Leica M rangefinder

[Dan95]

I've read that some have mis-aligned their RFs when they drop their bags. And also IIRC, a minor thump can mis-align the RF.

Are they really that fragile ?

 

[BobYIL]

It should not be so.. Since 1963, I probably re-aligned my M-cameras (M2, M3 and M4) not more than 5 or 6 times (some none, some maybe once). As I remember each case was nothing more than a fine vertical adjustment.

 

[paradoxbox]

a hard knock to the left side of the camera can do it - for example if the camera falls off a table directly onto the left side. but it's not guaranteed to go out of alignment either, just possible.

i doubt that any leica in good condition would go out of alignment from a knock while in its camera bag.

remember people have used these cameras in war zones for decades - they're not THAT fragile

 

[thegman]

I used to worry about knocking out of alignment, but the more I use range finders, the more I realise that they are actually a lot more solid than I gave them credit for.

Also, unless you're shooting fast lenses, you can afford a little inaccuracy. The only time I have had an issue with alignment was the Nokton 50mm 1.1, but I think that was more back focus with the lens, not my camera. I've also shot a 35mm Nokton 1.4, and Summarit 50mm 1.5, both of which focused perfectly, and I've never had to adjust the camera.

 

[axiom]

I dropped my M2 on fine sand and maligned the RF

 

[Stelios]

I've dropped my M6 few times on the floor, once on hard paving, nothing happened.

I then fell on my back slipping on ice, camera in backpack, the result being a cracked viewfinder and knocked off rangefinder. £150 later is again like new.

Choose the story you prefer. 😛

 

[Lss]

Are they really that fragile ?

No, they are not exactly fragile. Over time the rangefinder may go out of alignment, but even a very hard knock on the camera does not guarantee it. I have a broken baseplate for my M8 to prove my point.

 

[robert blu]

i have a different experience...my m7 (0.58 VF) always need an rf alignment at least once a year when I use it very oft. I'm careful not to drop it or slam but this is my experience. Never had similar problem with my Bessa R which I use in the same way. Maybe the M/ was assembled on friday afternoon...
robert
PS: to be clear it s a small out of alignment and the camera could be used anyway, specially with a wide lens.

 

[beyond]

Dan..you dropped your camera again?

 

[Dan95]

I've never dropped a Leica.

Just that everytime I set down my bag, I get a little paranoid and check the RF.

 

[Dan95]

No, they are not exactly fragile. Over time the rangefinder may go out of alignment, but even a very hard knock on the camera does not guarantee it. I have a broken baseplate for my M8 to prove my point.

Baseplate on my M8 also broke, the clip that is. Was on a tripod, then snapped out of the blue ( due to stress ).