Hexar Rf Focus Issues

[drdave]

I just bought a Hexar RF with the hexanon 50mm f2 lens standard to the camera. I am having focus issues and am wondering if anyone can shed some light on the issue.

basically:
i am seeing the double image but when they line up one is slightly above the other and they dont ever cross over exactly. i know that i am able to focus other cameras as i have other rangefinders (mamiya universal), so i was wondering if this is a common issue or i got a dud. the film i have gotten back has been rather sharp but if anything it seems to back focus.

i focus with my left eye and not my right so maybe this is an issue..

any ideas??

 

[rover]

sounds like your RF is out of vertical alignment. hopefully someone can offer some repair tips or recommendations for the Hexar.

 

[Matthew Allen]

If you do a search (use Google, it's better than the built in RFF search) you'll find threads about the Hexar's RF arrangement. When my Hexar arrived with a badly misaligned RF I did the research and came to the conclusion that a DIY repair wasn't worth the risk.

It's quite complicated to fix especially if like me you are somewhat lacking in camera repair experience. I took my camera to a local repairman and he had it back to me within a week. It cost a bit but was worth it to avoid ruining an $800 camera.

Matthew

 

[infrequent]

it could be out of vertical alignment. but just to make sure, just release the bayonet and pull out the lens. connect it again and make sure you hear a 'click' when its properly locked. i only say this because a week ago it happened to me! the whole shoot i was depressed that the vertical alignment is off but it really was that the lens was not properly locked into place.

hope this helps!

 

[pvdhaar]

The Hexar-RF is rather iffy when it comes to where you have your eye behind the finder. If you're tilting the camera just a little down or up, the double image already spits vertically. Just try moving your eye higher/lower and see if it lines up..

 

[awilder]

Pete's right, eye position is a bit fussy with the Hexar RF and it's best to position the eye where you get the brightest clearest rf image. The rf may still be off a little and can be adjusted by a competant repairman or you can DIY.

 

[dacaccia]

Used to an M6 with MP viewfinder - I am really not of the same opinion. The Hexar's viewfinder is very clear, even better than the yellow tinted M6 finders.
If you are used to a SLR acute matte: the viewfinder of a RF is quite different.
Just try a few films, use different apertures - and be aware your eyes or glasses are ok.
(Really, I'm not joking! uncorrected eyes may produce a lot of problems - since there is no ocular adjustment like in (D)SLR cameras).

Cheers,
dacaccia

 

[Paul T.]

Be careful about DIYing, they've often been stuck or varnished in place and you might bend a part. I speak as one who did so and it took a year to find the parts to fix it. Either live with it or, if you're in the US, send it to Greg Weber:

http://www.webercamera.com/