My RF was off at infinity (couldn't align the patch w/ a 90mm), and was back focusing on most lenses. I assumed the RF could be fixed with a "constant" shift, and didn't need to go through the entire (and quite complex) RF adjustment process. This procedure has been documented in other forums, but it took me some time to find it. So here it comes. You need a 2mm hex wrench.
After few trials, I was spot on (patch did align at infinity w/ 90mm lens). To control adjustment, I took a CV 50/1.5 wide open. These are 100% crop on M8.
Conclusion: while true RF calibration is a complex process, this simple DIY can be handy and save time. If it fails, no big deal since you are sending it for calibration anyway.
You have vertical misalignment as well (look at the dishes on the rooftop), did you remove the leica dot and use the elaborate (and expensive) tool to fix it?
Is MFD properly calibrated, as well as medium distances? I had to adjust the roller as well after adjusting infinity alignment.
The vertical alignment adjustment is normally locked by a dot of shellack over the mechanism. You would need to open the camera to remove the top plate and remove the shellack. Then you can use the adjustment tool through the dot to adjust the vertical adjustment. My guess is that without the shellack, it gets out of adjustment too easily.
thrice wrote:
You have vertical misalignment as well (look at the dishes on the rooftop), did you remove the leica dot and use the elaborate (and expensive) tool to fix it?
Is MFD properly calibrated, as well as medium distances? I had to adjust the roller as well after adjusting infinity alignment.
Yes, I do have vertical misalignment as well. What's bizarre though is that the vertical misalignment is moving around (probably function of my eye/glasses position). In the pic above, it is quite extreme. In most cases, it's about half or less what is shown. It bothers me but I can still take sharp pics.
About MFD, here is a pic taken after adjustment. It's not absolutely perfect (what is w/ RFs?) but good enough for my current skill set. Nokton 50/1.5 wide open, near MFD.
Yes, the basic front/back alignement is simple, but one must be careful. While doing that on my M9 I managed to mess up the elbow eccentricty which is much more difficult to adjust. Subsequently the M9 had to take a trip back to Solms. (That wasn't the only reason though, my 75 Cron needed adjustment anyway as it front focused).
Very innovative solution to use another camera plus live view to check the alignment by the way!
denoir wrote:
[...] one must be careful. While doing that on my M9 I managed to mess up the elbow eccentricty which is much more difficult to adjust. Subsequently the M9 had to take a trip back to Solms.
Good advice. The hex screw is somewhat tight. One way to minimize potential damage to the elbow is to maintain the roller while doing it.
Out of 5 lenses, 3 are now spot on (90/4, 40/1.4, 50/1.5), one is back focusing a bit (28/1.9) and I still have to understand what my brand new 90/3.5 APO is doing.
Does anyone know how to adjust the lenses themselves? For now, I am "focusing" on CV LTMs.
This makes you feel wonderful. I remember the first time I did it to my first leica...wow!
Like others have said, thrice/denoir, the vertical alignment also caught my eye. It is unfortunate it is stuck behind the dot and requires that "special tool." Someone was actually selling a amfew
Months back. I nearly bought it just to have it in my toolbox.
If anyone attempts this adjustment, be very careful as you can damage that eccentric arm if you aren't gentle. Best to take it slow.
shaunmlavery wrote:
Like others have said, thrice/denoir, the vertical alignment also caught my eye.
Does anybody know why the vertical alignment is moving around? I have situations when it is right on, and others where it is far off. Could that be that something is moving around in my RF assembly?
