum. Look forward to seeing your stuff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted June 16, 2009 Share #12 Posted June 16, 2009 As I started reading the thread I immediately knew what was coming....... The first roll of film I ever shot with a Leica (IIIb w. 50mm Elmar), in the mid-1960's had exatly the same problem. As far as exposure, I was in my early teens than and had no idea about shutter speeds, f-stops etc. I set the dial on top of the camera to 1000 (looked like a good number to me.. ), the aperture to about 'middle' (turned out to be about f:6.3) and shot away at all levels of light. When I picked up the developed film, it had nothing but round and totally out of focus images in various stages of over- or underexposure (the term 'image' would be an overstatement..). When I showed the film to the clerk in the shop, his first question was: "are you using a Leica?" When I admitted that I was, he said "you're supposed to pull the lens out!" Matthew, welcome to the Leica Forum - you are not alone! Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
akiralx Posted June 16, 2009 Share #13 Posted June 16, 2009 I've got a question about my new M3: What does setting the ISO dial on the reverse do other than act as an aide-memoire to the user? I can't work out how it can have any effect on the camera's operation, unlike the Ms with a meter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted June 16, 2009 Share #14 Posted June 16, 2009 What does setting the ISO dial on the reverse do other than act as an aide-memoire to the user? Nothing, that's all it is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted June 16, 2009 Share #15 Posted June 16, 2009 Nothing, that's all it is. ...and even that a bit poorly, because it's starting from so far the slow end, not ending very far. I have considered making up a multiplier in my head in order to make more use of it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianv Posted June 16, 2009 Share #16 Posted June 16, 2009 When you have several cameras, and do not finish an entire roll within a short amount of time, those Film Speed Reminder dials are quite helpful! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
msg Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share #17 Posted June 17, 2009 Hi All, I shot another roll through the old M3 (with the lens OUT this time) and was very pleased. I really look forward to shooting more with this camera. The focus is going to take a little getting used to. It's smooth but not like using an old Nikon AIS lens. Thanks again to all for the help and suggestions. Any film recommendations for B+W? It's been a while since I shot film. Matthew Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/88048-leica-m3-focus-issue/?do=findComment&comment=935592'>More sharing options...
msg Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share #18 Posted June 17, 2009 one more from the roll. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/88048-leica-m3-focus-issue/?do=findComment&comment=935607'>More sharing options...
wizard Posted June 18, 2009 Share #19 Posted June 18, 2009 If there is anybody here who tells you that they own a collapsible lens and have not done exactly the same at least once they are lying like a cheap Swiss watch. Bill, it never happened to me, and no, I am not a cheap Swiss watch . But I grew up and into photography using a Leica If and a collapsible Elmar 3.5/50, so pulling out the lens barrel was one of the first things I learned. Nobody is perfect though, I do remember shooting with the lens cap on. At least the shots weren't blurred . Matthew, enjoy your new baby, it is a great camera! Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted June 18, 2009 Share #20 Posted June 18, 2009 Bill, it never happened to me, and no, I am not a cheap Swiss watch . But I grew up and into photography using a Leica If and a collapsible Elmar 3.5/50, so pulling out the lens barrel was one of the first things I learned. Nobody is perfect though, I do remember shooting with the lens cap on. At least the shots weren't blurred . Matthew, enjoy your new baby, it is a great camera! Andy Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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