Re: [Leica] M6 Neophyte-Focus Questions

[Walter S Delesandri <walt@jove.acs.unt.edu>]

To set the record straight, Walt did NOT say that if the infinity 
is correct, the focus will be correct throughout.  Walt said the 
OPPOSITE, in regard to a previous post.  I believe that a post 
from Nigel was incorrect, due to a misunderstanding on the part 
of his friend.  No harm done, but IF you set the infinity, and 
IF you have a problem with the near-focus compensation adjustment 
on an M, AND IF you use a wide-aperture (particularly long) lens, 
your focus can/will be WAY off at the closest distances.

I agree that an experienced RFDR user who understands the operation 
of the M finder CAN eliminate these problems (by not purchasing 
a mal-adjusted camera) beforehand.  It takes a few minutes of 
testing, preferably a tiny ground glass and a loupe, in the store, 
and may SEVERELY annoy the store personnel.  So be it.  If the 
dealer is TRULY experienced, he will understand.  Of course, it's 
the responsibility of the buyer to handle store equipment carefully, 
and with the utmost respect.

As MANY M-6 purchasers are not repairmen or even experienced with a 
Leica product before purchase, it CANNOT be their liability to 
check/adjust a new $2000 camera body straight out of the box.  
Based on my personal experience and that of local friends, AS WELL as 
many posts to this group recently, these QC problems are NOT
in the minority...

If the only problem is rangefinder infinity, or infinity and 
vertical on a PRE M4P body, then it's a matter of a few moments 
of adjustment without any disassembly.....BUT it's NOT the buyer's 
responsibility.  To be fair, with an assortment of lenses, the 
infinity adjustment will vary EVER SO SLIGHTLY from lens to lens...
(the width of a telephone wire, with the camera held vertically, 
at quarter mile or so, is the kind of variation one can expect.)
Vertical alignment should be "perfect", within the limits of the 
eye to discern.

I would blame the buyer, too, as a neophyte, had I not seen SO 
MANY variables in the cameras.  WE EXPECT to adjust the RFDR on 
an old M2-3-4-4/2 after a few years of use and a few knocks.  I'm 
talking about NEW or "MINTY" cameras from reputable dealers.  I have 
very different expectations when buying an M4 for $600 from a 
photojournalist- A CLA is usually in order -- but NOT on a new camera 
or when paying top dollar from these "elitist" dealers.

As a former employee of one of these dealers, and repair person for 
same, I feel justified in my (former) statements.  

BTW, except for RFDR adjustment, most of these cameras seem fine
(speeds, film transport, meter(if M6), etc.  Not the level of 
finish of an M4, but that's just the way it is.  When discussing 
Leica, I tell people "it ain't what it used to be, but it's still 
the best that can be bought!" (unfortunately)

Thanks, Walt