Leica CL Adjusting/Calibrating Rangefinder Focusing

[schwalbewurger]

Hi all,

I've posted this question on Leica forum more than a few days ago, but it seems nobody's answering so I thought I'd reach out here instead. I recently acquired a Leica CL with a Minolta 40mm f/2 M-Rokkor (v1/non-CLE version) and have noticed that the rangefinder patch vertical alignment is a bit off. I have tried to find more research about this issue on the internet for the past few weeks but unfortunately, there isn't a lot of info on adjusting the rangefinder for the CL on the web, forums, and even on Youtube (and some of the links at other forums are very old they are gone now). Some of the things I managed to find is how to remove the small, top plastic cap off the top plate without scratching it (which I have successfully removed without scratching), and an image that someone posted on the photrio forum (link here: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/leica-minolta-cl-rangefinder-adjustment.171412/) on the screw adjustment. It seems like the person was saying that both the horizontal and vertical alignment are adjusted on that screw, however I've also read conflicting comments on other forums where users mentioned that the vertical alignment is adjusted from the top plate, and the horizontal alignment adjusted from the cam at the top of the lens mount? I have only managed to adjust the vertical alignment by screwing very gently (and not pushing down on it) and focusing it on infinity (at a high-rise building far away) and so the vertical alignment on the rangefinder patch is now fine. However, when I tried to test for the horizontal alignment accuracy using a digital rangefinder (the laser one), a tripod, and an object to focus on, it seems like the distance from the lens marking does not match the distance I measured from the film plane of the CL to the object (using the digital laser rangefinder). I should also add that I haven't touch the horizontal alignment (both if it is at the top of the lens mount/cam, or if it is at the top screw inside the top plate) and have never tested for the horizontal alignment accuracy before this as well. I also tested for the horizontal alignment at infinity and it focuses correctly.

I know the simplest answer is to just get the camera serviced for a CLA, but I'm on a tight budget and time constraint right now and would not really like to have the camera be serviced (since everything else like the light meter and shutter speed is working fine). Any info/help would be greatly appreciated - thank you!

 

[brbo]

How much is the discrepancy between the lens markings and your measurement at close distances?

If you can develop film at home I'd sacrifice a short roll of film and check what you get on film before considering adjusting the rangefinder yourself or sending the camera out for CLA.

 

[Dan Daniel]

I wouldn't put a lot of faith in the lens markings versus real world measurements. The real test for closer focusing on a rangefinder is film plane compared to rangefinder, ignoring the scale markings all in all. So select a target, get it in focus on film plane, then adjust rangefinder to get it in focus.

The best measurement for infinity would be a distant object. 150 feet or more is fine, given the nature of the CL rangefinder system, patch size, etc. I trust that Leica or Minolta will set a lens for a good infinity setting (and yes, this can go off and need to be adjusted, but if you are up for that you probably don't need forums like this).

And yes, it is possible to have the two points, close/film plane, and distant/rangefinder not agree. At that point you need a factory level manual to make adjustments in the throw of the rangefinder cam and such.

Recommended solution: get infinity lined up and vertical lined up (be prepared to have to go back and forth as changing one often changes the other). Then go shoot for a while. If you want razor thin focus at 4 feet at f/1.4, I'd suggst that you are using the wrong camera. Relax and play to its strength- 35mm grain, speed, nimbleness, nice out of focus with that 40mm lens. Most times you will not notice 2 inches front or back focus.

 

[gone]

Yep, lens markings are not micro-accurate, but good enough for scale focus if you have the lens stopped down a bit. On an SLR and other cameras, one checks the focus accuracy w/ GG on the film rails and a loupe, and it is set at infinity sharpness only. It's been a while since I owned a CL (great cameras, lucky to find one w/ a working meter). I assume you could do the same even w/ the bottom/back sliding open.