Problem of Noctilux on R-D1s

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chanyik

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Dec 17, 2005
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Hi all,

I was a previous owner of RD1, with CV 12/5.6, 23/3.5, ZM 35/2 & ZM 50/2

I never experienced back focus.

However, I upgraded to R-D1s + Noctilux two days ago, i found that there is back focus, especially at closest focus distance and larger aperture.

Is it the problem of the lens? Rd1s? or matching of this combo?

Any advices?

Steve
 
I've seen a posting somewhere (I'll try to find it) where the focus definitely shifts back by about 5-10cm when opened wide up. On closing down the focus shifts forward. Apparently the Noctilux is known for this.
 
Most likely a rangefinder alignment issue. I had this problem with a R-D1 and finally it was DAG who aligned it. See the whole thread here.
Didier

PS: But I have to add that a f1.0 lens is very hard to focus on a camera with such a short baselength.
 
Last edited:
Steve

Leica indicate that you probably need to have your M registration checked if you want to use the f1.0 lens, lots of people only use the high magnification viewfinders, or add on multipliers.

Noel
 
DAG will align analog cameras with the Noctilux too. I sent mine for a complete CLA and also sent the M7 it is used on so they could be "matched". Now I have no excuses... ;)
 
Thank you peter_n, Xmas, pfogle and especially Didier.

After two hours playing with the screws, i managed to have adjusted the accruate range of focus for Noctilux at closest 1m to 2.5m, at F1.0

It's the most frequent range I use. beyond 2.5m, minor back focus begins.

Even though it's not possible for me to make it accurate from 1m to infinity, the situation now is largely improved :)

Once again thank you for your advices.
 
pfogle said:
I've seen a posting somewhere (I'll try to find it) where the focus definitely shifts back by about 5-10cm when opened wide up. On closing down the focus shifts forward. Apparently the Noctilux is known for this.
Click to expand...

AFAIK it is just the other way around. Focus shift is towards the camera on this lens. Wide open the focussing is accurate. On closing down the focus shift stays (just) within DOF. On the RD1 there is a problem with the Noctilux because of the narrow RF base. The use of a viewfinder magnifier is recommended (Megaperls)
 
jaapv said:
AFAIK it is just the other way around. Focus shift is towards the camera on this lens. Wide open the focussing is accurate. On closing down the focus shift stays (just) within DOF. On the RD1 there is a problem with the Noctilux because of the narrow RF base. The use of a viewfinder magnifier is recommended (Megaperls)
Click to expand...
Yes, I see where you're coming from here... unfortunately, I've done a search, but can't find the sample photos I was refering to. What I didn't realise, was that the Noctilux is corrected to focus accurately when wide open - something that never occured to me, coming as I do from a lifetime of SLR photography! So the shift is forwards when stopping down - same sense as what I said, but with a different reference point. I guess that's why people have been known to say that the lens is not so useful when stopped down - the optical quality is hidden by the focus shift.

I've seen lots of beautiful work done with this lens, but this issue would probably put me off getting one...
 
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