[Leica] M6 rangefinder closeup performance

[milos@bohem-net.cz (Milos Kocman)]

I asked this original question:

>could you help me solve a little mystery for me? I noticed that when I
>focus a lens up to the close-up limit, as far as it will go beyond the 0,7
>m (last) marking and watch the rangefinder split image as I focus slowly
>back, the split image and frame only start moving after a little while,
>Milos

Dan C. responded:

I  noticed this with my first version 35 aspherical.  At first I was a bit
concerned, but then I noticed that at the official .7m close focus
distance, the rangfinder worked fine, it was only when I focused closer
that the rangefinder stopped working.  I guess there was some additional
movement in the focusing helicoid of the lens that was more than what the
specs promised, and more than what the camera's rangefinder was capable of.

More importantly, the lens seems to focus accurately, so I stopped worrying
about it.  By the way, it happens with both of my M6s.


Dan - that may be it, I only used a pre-ASPH Summicron on the camera
before. Of course Leica wouldn't tell you. Why? Because it's a pain in the
.. when you're working in the closeup range, which at 0,7m isn't hard at
all if you take pics of people. Always having to rake the focusing level
back and forth to get to the point where the split-image kicks in to be
sure about focus..

Anyway, I hope this is it as I'm getting my old Summicron back from Solms
(the ASPH is just a loaner, mine's focusing lever got stuck, something must
have gotten into the helicoid. And this happened the very morning after I
came back from Solms with an exchanged M6..) Also, the 35/2 ASPH, it's so
big and plain ugly, compared to the gem-like old 35/2. Just my opinion, I
know that some of you find it easier to handle. My hands are small, so I
guess that's why.

Over and out,

Milos