My first post and my first two rolls and. . .

[Jasper Street]

So I recently started using an M3, and I just got back my first two rolls and wow, they're just absolutely horrendous. I think I've found a whole new level of garbage with these ones. They are without a doubt the worst photos I've ever taken. I expected some of them to be out of focus and improperly exposed, but they are ALL woefully out of focus. How could I be focusing so utterly wrong?

So, my question is, did anyone else have problems focusing when they first started using a rangefinder?

Thanks for reading.

 

[Keith]

What sort of lens were you using ... was it a collapsable?

 

[david.elliott]

And is your rangefinder properly aligned?

 

[Jasper Street]

lens and alignment. . .

lens and alignment. . .

What sort of lens were you using ... was it a collapsable?

The lens is a 50mm elmar f2.8 and yes, it's collapsible. As for alignment, I'm not sure how to judge that so I'll have to take it to a shop.

Are collapsible lenses more difficult to focus?

Thanks for the replies, guys.

 

[DeeCee3]

No, Jasper, they're not more difficult to focus but sometimes they are not pulled completely out of the collapsed position and locked into the shooting position. That could well have happened with you if you are new to Elmars and RF cameras. My f2.8 collapsible Elmar was a "jam-up and jelly-tight" lens once I got accustomed to making sure it was locked.

dc

 

[david.elliott]

Point at the moon and focus to infinity. If the images overlap, then you are properly aligned at infinity.

 

[Jasper Street]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'll try your suggestions.