Kumachrome
Established
Hi all,
So I've owned a couple of Leica rangefinders in the past and I only just noticed this. Wanted to know if this is inherent to the design. I've noticed with my Leica M4-P, the rangefinder mechanism seems to have a certain point were it no longer makes contact with the focusing cam of my lenses. Specifically, at close focusing distance.
I've noticed this with my M4-P using the 7Artisans 50mm f1.1 and the Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 M mount (my only lenses). At around the 0.8M marking on the lens, the rangefinder will stop moving, but I can continue focusing the lens down to 0.7M (the minimum focus distance on the lens). Looking at my photos, all the photos are in focus, and focuses perfectly at infinity as well. Perhaps my lenses focus closer than what the M4-P is capable of? But I thought only the older-older M models couldn't focus closer than 1 meter.
Maybe I'm just ignorant?
Any help appreciated! Thanks!
So I've owned a couple of Leica rangefinders in the past and I only just noticed this. Wanted to know if this is inherent to the design. I've noticed with my Leica M4-P, the rangefinder mechanism seems to have a certain point were it no longer makes contact with the focusing cam of my lenses. Specifically, at close focusing distance.
I've noticed this with my M4-P using the 7Artisans 50mm f1.1 and the Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 M mount (my only lenses). At around the 0.8M marking on the lens, the rangefinder will stop moving, but I can continue focusing the lens down to 0.7M (the minimum focus distance on the lens). Looking at my photos, all the photos are in focus, and focuses perfectly at infinity as well. Perhaps my lenses focus closer than what the M4-P is capable of? But I thought only the older-older M models couldn't focus closer than 1 meter.
Maybe I'm just ignorant?
Any help appreciated! Thanks!
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I bet you are not original owner.
RF arm is adjustable. Previous owner could have it done for lenses not focusing closer than .8 m.
RF arm is adjustable. Previous owner could have it done for lenses not focusing closer than .8 m.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Take the lens off and look up inside to the roof of the chamber. You will see a little metal arm that limits the travel of the cam roller. The travel can be adjusted by bending the metal tab. If you are comfortable with tools, it can be done at home. Otherwise, have a tech do it for you. The camera was most likely adjusted to a 1 meter minimum distance at the factory. For the newer lenses that go to 0.7M, the tab can be re-adjusted for that.
Kumachrome
Established
Hey Rob,
Yeah it seems that's the case. Do you know if this adjustment would require recalibrating the rangefinder after? I'm comfortable enough with basic repairs on this camera, which I've done.
Yeah it seems that's the case. Do you know if this adjustment would require recalibrating the rangefinder after? I'm comfortable enough with basic repairs on this camera, which I've done.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
It should not affect the rangefinder calibration. But if and when recalibration is required, that's nothing to be scared of--you can do it. But that's another story . . .
Kumachrome
Established
Just did the slight modification you mentioned. It was very simple and easy. Problem fixed! Thanks!