Nokton 35 1.4 Focus Problem?

[photogdave]

I've noticed on my new Nokton 35 1.4 that moving the focus ring from .7 to .8 meters on the distance scale there is no movement of the RF patch.
So if I set the lens to it's closest focusing distance of .7 and then move the camera toward a vertical line until the two lines overlap, I can then move the focus ring to .8 and there is no change in the RF patch.
I hope I'm explaining this clearly! 😱 Anyway, does this seem normal for this lens? I've tried this test on both my M4 and CL (both RFs well calibrated as best I can tell) and get the same thing. My Ultron 35 and Summicron 40 don't do this!

 

[tmfabian]

seems normal to me...problem is that the cam in the camera isn't designed to work at that close of a focus distance...happens with one of my lens/camera combos as well.

 

[photogdave]

seems normal to me...problem is that the cam in the camera isn't designed to work at that close of a focus distance...happens with one of my lens/camera combos as well.

Maybe you're right. I just tried my 50 Summicron which also focuses to .7m and there is a little wiggle room - not as much as the Nokton.
So does this mean the lens can focus a bit closer than I can see with the RF patch?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I've noticed on my new Nokton 35 1.4 that moving the focus ring from .7 to .8 meters on the distance scale there is no movement of the RF patch.

If you have this problem with your M4, and in the same M4 you can see movement in the RF patch by adjusting the focus in your 50mm Summicron in the same range, then the problem is with your 35mm Nokton.

Unless, of course, the 35mm Nokton is designed to do this.

 

[photogdave]

If you have this problem with your M4, and in the same M4 you can see movement in the RF patch by adjusting the focus in your 50mm Summicron in the same range, then the problem is with your 35mm Nokton.

Unless, of course, the 35mm Nokton is designed to do this.

I tried the 50 and noticed it does the same thing, just not to the same extent.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I tried the 50 and noticed it does the same thing, just not to the same extent.

Then your M4 rangefinder coupling arm isn't "properly" adjusted. My M2 focuses a little closer than 0.7m

I suspect that if you take a shot wide open under 1m, your photo will be off a little.

 

[ferider]

Hi Dave,

first off all, take the 40mm Summicron-C, the Ultron and Leica CL out of the equation, do not compare to them. The 40mm and Leica CL have .8m min. focus, the 35mm Ultron 0.9.

Can you confirm that the 50mm Summicron moves the patch around closest distance (0.7m) and the Nokton does not, both on the M4 (only) ?

If yes, there is (1) either something wrong with the Nokton or (2) how Nokton/M4 work together (for example, the M4 RF arm could be bent). If both lenses have the same problem, the M4 should be looked at.

Best,

Roland.

 

[photogdave]

Thanks Roland. With the 50 I can move the focus ring slightly before the image in the patch moves. With the Nokton I can move the ring a further distance before the image in the patch moves.

 

[ferider]

Hmm. Sounds like something might be not 100% in specs with the M4. I were you, I wouldn't worry if the photos come out OK. Otherwise send Nokton and M4 to Sherry or Youxin.

Best,

Roland.

 

[photogdave]

Hmm. Sounds like something might be not 100% in specs with the M4. I were you, I wouldn't worry if the photos come out OK. Otherwise send Nokton and M4 to Sherry or Youxin.

Best,

Roland.

Thanks. I'll shoot some film tests and have a look. Luckily the Voigtlander warranty repair shop is 15 minutes away from my home, and we have a great local guy named Horst who works on mechanical Leicas!

 

[Pablito]

I could be wrong but from talking to Sherry a number of times, I don't think she'll work on anything not made by Leica. So she may not touch the Nokton, but she can adjust the M4.