Problem Focusing w 50mm Summicron

[tom@home]

Hello, I'm a novice with a very nice MP and 50 summicron. I'm practicing focusing before bringing the camera to my eye, but I notice that the scale on the lens doesn't seem to reflect the actual measured distance to the subject when I refine the focus at my eye. The scale reflects a greater distance by a couple of feet or so. Is this common? I bought the lens new. Also, any tips for fast focusing much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[waileong]

Why don't you develop a roll and see?

As for fast focusing, you should learn to pre-focus. Google.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The distance scales on lenses are not always perfectly accurate. As long as the rangefinder cam on the lens is accurately adjusted, this doesn't matter. Like waileong said, shoot something and see if your stuff is in focus.

 

[tom@home]

Thanks, I'll shoot some stuff and find out. My impression though, is that a scale on a Leica lens ought to be pretty darn accurate.
Thanks again.

 

[Al Kaplan]

A lot of things "ought to be" but aren't. One consideration is that distance is measured from the film plane. About the only functions the distance scale has these days is setting hyperfocal distance and figuring f/stops with manual flash when using guide numbers. Of course REAL Leica shooters would never admit to using flash, and certainly wouldn't let on that the automatic settings on their Vivitar 283 (hidden in the bottom of their camera bag) are spot-on accurate and totally dependable.

 

[ferider]

The distance scale on your Summicron and the actual distance should match. When you check, I recommend a tripod, and using the middle of the RF patch. And a test roll. If off, it's most likely the camera's not the lens' fault.

Roland.

 

[Edelweiss]

I think the actual distance should match the distance scale on lense when you focus right.
I did an experiment before, I put something 1 meter away from the flim plane of my MP(use a tape to measure), then I focused on that stuff in the viewfinder, the distance read on the lens scale is 1 meter either.

 

[caodanuw]

Could you tell me which shop did you go??

 

[Melvin]

Sounds like something needs adjustment, probably the rangefinder, which is designed to be adjusted. Have you tried focusing on something in the distance, like a tall building a couple miles away. It should be in focus and the scale should be at infinity, likewise with minimum focus, but then you need a tape measure.