enero
Killer of Threads
So yeah, seems that sometime in the last couple of weeks, infinity on my M6 TTL got slightly out of whack. Ive googled to see if I can easily fix the Horizontal alignment myself. Though I did find some info about doing it on M cameras in general, there was nothing specific to the M6 (TTL). I was wondering if anyone can confirm if the proceeder that I found on LEICA FAQ is the correct one for my model camera, or if I should do something else.
I wanted to ask before I went near my camera with a screwdriver. Thanks in advance!
I wanted to ask before I went near my camera with a screwdriver. Thanks in advance!
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
Don't Do It!
I tried adjusting mine, and really messed it up good. Had to pay to have it fixed. It is not easy to do, and do not believe anyone who claims it is. There are two screws that adjust the horizontal alignment on the M rangefinder. One adjusts the infinity alignment. It is very hard to turn and requires a special tool. I used a screwdriver, which didn't work well. The other adjusts the close focus accuracy and is hard to reach with a tool because of where it is. You have to be careful to NOT push down on the adjustment screws as you turn them, as that will F--K up the rangefinder badly.
I repeat, do not do this yourself. Pay someone who specializes in it to do it. It'll be done right, and is not terribly expensive.
I tried adjusting mine, and really messed it up good. Had to pay to have it fixed. It is not easy to do, and do not believe anyone who claims it is. There are two screws that adjust the horizontal alignment on the M rangefinder. One adjusts the infinity alignment. It is very hard to turn and requires a special tool. I used a screwdriver, which didn't work well. The other adjusts the close focus accuracy and is hard to reach with a tool because of where it is. You have to be careful to NOT push down on the adjustment screws as you turn them, as that will F--K up the rangefinder badly.
I repeat, do not do this yourself. Pay someone who specializes in it to do it. It'll be done right, and is not terribly expensive.
enero
Killer of Threads
Well s@#t, that just doesnt sound fun at all.
So just to confirm, these directions arent correct for the M6(ttl), right? I mean if youre saying that there are actually 2 screws to worry about, then these directions are crap. I guess I'll have to send out some emails to see who will do it for cheap...
Thanks for the info.
Vickko
Mentor
Horizontal adjustment? For focus?
The FAQ instructions are correct but not complete. But most times, it will work.
The focus and infinity setting is adjusted at the pivot bearing, but is also linked to a second adjustment that sets the length of the rangefinder arm.
On older M's, the pivot bearing eccentric was via a slotted screwdriver. On newer Leica M's it is via a 2mm hex wrench.
The lever arm length adjustment is much more difficult to adjust and to get at, but, fortunately it isn't the one that moves. It is more often that the round pivot bearing is the one that needs adjustment.
Did you see these threads:
http://www.dantestella.com/technical/leicadjust.html
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/31896-m8-rangefinder-diy-other-myths.html
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/leica basic repair.pdf
See Page 4 here
It isn't dead simple, but pretty close.
The FAQ instructions are correct but not complete. But most times, it will work.
The focus and infinity setting is adjusted at the pivot bearing, but is also linked to a second adjustment that sets the length of the rangefinder arm.
On older M's, the pivot bearing eccentric was via a slotted screwdriver. On newer Leica M's it is via a 2mm hex wrench.
The lever arm length adjustment is much more difficult to adjust and to get at, but, fortunately it isn't the one that moves. It is more often that the round pivot bearing is the one that needs adjustment.
Did you see these threads:
http://www.dantestella.com/technical/leicadjust.html
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/31896-m8-rangefinder-diy-other-myths.html
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/leica basic repair.pdf
See Page 4 here
It isn't dead simple, but pretty close.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
Youxin Ye did one for me for, if I remember right, $40 a few yrs ago.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
Oh, I forgot to ask, are you SURE its the camera and not the lens that is off? A misadjusted rangefinder camera lens can make the RF in the camera appear off, when its really the lens.
enero
Killer of Threads
Thanks for the info and links, I'll check them out. To clarify, yes, the infinity focus is just a tad off. the patch doesnt make it all the way to infinity. I would love if I could do this myself, but if not, I am fine with sending it in. The problems doesnt seem to interfere with focus at all. At least that Ive noticed. So its not a huge rush, and I dont mind sending it in for a profesional to have done, if its something that I shouldnt be messing with myself.
enero
Killer of Threads
Thanks for the the quote, $40 is very reasonable. And yes, I checked with all my lenses and its definitely the camera. Which I guess is better then it being a lens
Vickko
Mentor
Youxin's prices are posted:
http://www.yyecamera.com/price_m_body.html
He doesn't list just an RF adjustment, maybe you can email him.
