Focus problem on NEX 5N with Steinheil Munchen Tele-Quinar 135/3.5

[kutitta]

I'm trying out my manual lenses with my new NEX 5N and having a focusing problem with this lens. I'm using double adapters LTM to M and M to NEX to mount the lens, would it be the reason? I used the lens with my CL and despite its different registration, the focus was alright - not pin sharp yet acceptable. But on NEX 5N, it's all blurry, not focusing at all?
Any ideas?

 

[tunalegs]

Got some examples to show?

 

[kutitta]

Got some examples to show?

Well, I didn't shoot anything because of this problem, but I can post samples later on, which will all be out of focus! 🙂

 

[Classique]

Unless lens helicoid is somehow broken (after you tried on CL) the lens should focus. One thing is that using multiple adapters result in possibility of non exact flange distance. If that is the case, the focus of the lens will not be the same with the distance scale. Maybe try focusing on objects farther away or closer to see if that is what happened.

I use 3 adapters, nikon s to ltm, ltm to m then m to nex (hawk's helicoid), and although the distance scale isn't perfect, it's relatively correct.

 

[kzphoto]

Are you scale focusing or using the EVF? If you're using the EVF then the only thing affecting the performance of the lens would be the lens itself.

 

[kutitta]

Thanks you classiqu and tunalegs!

When playing with the lens to take sample shots I discovered that the lens focuses better with smaller apertures, but still out of focus. Here are the three samples I just took with f/22, f/8 and f/3.5. And all shots were the best focus points possible for that aperture value.

I appreciate any insight!

 

[kutitta]

Are you scale focusing or using the EVF? If you're using the EVF then the only thing affecting the performance of the lens would be the lens itself.

Nope, I'm using the EVF, so it must be the lens or stacking the adapters!

 

[jonmanjiro]

does the lens rattle when you shake it? if so, could be a loose element in there.

even if the adapters are off, focusing with the EVF you should get something in focus somewhere if the lens is ok.

 

[kutitta]

does the lens rattle when you shake it? if so, could be a loose element in there.

even if the adapters are off, focusing with the EVF you should get something in focus somewhere if the lens is ok.

Nope, it doesn't seem to rattle. And here is a shot that I took with my CL and this lens just last week. As I said, the focus is not great, but I can't get anywhere close to this on NEX. BTW I took this shot wide open, which is where the focusing gets worse on NEX.

 

[colyn]

What brand of M to Nex adapter are you using?

If you are placing a LTM to M adapter then mounting this to the M to Nex adapter this should not be the problem.

Set the camera on a tripod and turn the focus ring to infinity with a distant subject in the view (300 or more feet away). See if it is in focus. If not trash the adapter and get a fotodiox adapter.

I have found most adapters found on eBay either have bad front or back focus issues because they are not made to proper specs..

 

[GaryLH]

The shots appear to be fairly close distance shots for a 135.. I wonder if third party adapter has issue at infinity focus point?

Usually if infinity focus occurs before the inf mark on the lens due to the third part adapter u will loose near focus capability. An example, let's say your lens normally can focus fine at 3 feet and inf on your CL, but due to the adapter on the Nex which has infinity in focus 1/8th inch before the infinity mark on the lens, u cannot focus any closer than 7 feet instead.

Check your focus in the mid distance and inf wide open.. For infinity, use something at least over quarter mile away. The farther the better considering it is a 135.

Good luck,
Gary

 

[GaryLH]

What brand of M to Nex adapter are you using?

If you are placing a LTM to M adapter then mounting this to the M to Nex adapter this should not be the problem.

Set the camera on a tripod and turn the focus ring to infinity with a distant subject in the view (300 or more feet away). See if it is in focus. If not trash the adapter and get a fotodiox adapter.

I have found most adapters found on eBay either have bad front or back focus issues because they are not made to proper specs..

+1

U beat me too it.

Gary

 

[kutitta]

What brand of M to Nex adapter are you using?

If you are placing a LTM to M adapter then mounting this to the M to Nex adapter this should not be the problem.

Set the camera on a tripod and turn the focus ring to infinity with a distant subject in the view (300 or more feet away). See if it is in focus. If not trash the adapter and get a fotodiox adapter.

I have found most adapters found on eBay either have bad front or back focus issues because they are not made to proper specs..

I just tried but no changes - it doesn't focus either infinity or closer distances. I use a cheap ebay adapter, but it works OK with my Leica lenses. Here are the sample shots taken with the same adapter...

 

[colyn]

You then need to get a M39 to Nex adapter..

 

[kutitta]

You then need to get a M39 to Nex adapter..

Thanks for the help! I just ordered M39 to NEX adapter, again a cheap one on ebay and will try that out!