focusing problems @ infinity

[sjavid]

Hi,

I picked up a used RD-1 a few weeks back from a reputable dealer and have noticed that I can't get distant ("infinity") objects in sharp focus in the viewfinder (and thus in pics themselves). It's as if the lens focusing doesn't turn quite far enough. I've tried 2 newish Leica lenses with same effect. I haven't experimented enough to determine if other ranges are out of focus as well, though I am able to focus on closer objects in viewfinder.

1. Does this make sense?

2. If so, is this something straightforward for me to adjust or should I return body to the dealer I purchased it from (it has 30 day warranty)?

Thank you!
-Shawn

 

[Johnmcd]

Shawn,

Welcome. This should show you what you need to do 🙂

http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_16.htm

Cheers,

John

 

[LCT]

...I can't get distant ("infinity") objects in sharp focus in the viewfinder (and thus in pics themselves)...

Curious that your pics are not sharp at infinity. Could you show them here?
My guess is your pics are sharp but your RF needs some adjustment.

 

[sjavid]

Thanks all. What has me puzzled is, assuming i understand optics correctly (and this maybe too big an assumption), even if the rangefinder isn't in perfect focus with lens set at infinity, shouldn't depth of field make objects at "infinite" zone (i.e. > say 50ft) appear in focus in actual pictures? I am seeing this problem with 3 different lenses (cv21, sum35, sum50) so I can't imagine its the lenses? Do the rangefinder adjustments actually adjust the CCD sensor plane (e.g. distance from lens) at all or just the prism? If its just the rangefinder then i don't get how the instructions to adjust rangefinder which have been posted will solve this. I have a couple of quick snaps i took the other day to understand (sorry they are not pretty/artistic)...

 

[sjavid]

cv/21 iso400 1/270s f/?

cv/21 iso400 1/270s f/?

This is a crop from a pic where whole series is out of focus... at 1st i thought it was the lens. CV 21mm ISO 400, 1/270s (sorry I didn't capture the f stop but it I believe it was somewhere mid-range)

 

[sjavid]

summicron 35mm ISO 200 1/800s f/?

summicron 35mm ISO 200 1/800s f/?

Ok, here's with newish Summicron 2/35 at ISO 200, 1/800s (didn't write down f stop, sorry); crop from test pic focused at "infinity"

 

[sjavid]

Summicron 50mm ISO 200 1/100s f/?

Summicron 50mm ISO 200 1/100s f/?

Ok, here's with newish Summicron 2/50 at ISO 200, 1/100s (didn't write down f stop, sorry); crop from test pic focused at "infinity" -- distance to trees in this shot and last is at least 150ft...

 

[sjavid]

same 3 shots with subjects further away

same 3 shots with subjects further away

Here are crops from same 3 pictures where trees on horizon are at least 1/2 mile distant

 

[LCT]

Yes forget what you see in your viewfinder and focus your lenses to infinity.
Then your pics are sharp aren't they?
If so, the rangefinder is the culprit most probably.
Unless you didn't bolt your lenses tight enough or you've spread some oil on the sensor of course. 😉

 

[sjavid]

The shots from the 2 different Leica glass were definitely taken with manual focus set at infinity.

 

[LCT]

Sorry to insist but when you say 'manual focus' you mean that you set the focus ring of the lenses exactly like that right? If so i have never seen this so far so i can't be of any help i'm afraid.

 

[sjavid]

Hi, yes the manual focus ring was set exactly at infinity just like in the picture.

Sorry to insist but when you say 'manual focus' you mean that you set the focus ring of the lenses exactly like that right? If so i have never seen this so far so i can't be of any help i'm afraid.

 

[sjavid]

Thanks everyone, today I returned the rd-1 to outfit i purchased it from. Thanks again.