rscheffler
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 p.1030 #8 · Leica M/X/T/S/Q/CL/SL Picture Thread | |
Hey Vik, sorry to read about all the problems you're having.
jfreak wrote:
So I got the M240 and clicked a few with 50lux. First impression
- The focus is off
- Setting the lens to infinity is not focussing at infinity, I have to roll it back a tad to focus.
Does this mean the RF needs calibration?
My first concern is the soft nature of the stopped down photo you posted from the M. There could be a lot of variables at play, but considering your spot on results with the M8, I think we need to give you the benefit of the doubt. 
Questions about this test would include where the focus was supposed to be, whether it was on a tripod, etc. The M240 focus crop samples all look to be off and the near focus one is way off... Such mis-focus could also considerably affect results at f/5.6. It's difficult to tell from the samples, but I'm wondering if the camera is back focusing and if it's also doing so at infinity, which would result in an image that has no plane of discernible good focus. As suggested, the best way to determine if you can even get anything in focus is with live view. Another variable that is typically overlooked is the sensor position. It's possible, perhaps remotely, but still possible, that the sensor is incorrectly shimmed. Or the lens mount is out of whack. The battery problem is perplexing. While charging the battery, did the charge lights ever show a solid green and orange to indicate charge completion?
Considering that the rangefinder calibration is off, and the camera will need servicing anyway, it's probably better to return it and try another one. Since the lenses are only slightly off with the M8, but at least the one you were able to try on the M was way off, I'd suspect the camera is the problem. Combined with the other weird problems, a fresh start is probably best.
For future reference, based on my discussions with Leica NJ, if the equipment is under warranty, they will provide a shipping label to send in the gear. For a camera with RF calibration problems, you can ask for expedited service and likely get it back in about a week (but no promises). The two times I've had it done this year in person, it seemed to take the tech around an hour to complete. But, as I mentioned earlier, they are a lot slower with lenses (1-2 months). A couple guys here have had good results dealing with DAG for lens calibration, and apparently if you talk to him before sending it in, may be able to turn it around quickly. So far I've been pleased with the quality of service from Leica NJ. Both times the camera was returned with perfect rangefinder calibration. Kind of a given, but out of warranty service isn't exactly cheap, though sometimes they will do something for no charge...
Regarding your M8's focus... it's probably the camera that needs a slight tweak. IMO, slight front focus is better than back focus. As mentioned by others, with use, it's pretty easy to compensate on the fly, though trickier with longer, faster lenses shot wide open.
Unfortunately, this is part of the process of getting a Leica system up an running. Its mechanical nature requires precise, accurate calibration and sometimes it's not quite right out of the box. A couple years ago when at a Leica store, while discussing servicing, the sales rep said it was common at the time for new M9 & Noctilux 'kit' purchases to immediately have to go back to Leica for calibration. 18MP & f/0.95 requires extreme precision. Imagine just having spent ~$18,000 and having to send everything in for a few weeks turnaround! But it's also the mechanical nature of the system that makes it appealing in use vs. the electronic fly by wire focusing of everything else. Like other 'performance' mechanical devices, it will require occasional servicing to keep properly tuned. It's just too bad that it can happen straight out of the box and obviously puts a huge damper on the initial fun. It's also a subjective decision for each of us whether or not this is tolerable, or acceptable. My feeling is the farther away from major metropolitan centers one lives, the more frustrating the process becomes due to a lack of relatively local support.
M240 & 3x ZM50/2, 28 Cron
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well that's the first time I heard that. M9 not much better than M8U!
As discussed before, I find for my national park family trip like this I need zoom for time saving. Changing lens back and forth in field is a hassle. So no new images for here, I will slowly upload to RX1 and D810 thread once I go through them. A7 is long gone as this round just didn't suit my need: slow MF, no enough good AF lens, user experience etc....
