M240 Rangefinder toughness

[lucasjld]

Hi there,

I recently got my first Leica, a M240, and have used (will keep on using) on weddings.
I read (somewhere) that the rangefinder does "lose" calibration over time, specially under high usage/lens swapping (like weddings).

Does it take long or it is something on a anual basis?

I live in Brazil, don't really think anyone around here is certified to calibrate a Leica rangefinder. I guess I'll need to keep my Canon as a backup for a little while.

 

[mfunnell]

The rangefinder doesn't 'just drift' out of alignment, it takes a knock of some kind. I haven't babied my gear and haven't had an RF out-of-alignment problem with any of my 2xHexar RFs (reputedly easy to knock out of alignment), my M3 or my M240 (reputedly more resistant to being knocked out of alignment). Full disclosure: I had to have the RF alignment adjusted on my M3 when I bought it (which I knew: the seller disclosed it).

My first Hexar RF arrived around 8 or 9 years ago and has seen a fair amount of use. I've not had a problem with alignment. The other cameras I've mentioned arrived at various times after that and also have had no problems.

Note, though, that RF alignment is probably more critical for digital, which needs precise focus on the flat plane of the sensor, while film has depth. So it is probably a good thing that the M240 RF is supposedly (according to Leica) more resistant to knocks than earlier RF assemblies.

...Mike

 

[Godfrey]

The M4-2 I bought in 2011 had never been serviced and its rangefinder was full of dirt and out of alignment. I brought it to a local camera tech I trust; he cleaned it, collimated it, and calibrated it for the grand total of $100. Not bad for a 34 year old camera.

The M/M-P typ 240 has some amount of dust and weather sealing, and the rangefinder is reputed to be more robust than the earlier Ms. I wonder how many years it will be before I need to have it serviced ... ? ;-)

Just don't drop it or bang it into things...

G

 

[rscheffler]

I have had the rangefinder on my M240 calibrated once in the time I've owned it (1.5 years), but it was because the camera was accidentally knocked relatively hard due to my oversight.

I happened to be relatively near Leica NJ at the time and arranged for same day servicing. It was explained to me by the service rep that all M240s that come for work must be put through an inspection and calibration process that involves a 'special machine' (that apparently is very expensive). My understanding is not all Leica offices/distributors have this machine, which then means the camera is usually sent to Germany for servicing. That said, it might still be possible to have rangefinder adjustments done without the machine though a third party service center...

I also use the camera for weddings (in addition to my DSLRs) and so far it has held up fine. Just try not to bang it into things.

 

[Lss]

I read (somewhere) that the rangefinder does "lose" calibration over time, specially under high usage/lens swapping (like weddings).

You don't need to worry about active use or frequent lens changes.

If you drop the camera or your travels are very very bumpy, just check the rangefinder calibration by focusing (using the rangefinder) and shooting wide open at something at different distances in a very controlled way every now and then. You may also compare against focusing using the sensor as your camera supports this. It is anyway easy and free to check on a digital. You will quickly find out whether you have a problem or you find this exercise a complete waste of time. 🙂

 

[willie_901]

In general, RF camera owners accept that calibration of the optical-mechanical focusing components is required routine maintenance. The appropriate calibration frequency can depend on many variables and will vary from photographer to photographer.

Since you're using your camera professionally, spending a few minutes per month (or after the camera has an impact event) on some simple focusing tests seems prudent.

 

[lucasjld]

Thank you all for the answers! I got the M240 at Leica Store Seoul, and travelled using a pelican case (cabin size) after I bought it on 4 or 5 long flights, but the focus is still perfect. Guess the inside padding worked fine.

My friend let me use his 90mm elmarit but its miles off focus after a certain distance. With the 21mm/35mm/50mm the body is working 100%.

I hope I get enough weddings to travel once or twice a year to London or NY so I can update my gear/clean properly/inspect and calibrate. Leica in Brazil is non-existent.

 

[mfunnell]

My friend let me use his 90mm elmarit but its miles off focus after a certain distance. With the 21mm/35mm/50mm the body is working 100%.

I'll almost guarantee you it's the lens that's off. My 75mm Summilux worked just fine for me, for years, with film. But it was the only lens I have that needed adjustment for digital. That's because it was serviced as and when I bought it in the pre-digital era. The guy who serviced it is a good tech, but couldn't be expected to adjust to digital standards before Leica even had a digital camera. I've since had my 75 adjusted to digital standards, and it's worked fine ever since.

...Mike

 

[x-ray]

I've used M's professionally since 1968 with only on RF adjustment needed. It was a very early M3 DS with the glass pressure plate. This occurred during the years I was a photojournalist. My experience with film M's has been they are as tough as as any SLR requiring no routine maintenance. I've owned a dozen or more M's in that time and had only three problems with bodies. One was the RF alignment in the late 60's, self timer spring broke on a SS M3 in the early 70's and the shutter failed under warranty on my new A La carte MP while in warranty a few years ago. My 1960 M2 that I've had for decades and used quite heavily finally went in for service about four years ago. The RF was getting hazy so I had it cleaned and a general CLA but everything was still working fine. The wax seal was intact meaning it had never been serviced In 50 years.

The use that I put my film M's through in the 60's through the 90's in one month probably would exceed a lifetime of use by the average user. My film usage would run as high as 200+ rolls a month. My M9 that I had was the opposite with RF issues that required multiple trips back to NJ for an average of 7 weeks per trip. In all honesty I don't think even the new film M's are as well made as the earlier models. I know their lenses during the later 70's into the 90's aren't.