SJP Posted July 18, 2009 Share #1 Posted July 18, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I noticed yesterday that my M8 RF is very slightly out in the vertical direction. Is this something that you can tweak yourself or can it be done on the spot somewhere in NL? It does not seem serious enough to involve Solms + I am afraid of the time that may be required. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 18, 2009 Posted July 18, 2009 Hi SJP, Take a look here vertical RF adjustment. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
marknorton Posted July 18, 2009 Share #2 Posted July 18, 2009 The adjustment is made by removing the red dot and using a tool to move the rangefinder "telescope" up or down. The tool can be bought from (I think) microtools and it's probably a good idea to use a magnifier. Since the rangefinder in the M8 is basically the same as that in the M7, any Leica repair shop should be able to help you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted July 18, 2009 Share #3 Posted July 18, 2009 The vertical alignment is one sticking point for me. Without it being spot on it can be very hard to get really good focus. With it adjusted properly I have not need to use any magnifier for any lens. I had one M8 that could not be adjusted properly. If you got it right for close up work it was off at distance. If you got it real close for distances it was off slightly close up. Leica, after 2+ trips to have it fixed, replaced that camera with a new one. I think it is a inherent flaw in the M8 range/viewfinder because I've never had any M camera, and I've had some beaters, that you couldn't get the vertical alignment right at both close up and at distance. They did have to redesign the R/VF for use in the M8 from what is in the M7 and MP. And although the price of the M8 doesn't show it Leica is trying to cut the cost wherever they can. As to self adjustment it is best to have the speical tool. Unlike the older M's that you could use a small screwdriver and all you had to do was take out a screw on the front of the top plate to make the adjustment you now have to remove the Leica Dot to get at the adjustment system. There is no easy way to make the fine adjustment needed without the speical tool. I got mine from Zhou on eBay. I just looked at Microtools and they don't have it listed. I got mine fairly cheap and recently saw another on eBay for a bit more ( a lot more). Here is the link to the eBay auction and you can make a offer. Vertical Line Focus Adj Tool F/ Leica M4-2 M4p M6 M7 MP - eBay (item 170316167281 end time Jul-27-09 09:44:19 PDT) Oh and the Leica branded, from Leica, tool is somewhere in the 300 US dollar range. That is if they will even sell you one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 18, 2009 Share #4 Posted July 18, 2009 Sent you a PM Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJP Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted July 18, 2009 Thanks to all for the information. So getting the special tool may be in order but first I will try Jaap's suggestion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted July 18, 2009 Share #6 Posted July 18, 2009 Thanks to all for the information. So getting the special tool may be in order but first I will try Jaap's suggestion. Stephen and Jaap, How about sharing that suggestion? Unless it involves smacking the camera against the palm of your hand.... That works sometimes... Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 19, 2009 Share #7 Posted July 19, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) No- I just sent him Will van Manen's telephone number. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJP Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted July 21, 2009 Dropped it of yesterday evening & it should be ready this week. It was fun to see their workshop & collection of various cameras. Also an unlikely location above a low budget clothes store - no neon signs => less costs & overhead => cheaper repairs:) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJP Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share #9 Posted July 24, 2009 All done! Picked it up this evening. What they did was code & CLA my tele-elmarit 90/2.8, check 28/2 ASPH, check M8. They considered the M8 rangefinder was "on spec" more or less when, but they tweaked it to an even closer level of adjustment free of charge. I will have to wait until dark to confirm that. Total cost € 71.40, I'm not complaining. Even more so as my TE 90/2.8 is a whole new experience. Much better contrast and less flare prone on first inspection. Highly recommended. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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