Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/03/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Lugers, much has been speculated about the rangefinder flare problem in late M4-P and M6 (TTL) cameras. Recently, I found an interesting posting in the Leica customer forum, where someone stated that the reason for the whiteout of the rangefinder patch would be the switch from a flat mirror (for brightline illumination) to a parabolic one. The latter one would give siginifcantly brighter frames, however under certain light conditions, the light would be focussed directly on the rangefinder hole of the frame mask mechanism. This sounded very reasonable to me and so I decided ton ask Leica directly whether above explanation is correct. Yesterday, I received an email from Mr. von Gyimes from Leica. He wrote: (Translation behind the citation) "Die Erklärung mit dem parabolischen Spiegel stimmt. Unter bestimmten ungünstigen Lichteinwirkungen (ca. 110° zur Lichtquelle) kann der Entfernungsmesserfleck völlig weiß und unbrauchbar werden. Dieses Problem ist mit der zweiten verspiegelte Fläche am Suchereinblick der Leica M7 und auch M6 TTL bereits deutlich verbessert worden, konnte aber noch nicht ganz ausgeschaltet werden. Eine Lösung ist in Sicht und wird voraussichtlich ab "photokina 2002" eingeführt werden können. Die vergütete Sucherfenster erhöhen merkbar den Kontrast des Sucherbildes in der Leica M7. Auch diese vergütete Sucherfenster werden später in Leica M6/M6 TTL-Kameras nachgerüstet werden können (Herbst 2002)." Translation: I is correct that the rangefinder (patch) flare problem is caused by the parabolic mirror. Under certain light conditions (110° to the light source) the rangefinder patch can become bright white and unusable. This problem was significantly reduced by introducing a second reflective surface in the M7 and M6 TTL, but it was not yet possible to eliminate it completely. However, we are working on a solution and we are confident that it will be introduced at the Photokina 2002. The coated viewfinder windows of the M7 enhance the contrast of the viewfinder image visibly. In fall 2002 it will be possible to upgrade Leica M6/M6TTL cameras with these windows. I think this is really good news! :-) Regards from Germany, Alex - -- GMX - Die Kommunikationsplattform im Internet. http://www.gmx.net - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html