Focus knocked off on M6. Can I still scale focus?

S

Stelios

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I managed to knock my beloved M6s focus off, after a spectacular fall on ice (viewfinder cracked and focus is, well, way off).

Can I still focus using the scale on the lens, until I get some money to fix it? Just to get me through the holidays.
 
Yes you can. And you can fix the focus as well if you're adventurous. I've re-aligned both the vertical and horizontal focus of my M6 and M8 with not much trouble.
 
Is the crack just in the front window glass? That doesn't sound as scary as if it were internal damage. Still, it should be fixed so that dust won't get in. The horizontal alignment is simple, involving only a little trial-and-error tweaking of the eccentric screw of the cam follower arm. You just have to come up with a tool that engages the slot properly. Something like a 10 cent screwdriver re-ground to a shape not unlike an X-Acto knife; and ground to the right slot width as well. You just turn it the tiniest bit, then put the lens back on to see what difference it made; repeat until done. Use a target at least 1/2 mile away. Two miles is better; the moon is better yet. I like to use a radio or TV tower.

If the camera has not had a CLA for a long time, this would really be the time to send it in!
 
Thanks everyone, I think it was a tad bit stupid asking, but oh well I had to.

The crack...ah..you can see it in the image attached. It hurts. It's on the back. Does not affect the use I think. Maybe some additional flare but haven't tested it.

I would re align the patch but I don't trust myself to take the top of the camera off. Poor camera has suffered alot in my hands.

I've never had it for a CLA for the four years I have it. It might be time for it...it has worked flawlessly all this time. I just hope I can afford it.

I had the crazy idea of exchanging it with an M4-2 but I'm too attached to this one I cannot let it go.
 

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You don't have to take the top off to re-align the rangefinder. The horizontal is accessible through the bayonet opening, with the lens removed. The vertical calls for peeling off that little red patch on the front; but I think you may need a special tool for it. There could be a local person qualified to do it. Don't part with the camera, just save up for a CLA.
 
The crack could be either in the eye-piece (cheap) or the prism (expensive). You can unscrew the eye piece to check and possibly replace.

Roland.
 
Thanks again. I did a small research and found out exactly that re aligning the patch does not require to unscrew the top off. Why I thought so, I have no idea. Found a detailed DIY but I don't think I'll follow it. I don't trust myself that much. I guess I'll use the scale to focus for now, and send it for a CLA after the holidays (and get told off by Mr Taylor for breaking my camera for the second time in 6 months).
 
Haha true. I guess I'm afraid I'll slip and knock something off? I'll re evaluate tomorrow.. or when I hear how much it'll cost to have it fixed.
 
monopix said:
Yes you can.
Click to expand...
Correct, Leica M have 4 alignment controls.. as opposed to most cameras which have only 3. Mucking with the linearity control can really ruin your day and will make it impossible to correct the infinity/travel/vertical again unless you're a schooled M-repair person.
 
Well since the misalignment was a result of a nasty fall that also resulted in cracking the viewfinder, I think it's better to send it to someone who knows. Who knows what else is going on in there. Scale focus will do for now.

Thanks!
 
No worries, didn't take it that seriously (no offence).
M6 is again loaded with film and ready to roll. Should be interesting. Will hopefully fix it after holidays.
 
Stelios said:
Well since the misalignment was a result of a nasty fall that also resulted in cracking the viewfinder, I think it's better to send it to someone who knows. Who knows what else is going on in there. Scale focus will do for now.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Now you are talking! That is a wise decision. Get it fixed once and get it fixed right. And don't drop it again! :)
 
You can at least get your focus in the ballpark by adjusting the eccentric screw, as previously mentioned. This adjustment will cause no harm (I've done it more than once) and is easier to perform than loading film.
 
Generally, if a camera takes a hard fall, it would be best to have it serviced. Perhaps, it simply needs to have that broken glass replaced and undergo some minor adjustments.

And the person repairing it can also inspect it for collateral damage and remove any debris (tiny glass chips, etc.)
 
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