[Leica] Tips for focussing a Noct?

[benedenia at gmail.com (Marty Deveney)]

If it's an f1.2 or f1 Noctilux, firstly put it on a tripod or stable
place, focus in good light and check the photos carefully to ensure
that the camera's range finder and lens are calibrated properly.  I
needed to have all my pre-digital Leica lenses recalibrated to focus
properly on digital Leicas, and it took three goes with my 75
Summilux.  If the calibration is not right, you can only get good
focus by guess or a lot of work.  If it's a 0.95 Nocti, it's probably
your focusing - they leave the factory digital ready, including with
the newer calibration methods that give tighter tolerances.

Tina's suggestion about the mechanics of focusing works well.  Also
make sure that everything is very clean so you can see the slight
increase in contrast and bright ness when the RF image comes into
focus.  I have the 1.4x magnifier, but find that it low light it
hinders more than it helps because of the decrease in brightness and
contrast, and curse Leica for not making digital Ms with a higher
magnification viewfinder, at least as an option.

Good luck.

Marty