Ikon ZM focusing OFF

[jc48375]

I have purchased two very different lenses to use on my Ikon ZM as well as a Fuji X-T1

Sonnar 50mm 1.5
Jupiter-8 50mm f/2.0

I get very different results in the images taken from the X-T1 and the ZM.

Images from the X-T1 are tack sharp whereas I hardly get anything close to being sharp at all with the ZM.

I could blame it on the focus shift on the Sonnar but have no reason with the blurry images taken with the Jupiter-8. I have shot from wide open to f/8; can't say I have sharp images with the ZM.

I think my ZM focusing is off..... I noticed that at infinity, the patches won't line up at all.....

Has anyone experienced similar issues with the ZM and how did you resolve it?

Any recommendation of a repair center for focusing adjustment?

Thanks for all your input.

cheers,

 

[mfogiel]

So, there are possibly several issues here, let's go in order:
1- put on the longest lens you have, and wait for the evening, then set the camera to infinity and look at the moon - if you see misalignment, most likely the RF needs to be adjusted
2- if you see the moon OK, then put the C Sonnar on, and take some shots of close objects - possibly of a 45 degree inclined focus chart. Take a few shots at f 1.5 and a few at f 3.2 ( one tack after 2.8). Given that it is not clear how is your C Sonnar set up, one of the two settings should give you sharp images, although the f1.5 ones will be low contrast
3- on the rest of the film, put the Jupiter on, and tahe a few shots of distant objects setting the lens manually to infinity and setting the stop to f 5.6. The images should be sharp.
I am suspecting that most likely the ZI needs to be adjusted (this will be confirmed by a double moon ). The second most likely explanation is that you don't know how to shoot the C Sonnar because you don't know where it focuses sharp, and Jupiter could be out of alignment.
On Fuji even a coke bottom will work, because you are looking directly at the final image.

 

[jonmanjiro]

The first thing I would check is the register (flange to film plane distance) of the camera. If someone has messed this up, no amount of adjusting the rangefinder will fix your focus problems. You can check whether the register on your camera is ok by photographing a distant target (buildings etc.) at f/1.5 - f/2.8 with the lens set to infinity (ignore the focus patch). Unless you know your Jupiter is a good copy and focuses correctly, I'd use your Zeiss lens for this. Use a tripod etc. to eliminate hand shake. If the pictures are sharp, your camera's register is ok, and its time to look at adjusting the rangefinder.

 

[jc48375]

The first thing I would check is the register (flange to film plane distance) of the camera. If someone has messed this up, no amount of adjusting the rangefinder will fix your focus problems. You can check whether the register on your camera is ok by photographing a distant target (buildings etc.) at f/1.5 - f/2.8 with the lens set to infinity (ignore the focus patch). Unless you know your Jupiter is a good copy and focuses correctly, I'd use your Zeiss lens for this. Use a tripod etc. to eliminate hand shake. If the pictures are sharp, your camera's register is ok, and its time to look at adjusting the rangefinder.

Yes, I ran a test on tripod and made a few shots at infinity while ignoring the double image in the viewfinder.

The images came out sharp; off to Zeiss Germany it is...

Do you know of anyone in the USA can adjust the alignment?

I don't mind shipping to either Japan or Germany but want that to be the last resort -


Cheers,

 

[Pioneer]

Yes, I ran a test on tripod and made a few shots at infinity while ignoring the double image in the viewfinder.

The images came out sharp; off to Zeiss Germany it is...

Do you know of anyone in the USA can adjust the alignment?

I don't mind shipping to either Japan or Germany but want that to be the last resort -


Cheers,

Call 1-800-543-1033

This is the lens and camera repair division in New York. They will let you know how to get service.

 

[jc48375]

Call 1-800-543-1033

This is the lens and camera repair division in New York. They will let you know how to get service.

I spoke to John yesterday and Zeiss USA is making it really easy to ship repairs to Germany and then back...