p.2 #1 · Leica M Rangefinder and Lens Calibration Fix
pmeheut wrote:
If you have several lenses, it may not be possible to calibrate your camera for all of them.
A while ago, you could send all your gear to Leica and they would calibrate all the lenses to a standard and then the camera.
A Leica repair shop checked my M11 so I'm sure it is perfectly calibrated, I've also compared it with other cameras but I often need to adjust my Voigt lenses themselves.
I make the adjustment at a longer distance using a dedicated 3D focus chart, around 5m, then check the infinity focus and around 1m.
Actually, you can get all your lenses calibrated to match your "RF calibrated" body, but it's not an easy process. You either have to test multiple copies of the same lens and keep the one that’s optimally aligned, or go the route of fine-tuning. But there is no universal method for that since each lens is different. Some use calibration shims, while others require disassembly and helicoid adjustments.
That is just part of the tradeoff with the rangefinder system. It is mechanical and relies on precise calibration and regular maintenance.
And Leica is not immune to this either. They once told me one of my bodies was calibrated, and it clearly was not.
p.2 #2 · Leica M Rangefinder and Lens Calibration Fix
To followup on my previous post, I returned the M10 and got an M-10R today. I am happy to say that the rf is spot on at every distance, and the images are tack sharp.
p.2 #3 · Leica M Rangefinder and Lens Calibration Fix
maxonenn wrote:
To followup on my previous post, I returned the M10 and got an M-10R today. I am happy to say that the rf is spot on at every distance, and the images are tack sharp.
Congrats! Sometimes just switching the camera does the trick too!
p.2 #4 · Leica M Rangefinder and Lens Calibration Fix
I would hazard a guess that most people that think their eyesight really isn’t good enough anymore to focus using the RF are trying to focus with an RF that needs adjustment.
I also have an EVF as a backup for my M11. If you have a properly adjusted RF the EVF is of very limited use because using the optical RF is so much faster and easier to focus with.
p.2 #5 · Leica M Rangefinder and Lens Calibration Fix
I need to wear glasses (mainly cheaters) but I find that I can get a sharp image faster on my diopter equipped M11-P. I have been trying a Nikon Zf with my M lenses and I definitely am faster and more accurate with the M11-P, YMMV.
p.2 #6 · Leica M Rangefinder and Lens Calibration Fix
soarfm wrote:
I would hazard a guess that most people that think their eyesight really isn’t good enough anymore to focus using the RF are trying to focus with an RF that needs adjustment.
I also have an EVF as a backup for my M11. If you have a properly adjusted RF the EVF is of very limited use because using the optical RF is so much faster and easier to focus with.
That too, and also in cases where someone thinks a perfectly fine lens is soft and doesn't match what reviewers or MTF graphs are saying. If the lens and RF are not properly calibrated and in synchrony, the results will not be optimal. This is especially important with fast normal and telephoto lenses.
