Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/06/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]sandyquandt@centuryinter.net wrote: > > Although I've not had a problem with my four M6's, aside from one that needed a > slight vertical alignment adjustment (which Leica NJ repaired within a matter > of days) I'm curious about the implementation of the "screwdriver method." Any > advice regarding the logistics would be appreciated, especially if the > possibility exists that I could make adjustments myself! > > Thanks! > > Sandy > > Mark Rabiner wrote: > > I've had my M6 for 6 years. It hits the floor or pavement hard about > > every other year. I had the focusing adjusted once while I stood their > > for 40 seconds. Now I do it myself with a screwdriver. I can tell you my experience on this but there are people on this list with ten times my experience with Leica's and whether or not you should really use a screwdriver on one. I would like some conformation that doing so has some intelligent precedence. I think it has. I like being able to make this adjustment myself. I took a screwdriver to my Leica out of desperation because I was on the road shooting and miles to go before I sleep. I had driven 500 out of my 3000 miles and had not gotten a shot of the Missouri river yet. I had my camera bag on the floor like a dummy and not the seat; too much vibration. I might have, a Month ago in a 3 AM stupor pinpoint lubed my Leica in a few spots which seemed innocent enough but weren't. This To explain for the focus going out more than once in a blue moon. Sometimes I panic before a shoot and clean and lube what I really should not. The screw is not very small and is at the top and front of the camera when you take the lens off. My repair guy mentioned using an angled off screwdriver as if that were the Leica German Repair school precedent. This I did not have and could not find the logic for needing. I did not damage the screw. If way off at infinity your tree on the horizon is more than one tree; or if you can focus past that tree then your focus is off. Check 10 feet and you will see it is focussing at 8 or 12. So very slightly turn the screw imperceptibly. If your trees have more space between them you have turned the screw the wrong way. If your tree (or whatever) is more like one tree you have done the right thing. You have to keep taking the lens off and on and make sure it is focused at infinity when it is on. Don't do this right now if your camera is off. Wait for some other opinions from people who have hands on experience or definite know how. Or ask your repair person. I would have never done this in the first place unless I was in a bind. I didn't have any desire to use my backup cameras. I do feel good about it though. I feel is if this is a thing the old timers know about like cleaning your shutter on your speed graphic with lighter fluid. I felt like I had past some test and was now a man. What do they call that? Your results may vary. Check further first. I can see how popular I can fast get around here with people turning screws in their Leicas and the whole thing going to *&^%$. If you've read this far then their is no helping you. Mark Rabiner