I have two used Contax manual focus bodies –
RTS III
167MT.
I bought both of them used, second-hand. Both cameras have standard split-image, micro-raster screens installed. FV-1 on RTSIII and FU-4 on 167MT.
I have discovered what I believe to be a focusing problem with both of these cameras. I believe that the actual plan of focus is BEHIND the one indicated by the split-image. I discovered it, when shooting portraits – when focusing on the eyes of the subject, the plain of focus worked out somewhere near the ears of the subject. Atter this I performed careful tests (having a camera on a tripod, with careful focusing). I tested both cameras with all of my c/y lens 28 2.8; 50 1,4; 85 2,8 and 135 2,8. All the tests were carried at the widest aperture at the minimum focusing distance. Both cameras displayed focusing error of approximately 1 cm behind the plane of focus as indicated by the split-image. The error identical/similar was with all lenses, so I believe it is not the lens problem. The strange thing though, is that both cameras should display so similar an error.
The reasons for this could be the following
- poor focusing technique by me
- something wrong with the seating of the focusing screen
- camera focusing needs adjustment.
Perhaps such focus shift is a known issue with these cameras? If so, can this be fixed?
Or perhaps it is the seating of the focusing screen - are there any tricks in seating it correctly?
Any comments would be appreciated.
RTS III
167MT.
I bought both of them used, second-hand. Both cameras have standard split-image, micro-raster screens installed. FV-1 on RTSIII and FU-4 on 167MT.
I have discovered what I believe to be a focusing problem with both of these cameras. I believe that the actual plan of focus is BEHIND the one indicated by the split-image. I discovered it, when shooting portraits – when focusing on the eyes of the subject, the plain of focus worked out somewhere near the ears of the subject. Atter this I performed careful tests (having a camera on a tripod, with careful focusing). I tested both cameras with all of my c/y lens 28 2.8; 50 1,4; 85 2,8 and 135 2,8. All the tests were carried at the widest aperture at the minimum focusing distance. Both cameras displayed focusing error of approximately 1 cm behind the plane of focus as indicated by the split-image. The error identical/similar was with all lenses, so I believe it is not the lens problem. The strange thing though, is that both cameras should display so similar an error.
The reasons for this could be the following
- poor focusing technique by me
- something wrong with the seating of the focusing screen
- camera focusing needs adjustment.
Perhaps such focus shift is a known issue with these cameras? If so, can this be fixed?
Or perhaps it is the seating of the focusing screen - are there any tricks in seating it correctly?
Any comments would be appreciated.