Uh oh...M2 Focusing Problem

[Creagerj]

Well, I got my test roll back, and unfortunately nothing was in focus at all. What I ended up with was everything either being completely out of focus, or only objects behind my subject in focus, like this:

or like this:

Any idea what is causing this?

Also, how do I fix it? Is it a pretty simple DIY? I've successfully aligned an RF on a Canon, but I could tell it was out, my M2 doesn't seem out of alignment.

Or should I just send it in for a CLA? If so, who should I send it to and how do I get a hold of them?

 

[Particular]

My guess is that it is not the rangefinder, but the collapsable lens. Has it been pulled out as far as it goes?
The quick test of the rangefinder is to see if it focusses at infinity, when the lens is at infinity.

 

[Creagerj]

I wondered if that was the case. Infinity focus seems just fine on the camera. That would make sense that it was the lens because every shot I took at infinity was way out of focus. Well, what is the remedy for that? Or is there one?

 

[Creagerj]

And yes, the lens was out all the way.

Edit: I was wrong, operator error.

 

[Creagerj]

Wait a second, I just looked at the lens, I wasn't pulling it out all the way. It wasn't in the locked position where it can't be rotated. I think that may be the issue, I'll reshoot and find out. No I wish I hadn't burned through three rolls like that.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Don't fret. I (partly) blew a wedding shoot once when using a IIIf and collapsible Summitar from exactly that cause. I'd pulled the lens out whilst a trifle distracted, thought it was OK but I hadn't tried to lock it by rotation and later realised (when it accidentally retracted a little) that I hadn't performed the original extension properly and the FL of the lens was compromised.

 

[Steve M.]

I rather like the first shot.

 

[Gregoryniss]

She's A Ghost!

 

[Creagerj]

I feel pretty silly now, but I feel way better. Hey, at least exposure seems about right, so I think it is safe to say the shutter speeds are good.

 

[Pirate]

The focus is off on my M4 so I asked around here and have been doing a lot of reading on it - the Infinity and 10 meter should both focus correctly, so if you shoot another test roll, take one shot at Infinity and measure out an exact 10 meters for another shot. The third was the minimum focus of the lens (I think 1 meter) that should be in focus. Those were the points to look at before it needs any adjustments or repair work.

 

[Pirate]

What is that little camera in your Avatar??

 

[Creagerj]

The focus is off on my M4 so I asked around here and have been doing a lot of reading on it - the Infinity and 10 meter should both focus correctly, so if you shoot another test roll, take one shot at Infinity and measure out an exact 10 meters for another shot. The third was the minimum focus of the lens (I think 1 meter) that should be in focus. Those were the points to look at before it needs any adjustments or repair work.

Fortunately, I'm just an idiot and I didn't fully extend my lens, which caused all of the photos to be out of focus.

The camera in my avatar is some kind of 110 camera that I've had since I was a little kid. Now that I think of it, it was my first camera.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Joe,

I think the technical term is a idiot (not an idiot).

But we all are, sometimes. There are few pleasures as exquisite as watching someone say. "Hey, aren't I clever" - and then watching them screw up (as they always will, sooner or later). Better to admit your own fallibility before it is made inescapably obvious.

My own best in the last few days? Considering changing the ignition coil because I'd neglected to check the points on Frances's 'new' (20 year old) car...

Cheers,

R.

 

[edodo]

Unextended collapsible lens is the classic of the noob errors everyone surely made at first owning those old lenses!
If you lens is scratchfree and haze free this is a very serious gem!

 

[Tom A]

Joe, been there - done that and have the fuzzy shots to prove it! Even after 50+ years of Leica M's - one can still screw-up.
As a rule, my lenses are only collapsed when put away. On the camera, they are always fully pulled out and locked in. Kind of defeats the purpose of a collapsible lens - but less fuzzy shots!

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

recalibrating the rangefinder isn't too difficult. Just a yard stick and some screwdrivers will be enough to readjust the focus if it's off.

 

[Nokton48]

I put Dymo labeling tape around mine (recommended by Leitz!) so I couldn't collapse it.
Much better.

 

[Creagerj]

I put Dymo labeling tape around mine (recommended by Leitz!) so I couldn't collapse it.
Much better.

ha ha, well now that I know were I went wrong, I don't think I'll be making that mistake again. I still want my lens to be collapsible.

 

[wgerrard]

The first roll of film after I bought a shiny new VC II meter I forgot to transfer the meter settings to the camera on almost every shot.

This afternoon, I decided to make hummus in the food processor. I use the food processor once or twice a year, maybe. The lid would not go on properly. I fussed with the blinkin' thing for at least 20 minutes. Then, I chased down a video at the manufacturer's web site . Turned out I was trying the put the lid on backwards. This behavior is, I think, a male trait related to the "No, we're not lost!" syndrome.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

. This behavior is, I think, a male trait related to the "No, we're not lost!" syndrome.

No we're not lost - we're just suffering a slight but temporary geographical disadvantage.