Re: [Leica] Halogen lights, QA police, frequent contrast degradation

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

Well, after doing my share of criticizing Leica's Q.C., 
I have to step back a bit.....

Thank you, Ted, for introducing some rationality in this group.

First, I don't think that the RFDR should be out of adjustment 
on a new body.....not to the average, reasonably astute buyer.
However, I also know as a photographer for 28 years, 20 with Leica, 
that a RFDR that is out by the equivalent of an "electrical cable" , 
even at 1/4 mile, "don't make a DAMN, photographically" -- it 
still will out-focus the same eye looking through a SLR, even 
with a 90 f2 (the limit of RFDR focusing, folks, like it or not -- 
and possibly an f-stop beyond the limit, as Erwin points out.)

As a repairman, I have cleaned many lenses.... with the utmost of 
care, a "nuke" brush, and "nuke" air, it is IMPOSSIBLE to assemble 
a lens without dust.  For me, for Leica, etc....shine a point source 
through ANY lens, that has "existed" for a year or more (boxed or 
not) and you'll find "dust".

When in repair, when such a customer was identified, we "fired"
him, to use a term that a friend of mine coined!  If he came 
back with a lens with a dust speck that was insignificant (invisible 
under the flourescent shop lights) -- we refunded his money and 
ran him off....period....these are NOT photographers, and there's 
no point in trying to "please" them.  I hope I've not been too 
hard on Leica QC -- I want my cameras to be in adjustment, within 
a gnat's ass, my speeds to be within 15% (exc. 1/1000, I'll 
tolerate 1/700 there), to be smooth and tight, AND STAY THAT WAY!
I want my lenses to reasonably match at infinity, and be smooth 
and tight....to have no visible haze, and little dust......THAT"S 
IT!!!

A RFDR that's off by the width of a fence post, or noticeably out 
of vertical alignment is a problem.  Lenses that get loose 
groups or controls are a problem.  Bodies that lock up due to 
improper brake adjustment or that vary excessively at 1/8 or 1/15
(common) are a problem.  Defective coatings or haze (once common, 
not any more) bother me, but a tiny scratch, dust, worn finish, 
etc.....these things don't bother a photographer, repairman, 
or any sane person.....

Again, listen to Ted.......he's what we photographers should emulate.
Buy good equipment, take (reasonable) care of it, and shoot the 
hell out of it.....if you want something to obsess on, buy the 
Porsche or Jag.......It'll keep you much more busy.....

Best regards, 
Walt