Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/09/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Aram.. I want to be clear that there are a couple of places where you could have problems.... The lens alignment. The Question I ask is if the lens is properly centered and working to spec. The body alignment. Here the issue is if the camera is working correctly in the sense that the mirror box / focusing screen are properly aligned and set up. The Scanner. I know almost nothing about scanners except that they are electromechanical devices that are subject to alignment errors. One question that I am not sure of.... Is the negative sharp under a loupe or other optical magnification? No scanner involved. This is a key question so look carefully. The fact that the entire image is out of focus says something about the likelihood of problems....Personally, I would look at the scanner first.... then the body, finally the lens. However, here are some test suggestions...... Some simple tests... Body and lens issues..... If you have another lens ( makes no difference which) and you can get a good focus with that lens but not the 35, then you must suspect the 35 for being out of calibration. If neither shot is sharp, then the issue is either the scanner or the body alignment. You can weed out the scanner alignment by trying to scan something you know is sharp.... If you try a 35mm Enlarger test target ( looks like a bunch of lines on a 35mm neg in certain patterns.) that will prove if your scanner is the problem. There are a lot of good reasons digital is a good alternative to film. But before you make that plunge because you think some digital camera is superior to a bunch of Leica lenses, best be sure of your testing and analysis. You may still take the digital plunge, but at least you know that the Leica glass is still the / among the best in the world. Frank Filippone red735i@earthlink.net