[Leica] M rangefinder adjustment, topless or not? part two

[John Collier <jbcollier@home.com>]

Now that is what Leica will sometimes do at a Leica clinic and would be
considered a minor adjustment. It would take a technician less than a  half
an hour to perform unless the camera is way off. There are however other
rangefinder adjustments which require the top plate to come off to perform.

All three brightline frame sets have separate adjustments so that they are
in the correct position at infinity and close focus. The mechanism that
selects between each mask set when a lens is mounted is of course adjustable
as well. I could go on, but all this stuff is beyond most people's ability
(certainly mine) and useful only for repair technicians.

So who is right? Both are. For most regularly serviced cameras only minor
adjustments are required and you do not need to take off the top plate
unless there is a problem with the brightline mechanism. On an older camera
with suspect or no maintenance records, it is better to take off the top
plate and check, clean and  lubricate everything, adjusting where necessary.

Cheers,

John Collier