sammer

Looks like you're taking a break from your calculus homework... or is that your thesis in advanced physics that you have your Leica perched on?

I have had this lens for over 2 years and get consistently sharp results... also have the VC 21 and get great results with it as well.

 

From your description, I'd be shocked if this were actually a lens issue. Perhaps time to change processing chems?

I would do as recommended above... should it leave any evidence behind (mineral residue after evaporation), it will most likely not effect use of the camera and can be taken care of at its next CLA.

 

BTW, good for you for actually putting your camera to use... don't be discouraged by a little speck here and there. Better the camera suffer a wee bit of abuse than go unused in a display in your living room. Seems you made the right decision in taking the camera, but would have been better off leaving the 'friend' at home.

Liquid electrical tape is supposed to work well... never tried it but some on this forum have claimed that it fit the bill.

There's a cloud outside my window that looks like an EOS 20D...

Seems like she's trying to get a collector's price... don't think her chances are very good considering how long the production run on M6's was. For that price you should be able to find a used M6 in excellent condition and still have plenty of cash left over for a new VC lens (or two), film, and beer.

OK... I admittedly have never used the magnifier, but I've heard complaints on this forum about the dimness of the VF thru this thing. As in your question, I get the feeling that it is fine for periodic use to help with focusing, but I doubt you'd want to have it permanently attached.

 

Someone with more experience can speak better to this...

Remember that this is a vintage camera... although the loose film door may not have any impact on image quality, I'm sure the camera would benefit from a CLA as others have mentioned. With periodic upkeep, the M4-P will likely outlive you... I doubt the same could be said for the Hexar.

I use a $15 cheapo non-camera bag with padding inserts. Found it at the 'Bass' Store. Looks nothing like a camera bag... took some hunting to find a good candidate, but was well worth it. I never worry about someone targeting my gear because of my bag.

That's a great lens... the one I use most on my camera. Compact, light, fast, and a relative bargain to the newer lens... what more could you ask for?

 

You might start to see some flare when/if you shoot wide open (with or without the hood), but this has less to do with the dust than with the lens design. There are some trade offs in having a lens this versatile be so small. Enjoy your lens.

Nice shot. Do you really believe that you don't make exposure errors, or was that a joke? Cracked me up anyway... makes you come off like you can't handle criticism that you don't want to hear. When you ask people what they think, don't be disappointed when they don't agree with you.

"Will you support Leica by buying one of these new lenses..."

 

No. I'm glad that so many buy new Leica gear otherwise there'd be no used gear for the financially challenged (that's me) to purchase. I feel no guilt for using Leica and not supporting the company with the purchase of an occasional $4k camera or $3k lens. They have chosen a marketing strategy and pricing structure that targets a select few customers - and I know that I am not one of them. It would be a shame to see the company go under; however, I think it's absurd to blame those who are unable, or simply refuse, to spend exhorbitant sums on increasingly esoteric products.

"But I wouldn't pay made-in-Germany-by-a-seriously-overpaid-workforce prices for lenses made by a less-experienced, barely-paid workforce in Asia."

 

My CV lenses say 'made in Japan'... if you think that the Japanese are a 'barely-paid workforce' then perhaps you need to travel a bit more. Look into salaries in Berlin vs. Tokyo (or anywhere else in Japan for that matter), and I think you'll be surprised.

The only way I've been able to ensure relatively dust/scratch free results at most labs is by having them do a "process only" job (i.e. negatives only - no prints)... it seems that the negs get dragged around as/after they are printed.

 

As far as B&W, I'm always amazed at how much better my negs look when I process myself as compared to when I have a lab do them. As much as I dislike taking the time to process myself, I ultimately get the time back in the darkroom or at the computer as dust and scratches are rarely a major issue.

Didn't know that... thanks, Al.

Probably time for a CLA, but with a horizontally travelling shutter, wouldn't the band be on one of the sides if it were the result of bounce?

How about the new VC offerings... I believe the R2A and R3A sync at 125th and take M-mount lenses without need for an adapter.

While I really appreciate the spirit of anyone willing to take a dremel tool to the front of their camera, I'd resist the temptation while a reasonably priced option exists. I don't recall the price offhand, but I remember that my budget-minded conscience wasn't overly offended. Good luck either way.

Ben... good advice. Probably wouldn't have thought of it, but sounds like the best solution as long as you can find a cheap diopter. Lutz's products are great options for those of us (like me) who wouldn't put this kind of thought into the problem (my scratched glasses can attest to that), but I have to say, yours sounds like it would look better and work the same.

that dude gets around...

"I think that's the same mechanism by which snow on a film cannister knocks the rangefinder out of line."

 

So Christian needs a new set of hubcaps?

 

All joking aside Christian, the misalignment was more likely the result of the camera being jostled during one or more of your climbing or skiing expeditions. If you are constantly shooting on all of these outings, then good for you... the occaisional RF adjustment is probably worth it. If you find that you don't shoot much and there's a good chance the camera is going to bet bumped pretty hard, consider leaving the Hexar at home and bring a little P&S instead. Just a thought.

"What possible security benefit could there be by such a restriction?"

 

The $25 fine is expected to strike fear into the hearts of would-be terrorists.

paging andrew nemeth...

"...maybe a new term for the out-of-focus properties of a lens is called for."

 

How about "blursion" or "fuzziosity" or "oofness"?

No idea what it's worth, but I like the two-tone look with the leather... good luck with your sale.