I just purchased a used M6 and 35 summicron ASPH. There is a noticeable delay between the time when I turn the lens focusing ring and the rangefinder focusing screen/patch catching up (i.e., if I quickly focus from near to infinity, I can watch the focusing patch slowly move, and it finally stops nearly a second later). Is this normal, or should I expect the lens and rangefinder to move exactly together? Thanks, Darin

-- Darin Artman (depcot@snet.net), February 17, 2001

Answers

No it is not normal. The rangefinder needs to be checked and at least lubricated. It is possible that the rangefinder arm bearings need to be adjusted but normally this is not necessary. If the camera is ten years or so old then it is time for a complete CLA.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), February 17, 2001.

If the camera was sitting on the dealers shelf for awhile, it is possible that things are a bit gummed up. Take the lens off and push the rangefinder roller in and let it come back on its own. Keep doing this until it snaps back sharply. If it does not get better, CLA time. As it has a 35 Asph, the camera is probably not ten years old yet.

Cheers again,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), February 17, 2001.

Darin:

I cannot add much to what John said above. The split image should track the lens focus movement instantly, with no delay. Your body needs a good CLA. You can try to loosen it up by moving the RF cam lever back and forth, but depending on why it is sluggish, it could gum up again in cold or damp weather.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), February 18, 2001.