Leica M6 - Vertical Alignment Issue

[Isaac Hilman]

Hi everyone!

I recently purchased a used Leica M6, my first Leica, and just received it back from a full CLA. The main reason I sent it out was the vertical alignment being quite off.

After receiving it back though, the vertical alignment is still slightly off. Is it common for them not to be perfectly aligned, even after an alignment job? It's definitely close, very close, but there's still a slight ghosting / hazy look when the images are focused - with the rangefinder image sitting slightly above the viewfinder image still.

A friends M6 I was lent while mine was out was perfectly aligned, and the images looked razor sharp when focused. But perhaps his was still factory aligned and had never been knocked off?

Cheers to everyone!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Send it back. Even if the slight misalignment won't have an effect on focusing, it can and it should be correctly aligned. Where did you send it? They should warrant their job.

 

[mpaniagua]

Hi everyone!

I recently purchased a used Leica M6, my first Leica, and just received it back from a full CLA. The main reason I sent it out was the vertical alignment being quite off.

After receiving it back though, the vertical alignment is still slightly off. Is it common for them not to be perfectly aligned, even after an alignment job? It's definitely close, very close, but there's still a slight ghosting / hazy look when the images are focused - with the rangefinder image sitting slightly above the viewfinder image still.

A friends M6 I was lent while mine was out was perfectly aligned, and the images looked razor sharp when focused. But perhaps his was still factory aligned and had never been knocked off?

Cheers to everyone!

Both my M6 and M4-P have razor sharp rangefinder patches alignment. Send it back. CLA has a "A" for reason (Adjust), so its a basic task when sending a rangefinder camera for CLA.

Best luck and wish you lots of fun with your M6. That's my mine camera.

Regards

Marcelo

 

[Isaac Hilman]

Thank you both for the replies.

It's hard to consider sending it back already, after having just received it.

I just loaded a new roll of Ektar 100 into the camera when it arrived, and fired only a single frame so far. The first frame I've ever taken with this camera to date. Disappointed that it needs to go back to the service center, but I know that I'll enjoy it far more when it's properly aligned. I loved the razor sharp look that my friends camera achieved when I'd found focus. I guess I'll be calling the repairman and letting him know that it needs to go back.

Thanks again.

Cheers, and happy shooting!

 

[Mjd-djm]

Better to get it done. It will only annoy you... especially when you have paid for it.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I agree send it back for correction. It certainly appears to be annoying to you.

 

[peterm1]

I have had this issue and boy it's annoying as it makes it hard to focus comfortably. In the end after researching online how to do it I found on ebay a small tool to use for the purpose from a Chinese tool maker which cost $20- $30? and did it myself. I knew my local camera tech did not have the required tool and I did not wish to send it off by mail to an interstate tech who I did not know. It was not technically difficult but it was very fiddly as the slightest turn of the tool made a large difference. Twist the tool then check through the finder then try again usually in the opposite direction was the rule of the day. But after perhaps half an hour of trial and error I nailed it. Even a Leica technician would need good eyesight, steady hands and a calm mind so I can understand why it may be off after a CLA. In your circumstances I say send it back.

PS For those interested in DIY here is the tool. But boy its price has gone up considerably from what I recall. Still - cheaper than paying a technician for a full CLA if that is all that needs adjusting.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vertical-Li...hash=item2a1185c113:m:mKpqi_EGr8IzKaAzwl275Ww

and a video showing the method (Note while this shows the technician taking the top cover off this is not necessary if just adjusting vertical alignment) To access the adjustment mechanism it is only necessary to remove the Leica dot on the front of the top plate, behind which the access hole for this purpose resides as you see him do at the end of the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1yJaN_tc2A

 

[Chris101]

Vertical adjustment of the M6 and M4-P rangefinders is a simple(ish) procedure that can be done without disassembling the camera. Especially on the M4-P, as the screw above the lens opens the port, and early models can be adjusted with a jeweler's screwdriver. Later models and the M6 require the 'two-headed' tool referred to by PeterM1.