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M6 finder and focusing


nhp

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First, I read a lot of article of M6 finder alignment. Fortunately, my two new M6 ttl do not have any problem of misalignment. However, misalignment looks easy to happen by even little shock. Is this really so esay to happen? If it is true, how can I use this expensive camera without hesitate? Second, M6 finder has only small partial focusing indicator in the center, but it is very good in focusing under dim light. My question is how can I focus precisely the subject which is not in center? In case of SLR, I can focus precisely even though the subject is not in center, but with M6, I could not figure out the focusing on left or right sided subject. Especially, in case of vertical frame for people portrait with 90mm lens, at first I do focusing on face, and then framing again. Sometimes, I can see slight out of focus on face. If anyone know about these problems, please let me know. Thanks.
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You can use this expensive (but robust) camera without hesitation.

But don't bang it around, that's all. Unlikely you will do that,

given the price :-)

 

<p>

 

The rangefinder is a center focusing system. So, for portaiture, you

focus, (typically on the eye) and recompose. In theory and practice,

your now off-center subject could be out of focus, but I've never

really noticed this happening in any practical situation.

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NHP, As far as focusing on the whole screen with an SLR, this is in

fact true, but in situations where the light is not optimum, your eye

sight better be very good since there is no confermed focus... only

what you perceive as sharp. It takes only a second to focus, then

swing the camera to the desired composition with the center

rangefinder. Also, most Leica lenses have better than average

flatness of field, so you can be comfortable that your off-center

subject will remain in focus. All of this is not that big a deal in

good light since depth of field due to stopping down the lens will

assure good focus. With normal and wide angles, the point is even

less of an issue. Leica photographers usually know how to use the

depth of field marks on the lenses and most time in good light don't

even need to focus... they know the zone of focus and can readily

apply it to dynamic shooting. That will beat the Auto-everything SLR

user with a minimally marked zoom, who will still be playing

the "trombone" while the rangefinder user, totally understanding his

single lens, will be walking away knowing he got the shot.

 

<p>

 

I have a 1966 M2 that has never been serviced, and the RF is

perfect. My 1988 M6 is slightly off vertically, but it does not

effect focus. I treat these camera hard and when they go out, I'll

have them adjusted. Series M cameras did not gain the reputation they

have from being wimpy, so enjoy them.

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