Leica LTM 5 cm nikkor f2.0 LTM focus issue

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
J

JSteed#2

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My 5 cm Nikkor f2 LTM has produced some great and some soft images. I understand that the Sonnar based lenses such as this display have focus shift. Best aperture to avoid the problem? Best distance to avoid it?
 
Thanks for asking. Seems random, but i have the sense that the focus shift occurs are around f5.6. that may just be a faulty memory.
 
The Nikon lenses left the factory calibrated for wide-open use, close-up. Focus shift will be worst at F5.6, will be behind the point of focus. Best to focus using the RF, then either back up 2" or nudge the focus slightly closer. If it is truly random, as I had with two Sonnars: an element could be loose.
 
Hmm. Good to know that. Mine seems to do fine open wide and at infinity as well (my landscape shooting, earlier and later in the day) but I do seem to have a better "hit" rate with a couple of my others. Probably still just my eyes :)
 
My Nikon 5cm F2.0 had a loose element that was affecting my images, it was causing inconsistent photos that came out blurry and out of focus. It fooled my local camera tech for a while, but he got it fixed for me.
 
Thanks to all. Since the lens, which is cosmetically perfect (or seems so) had a rough spot in the focusing movement, i am having it reconditioned and will report back.....perhaps a loose element indeed. .
 
Remember that the LTM Nikkor 5cm F2, 5cm F1.4, and 5cm F1.5 close-focus to 18". There is a mechanism in the focus mount at about 3ft "a Bump" to give feedback that you are closer than what the rangefinder can follow. SO- if the spot is at ~3ft, moight be normal.
 
The 'rough spot' is at the 1 meter mark. Normal. It's to warn you when the rangefinder cam is no long coupling to the lens, for close focus purposes.
 
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