Help with Agfa Standard 6x9 focusing way off

[rrunnertexas]

OK, I have repaired the stuck focusing unit on my Agfa Standard camera with the help and suggestions from members. Thanks! The focus unit moves freely and as it should.

I shot 8 images with the camera with the focus set at infinity and all 8 were very soft.

Using a ground glass at the film plane, I found that the focus was way off - meaning when the focus is set to about 5 meters, the landscape is focused correctly. Obviously, something is off.

Can someone tell me why this is? Did I do something wrong? Easy fix?

Thanks,
David

 

[rrunnertexas]

Oh, here is a sample shot taken a few days ago- set at infinity focus.

 

[AgX]

I assume you screwd-in the front-cell helicoid the wrong way, in the wrong starting position. Typically they got several thread lines.

I do not know that very lens. But likely you can take off the distance-scale ring. Take it off, set the lens at infinity, then set on the scale again so that the infinity mark aligns with the focusing mark and the same time the scale is at the rest.

EDIT: Looking at the photos of your camera I see that the lens barrel is quite different from later Agfa-folders designs. But maybe you can begin something with my advice nevertheless...

 

[rrunnertexas]

AgX,

I double checked everything again - took it apart and re-assembled it. Both lenses can only go in one way. The threads are nice and clean and screw on nicely and are seated all the way down.

Now I'm frustrated - I like this camera and want to use it!

 

[MattKing]

Can you take the scale off and re-position it?

 

[rrunnertexas]

Well, not really. It could be relabeled in feet, but it seems like 1/2 of the focus travel is just wasted. I could not have been that way new, right?

 

[BorgeH]

Hi again!

As I wrote in your other thread, you can adjust the inner part of the lens (a single focussing glass) by rotating it in and out. Do this from the inside, I had to use a wrench. By rotating the inner glass you will get focus at infinity. Do not rotate it to the innermost position, you will then have it out of focus. Think of this glass as a magnifing glass. You must adjust it to the right position in order to get focus on the film.

Also be careful of how you mount the ground glass. Up-side down will change the focus distance and give you wrong information during adjustment! Try to flip it!

When I serviced my camera I managed to get it right. Next time I will however mark the position of inner glass and the camera with nail colour to reduce time. The procedure took some time. I am learning by doing...

If it will not work, you can always adjust the folder to get focus. The folder acts like a close-up bellow.


Borge

 

[rrunnertexas]

Borge,

OK, that is great help! OK, I will try that and see what happens. I'll keep you posted!

Thanks!

 

[rrunnertexas]

Well, so far not so good.

I backed off the inside element until it came off, then turned it back in 1 turn. Looking in the ground glass, infinity focus is now about 5 meters instead of 4.

Still leaves about 1/2 of the focus travel going to waste so to speak.

The front bed of the camera locks in securely and "clicks" into the stop peg on the bed. All looks normal and nothing looks abused.

Am I missing something?

Any ideas sure would help! I really like the look and feel of the camera and I know it must be capable of taking some sharp images.

 

[BorgeH]

I would start my investigation:

1) With checking the ground glass. Is it mounted correctly? Is the grain side facing the lens?

Otherwise turn it over.

2) A next step would be to check the position of the front part. On my Agfa Standard it has a position where it snaps into place. I have to pull the front part the last part.

Try moving the front part back and forth and see if the focus becomes better. The click position is perhaps not optimal and should be changed?

3) Try increasing the aperture number (reducing the aperture opening) to increase the depth of field in good light. Do you get focus now?

3) My last check would be the front lens. Could you install it in some other position?

If everything is OK, I am out of ideas.

But as I wrote, the lens is not to be compared with modern lenses. It does not give as sharp pictures as my Leica lenses, especially at low aperture numbers. Remember it is only a two glass lens. I think Leica Elmars (50/2,8) has five! In fact I was a little disappointed with the sharpness. But the camera gives you a soft retro look which I like! And I enjoy using old folders!