Re: [Leica] More stupid questions

["Steve LeHuray" <icommag@toad.net>]

> I should probably look this one up, but please excuse my reluctance 
> to wade through a zillion off-subject posts.
>
> Recently I found that two of my Leica lenses (a new USA 50
> Summicron, and a new import 90 Summicron) aren't focusing
> through the rangefinder properly at infinity -- they're just a hair short
> of crisp focus, in an M3, M4-2, and M6 TTL bodies. Actually, I
> hadn't even noticed this until I started taking more intensive
> bracketed sets of infinity shots. I've ruled out the cameras' having
> rangefinder problems (well, the M4-2 may need a very slight
> adjustment) by swapping around cameras with these and other
> lenses.

It seems unlikely that all 3 cameras' rangefinder is out of adjustment, but
maybe. To check your infinity you need to focus on something at least 2
miles away (some people say 3). Try focusing at infinity on some clouds.
>
> So here's my stupid question: If the lenses aren't set right at infinity,
> am I still getting as crisp a focus as the rangefinder tell me I'm
> getting short of infinity? Or is the rangefinder-lens link distorted
> throughout the focusing range?

I have wondered about this myself but I have found that when I focus at
other than infinity, say 20 feet, evreything is in focus.
>
> Now, I gather this problem is a fairly easy thing to fix. Would it take
> forever if I sent the USA lens to Leica, or would I be better off just
> taking both to a local shop? Or sending them to a nationally known
> repair specialist?

Personnaly I find the independent repair (Sherry) gets me very quick
results, but that may be because she considers me one of her regular clients
and she is very good about giving the regulars first class attention. That
may also be true with Leica once they get to know you.
>
> Thanks much for help!
>
> G.
>
> PS I'm wondering a bit about contemporary quality control for Leica
> lenses. Already I had to send back the first new 90 Summicron I
> got, because it had a huge thing (bubble, scratch, whatever) about
> a half inch inside the front element. I have trouble understanding
> how that one got out the door. When these lenses are fine they're
> outstanding, but my feeling is that the flaw rate in new lenses should
> at a minimum be less than .1%. Instead, for me it seems to run at
> about 33%! Is everything usually OK and am I that unlucky??

I do not know how to answer this as I have never had any trouble with any of
the 10 Leica Lenses that I have, old ones and new ones.

sl
>