If "it is just a little off", it is probably the round pivot bearing that needs adjustment, with a 2mm hex key.
http://www.yyecamera.com/price_m_body.html
He doesn't list just an RF adjustment, maybe you can email him.
If "it is just a little off", it is probably the round pivot bearing that needs adjustment, with a 2mm hex key.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Here's a different perspective. The infinity adjustment got off somehow on one of my M6s. Here's what I did. There is a rather largish slotted screw centered in the round cam follower, under the roof of the dark chamber. You can see it with the lens removed. I adjusted the infinity focus with a slight turn of that screw. Here's what I mean by slight. I move the screw, not by intending to turn it, but by applying a little pressure--just enough that it does turn, but very slightly. More of a nudge than a turning. Here is my procedure:
Remove lens. Apply slight pressure to the slot, being sure to remember which way I've turned it. Let's say I try clockwise first. Now replace lens. Check rangefinder. Better, or worse? If better, continue nudging in same direction until perfect. If perfect, then done. Worse? Nudge the opposite way next time--in this example, counter-clockwise. Better? Touch up with small tweaks until perfect. The pressure needs to be only in the rotational direction, not pressing down on the adjuster (remember, it's delicate).
I use, as a target, a 1000 foot television tower that is probably about seven miles away. If were on a trip, and didn't have that option, I would set it to the most distant suitable target available. If that is a quarter mile, I would consider it good enough in a pinch. Good enough for a 35mm f/1.4, or 50/2, or even a 90/2.8; though I would stop the latter down to f/4 just to be safe. A target over a half-mile, I would be more comfortable with. The moon is often cited as an infinity target, but I would not want to be sticking a screwdriver into my Leica by moonlight!
About that screwdriver. It is pretty hard, impossible really, to engage the adjuster slot with a regular screwdriver. Even the shortest one will be too long. But you can grind the tip into an angled shape like that of an Xacto blade, so that you can go in at an angle. Also grind the width until it fits the slot nicely. Now you have your own emergency infinity tool to have along on a trip. Or I suppose you could grind one of the blades on a Swiss Army Knife that already has too many blades. For airline travel, you can't carry on any knives, but maybe a nail file with a recontoured tip would be OK.
So. That has been my experience. I hope someone finds it helpful.
Remove lens. Apply slight pressure to the slot, being sure to remember which way I've turned it. Let's say I try clockwise first. Now replace lens. Check rangefinder. Better, or worse? If better, continue nudging in same direction until perfect. If perfect, then done. Worse? Nudge the opposite way next time--in this example, counter-clockwise. Better? Touch up with small tweaks until perfect. The pressure needs to be only in the rotational direction, not pressing down on the adjuster (remember, it's delicate).
I use, as a target, a 1000 foot television tower that is probably about seven miles away. If were on a trip, and didn't have that option, I would set it to the most distant suitable target available. If that is a quarter mile, I would consider it good enough in a pinch. Good enough for a 35mm f/1.4, or 50/2, or even a 90/2.8; though I would stop the latter down to f/4 just to be safe. A target over a half-mile, I would be more comfortable with. The moon is often cited as an infinity target, but I would not want to be sticking a screwdriver into my Leica by moonlight!
About that screwdriver. It is pretty hard, impossible really, to engage the adjuster slot with a regular screwdriver. Even the shortest one will be too long. But you can grind the tip into an angled shape like that of an Xacto blade, so that you can go in at an angle. Also grind the width until it fits the slot nicely. Now you have your own emergency infinity tool to have along on a trip. Or I suppose you could grind one of the blades on a Swiss Army Knife that already has too many blades. For airline travel, you can't carry on any knives, but maybe a nail file with a recontoured tip would be OK.
