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Rangefinder Focus Error With Leica M9 and Zeiss ZM Lenses
Zeiss adjusts ZM lenses very precisely to the Leica specification for film cameras. That flange focal distance might or might not be perfect for any particular M digital body, though this is much less of any issue at shorter focal lengths and smaller apertures.
The issue is that as of 2011, Leica might ship or adjust digital M bodies that might not conform precisely to the film specification. Hence, focus with ZM lenses might or might not be quite right on the M9/M9P.
Leica M9 rangefinder focusing alignment must be perfect for the lens, because some lenses are not accurately calibrated for the Leica M9 digital camera. And each camera body can vary slightly, even if ostensibly at “factory spec”. Factory-spec might be the wrong spec for the M9, if a lens is set for use with a film body (e.g., Zeiss ZM).
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Diglloyd Guide to LEICA contains in-depth coverage of Leica M system cameras and lenses, with additional coverage of Leica M Monochrom, Leica Q.
Special emphasis is placed on Leica M lenses and certain Zeiss ZM lenses.
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- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
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