M6 out of alignment, CLA recommendation needed

[v._b.]

I was suspecting this for some time already. I noticed that my close up shots

are not as sharp as I expect, especially when the lens is wide open. Shooting

only 35 mm lens in good light I did not notice this before, but when I

purchased Elmarit 90mm it became quite obvious - something is wrong. So I did

a "yardstick" test. I was shocked - it's 2-3cm off. I shot both 35 and 90mm

lenses, at three various distances (3 shots at each distance) and results are

consistent - real focus point is some 2-3 cm (around one inch) behind what I

saw when I focused.

So here are my questions:

1) will simple alignment at reputable repair shop will fix it for reasonable

price or could there be something serious and very expensive;

2) any reputable repair shop in Europe recommendations (English speaking)?

Unfortunately it's not available where I live.

 

Thanks

[john_shriver]

You need the right tools, both calibration jigs, and special tools for making the adjustments. Three things need to be checked:

 

1. Lens flange to film distance (collimation)

 

2. Rangefinder infinity setting

 

3. Ragnefinder gain (or rate)

 

I presume that the images in the rangefinder align when the lens is set at infinity, and you look at something over 1/4 mile away (the moon or a star is handy many nights). If this fails, it's issue 2.

 

If the problem is more severe with wider angle lenses, then it's more likely problem 1, if it's more severe with longer lenses, then it's more likely problem 3.

[john_shriver]

In Europe, I know that CRR Luton is one well-respected service. There's another in the UK as well.

 

Or, of course, Leica in Solms surely speaks enough English. Not your most cost-effective option, however...

[v._b.]

I just look at my excel summary - on the average the deviation with 35mm Summicron is a bit larger - 0.5 cm or so. Infinity looks ok.

[torben_daltoft]

I Stockholm you'll find "Camera Service", Mr. Alex Kosnar

[len_smith]

In the UK, there is CRR Luton:

mailto:leica.luton@virgin.net

 

and Malcolm Taylor:

mailto:malcolmtaylor000@btconnect.com

 

Also Ed Trzoska on (+44) (0)116 267 4247

[rafael_macia]

Valdas,

This might help you

 

http://www.nemeng.com/leica/034b.shtml

 

Rafael

[v._b.]

Rafael,

 

I called CRR Luton and the person also suggested to do a slight fine tuning at home first before spending money on shipping. He explained in details what should I do. So I'll try it carefully...

[rikp]

Another good person for a CLA in Europe is Will van Manen in the Netherlands. His website is www.kamera-service.info.

I have had a M3 and M4 done by him and am very pleased with the result.

Cost of a CLA is around 150 euro per camera, excluding shipping.