So. That has been my experience. I hope someone finds it helpful.
useless generation
Established
Pretty much did the same as above. Youxin Ye did a CLA on my M6 Millennium and when I got it back it was off slightly at infinity (must have been knocked out of alignment in the mail) I emailed him and he talked me through it and it was really easy. Make sure you find a screwdriver that fits perfectly, maybe even go buy a good one from a hardware shop to be safe. Took about 1 min to adjust back and kept rechecking with a power pole which is a long way from my second story window.
I was always to scared to try but you just have to be really carefull. As youxin said the newer leicas, M6 etc are easier to turn the screw than the older ones. It actually turned quite easily. I tried adjusting the Cam on a beat up M2 before I sent it out and it wouldn't budge so I left it for him!
I was always to scared to try but you just have to be really carefull. As youxin said the newer leicas, M6 etc are easier to turn the screw than the older ones. It actually turned quite easily. I tried adjusting the Cam on a beat up M2 before I sent it out and it wouldn't budge so I left it for him!
enero
Killer of Threads
Hey Vick, I don't see anything requiring a hex key in my camera at all. Are you referring to something inside the body that I can't see without disassembly?
MISH
Well-known
I have a M4 that the infinity focus is way off so I sent Youxin a question about the price of repai rand will share his answer below.
In most cases, camera focus should fell in adjustment range. For classic M2/4, sometimes the main prism dislodged from the housing, requires recement the main prism back to housing, then adjust focus. This happens only if the focus is way off. You may run a test roll to the camera make sure shutter works well, only requires focus adjustment. If the camera only needs focus adjustment, it will be $20 + shipping.
(BTW my focus is way off, I figure some sort of impact may have been involved))
In most cases, camera focus should fell in adjustment range. For classic M2/4, sometimes the main prism dislodged from the housing, requires recement the main prism back to housing, then adjust focus. This happens only if the focus is way off. You may run a test roll to the camera make sure shutter works well, only requires focus adjustment. If the camera only needs focus adjustment, it will be $20 + shipping.
(BTW my focus is way off, I figure some sort of impact may have been involved))
enero
Killer of Threads
This pretty much sounds like the instructions posted on the first link that I attached from Leica FAQ. Only with different terminology, which I think is what's confusing me the most. If you guys would indulge me, here is a picture with the screwed numbered. Can you guys can tell me which screw everyone is referring to? Just so I'm on the same page as everyone here.
I know #3 isnt any of my concern at the moment, I just numbered it cause it was there...
enero
Killer of Threads
I wonder if Youxin Ye, would talk me through this procedure over the phone if I paypaled him some money...
enero
Killer of Threads
Ive shot a few rolls since Ive noticed this, and everything seems to be in focus. But you bring up a good point, and sending it out might be the safest thing to do...I just want to cover all my bases before I have to do that since I'm currently (practically) a broke ass hobo.
rlouzan
Well-known
Hi,
A 2mm hex key is used to adjust horizontal alignment on M8/9 bodies.
Regards,
Robert
A 2mm hex key is used to adjust horizontal alignment on M8/9 bodies.
Regards,
Robert
rlouzan
Well-known
Screw N.1
This pretty much sounds like the instructions posted on the first link that I attached from Leica FAQ. Only with different terminology, which I think is what's confusing me the most. If you guys would indulge me, here is a picture with the screwed numbered. Can you guys can tell me which screw everyone is referring to? Just so I'm on the same page as everyone here.
I know #3 isnt any of my concern at the moment, I just numbered it cause it was there...
Godfrey
somewhat colored
When I obtained the M4-2, its rangefinder was off, both in vertical alignment and in accuracy. It was also not moving smoothly. A full viewfinder service (clean, lube, collimate and calibrate) cost me $100 and took a week at my local shop. That's cheap enough and fast enough to be worth letting a shop do it.
Godfrey
enero
Killer of Threads
I had a feeling I had seen a hex screw somewhere before, but I couldnt place it.
Screw N.1
Thanks!