Lens distance error on different lenses with same body?

[Gary E]

I was testing to see if my 2 bodies would result in the same distance markings on my lens, and they seemed quite close. But when I tried with another lens, it indicated a 1 foot difference! It was repeatable between the 2 bodies.

With a 35 cron, it indicated 6 feet on an M4 and M3, but with a 75 lux, it indicated 5 feet. I then tested a 50 Heliar, and that indicated about 1.8m or 5.9 feet. So, I'm believing the actual range was closer to 6 feet than 5.

Now, I was prompted to do this little test just to finish a roll of film, so I don't have the results just yet. I was just wondering if different lenses on the same body indicate distances that off from each other? Any experiences?

 

[Melvin]

Have you checked them all at infinity, focusing on something far away? Sometimes the camera rangefinder needs to be adjusted for a particular lens.

 

[maddoc]

All my lenses show slightly different distances when focused with the same body but focus is spot on. I sometimes use a coaster as "test-target" and know the distance is 2m (measured with a tape-measure) to my camera but readings are - dependent on the lens - between something like 2.9 and 3.1 meter. As I read somewhere, only the "1m" is exact and that is also my experience.

Cheers,

Gabor

 

[waileong]

Calibration

Calibration

Lenses don't usually go out of calibration unless they are dropped or otherwise heavily damaged.

RF's can go out of calibration from knocks or vibration.

The RF's in your cameras, one or both of them, could be out.

The Leica is sophisticated in that it has separate adjustments for 1m, 10m and infinity focus. All three have to be adjusted properly for your camera to focus properly at all distances.

You can set up targets at different distances and use a yardstick or measuring tape to measure the distance, then focus and see whether they correspond to your measured distances. For infinity you have to use a really far target, like a distant mountain or perhaps the moon (if you have a 1.25x magnifier).

From this you may find that one or both cameras may be out at one or more distances.

There are FAQ's online to help you adjust, but I would suggest you send the camera(s) which are out of calibration to a qualified technician for adjustment.

 

[payasam]

In my experience, lens markings are seldom exactly right.