Rangefinder Adjustment...

[urban_alchemist]

Quick question: Just got back from holiday and got my MP-3 and M8 out of storage. Seems that at some point, both the rangefinders have gone slightly out of alignment (more so in the case of the MP-3). At infinity, they're both slightly off...

How complicated a job is it to recalibrate the rangefinder? Who would you trust to do it? Would you do it yourself?

TIA...

 

[maddoc]

I bought my M2 being advertised as "RF out of calibration at infinity" and after arriving gave it a try to adjust it myself. With a good screwdriver and a bright full moon at night it took me only a couple of very small adjustments to re-calibrate it. Works fine since then. 🙂 The only advise I can give is to use a screwdriver that really fits the eccentric screw and not to apply any pressure to the rangefinder-coupling arm, just torque.

Good luck !

Cheers,

Gabor

 

[waileong]

Check Andrew Nemeth's site.

 

[babark]

Dear Gabor,
I am also having a same problem with my M4, I wish it would be that easier for me too. may be you are kind enough to give me some quick tips, otherwise I have send it all the way to NY from Pakistan. all the best bangash

 

[payasam]

You could send, or bring, the M4 across the line to me: but I can correctly set only the main screw in the cam follower. The smaller one, which controls the R/F gain, is beyond me.

 

[rogue_designer]

Horizontal RF adjustment on all M's is the same. Adjustment to the Follower cam.

Vertical alignment on the M4 and earlier can be calibrated with just a jewelers screwdriver. Instructions can be found in many places on the intorwebs.

Vertical on the M4-2 and later models require a specific tool that Leica sells for roughly $350.

If you feel reasonably confident with a screwdriver and some basic instruction, I'd say give it a shot. But If you have a newer model, or are worried at all that you'll flub it, send it off to a pro.

 

[Assaf]

Hi there,
I know a local technician (here, in Tel Aviv) that might be able to help you.
If you're interested, send me a PM

 

[Erik van Straten]

To correct the rangefinder for infinity you have to turn the eccentric in the middle of the big roller that touches the lens. Grind with a Dremel the blade of a normal small screwdriver (with a firm handgrip) so that the straight side of the blade (that goes into the eccentric) has an angle of about 45 degrees. Take off the lens and turn the eccentric just a little bit with the prepared screwdriver. Put the lens back on and check on infinity. Repeat until infinity is perfect. Take care that you do not damage anything.

Erik.

 

[rlouzan]

Leica M8:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-...-solution.html

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[payasam]

Where in Pakistan are you, babark? I remember talk of a good repair person in Karachi. You should find his name if you search for that city on Photo.net.

 

[maddoc]

I am not sure who posted a photo here at RFF some time ago, showing perfectly how to DIY adjust the RF for infinity. If memory serves me right it was RFF member ferider (Roland).

 

[payasam]

Here is a screenshot of an illustration and description:
http://jumboprawn.net/jesse/cams/gear-profiles/leica-m2-overhaul/leica-m2-overhaul.html
As Gabor says, only rotating force is to be applied. This is crucial, but it is easier said than done.