Old Leica rangefinders

[cliveh]

I have a couple of old Leica rangefinders that have a lever by the rewind knob that changes the magnification of the rangefinder. It is designed for close or far subjects. I never know how to use this for the best use. For general medium distance, should I set it half way? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

As you say it might be for close or distance subjects or related to your confort zone , whichever you prefer it is correct.

 

[frank]

Isn't it meant to match your eyesight, an adjustable diopter?

 

[John Koehrer]

It's what Frank said.

 

[nanthor]

Right, you look through it while moving the lever until the view is sharpest, then leave the lever alone unless it needs to be adjusted again. I think it needs an adjustment for different distances but it is for making the image sharpest. Bob.

 

[250swb]

Bob in his post above is correct. It is a dioptre adjustment, but not for eyesight, it is to get the sharpest image for focusing and this changes with distance to the object. So if the image is blurry adjust the lever until it isn't, then you have a clearer view to focus with. You can still focus without making getting it dead sharp, the lever doesn't affect the actual focus, so if you are working quickly it can be something to intentionally forget about if you feel you are still seeing the focusing patch well enough, but certainly for nearer objects when focus is more critical because of reduced DOF getting used to using the lever quickly is worth doing.

Steve

 

[cliveh]

Thanks for the advice guys.