garfieldheights
Newbie
I'm from the digital camera world and my father gave me his NOS Leica M3. I'm taking a photo class at the local college and have found this site extremely useful in handling the camera. My latest issue is focusing. I have a Leitz Wetzlar Tele-Elmar lens and I'm unsure how to focus. Any tips would be appreciated.:bang:
RdEoSg
Well-known
Welcome to the boards first off!
To focus that camera the first thing you do assuming the lens is already on the body is to just look through the window in the back. You should see through to whatever you are taking a photo of. In the center of the image you should see kind of like a second image. This is the rangefinder focusing patch. Essentially you will see two nice sharp images in the very center. To achieve correct focus, you twist the focusing ring on the lens until you see only one image in the center instead of two. It is easiest to try it on things with vertical lines to start with. The edge of a door for example will work well to practice.
I don't have that lens so someone else will need to chime in here, but I believe the back ring on that lens should be the focusing one. It will probably be the largest ring on the lens. There will be two rings. One with numbers like 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 and one with out. Turn the one with out for focusing.
To focus that camera the first thing you do assuming the lens is already on the body is to just look through the window in the back. You should see through to whatever you are taking a photo of. In the center of the image you should see kind of like a second image. This is the rangefinder focusing patch. Essentially you will see two nice sharp images in the very center. To achieve correct focus, you twist the focusing ring on the lens until you see only one image in the center instead of two. It is easiest to try it on things with vertical lines to start with. The edge of a door for example will work well to practice.
I don't have that lens so someone else will need to chime in here, but I believe the back ring on that lens should be the focusing one. It will probably be the largest ring on the lens. There will be two rings. One with numbers like 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 and one with out. Turn the one with out for focusing.
garfieldheights
Newbie
Thanks Chris!
That is very helpful. I let you know how my first photos turn out.
That is very helpful. I let you know how my first photos turn out.
spyder2000
Dim Bulb
I bet not many students show up for college photo class with a Leica M3. I have to admit that would make me smile. Good luck and enjoy the class.
RdEoSg
Well-known
You're welcome! Post some pictures sometime when you get a chance so we can see!