might have issues with my RD-1 :(

[wiregen]

I went shooting with it today and all my shots came out of focus. I know they were in focus when I align the 2 images together. Looking at forums it could be a misaligned focusing thing?

I was doing tests today and moving it slightly out of focus (ghost image moves left) causes the shot to be in focus.

Is this common on rangefinders? If it is out of alignment how much would I have to pay to realign it?

Also I did an infinity test, and the image doesnt go together. It's slightly off to the left.

This is on a 50mm canon rangefinder lens and a fotodiox LTM to M adapter.

I do have a 35mm f/1.4 voightlander on the way. Maybe I should wait for that so I can test it before I make any conclusions?

 

[drolo61]

Is that your first test with your R-D1? If so, I suggest you wait for the "direct M-lens" to repeat the test. It might be the adapter. I have not used adapters, so I can not positively state that this is the cause.

 

[edhohoho]

Is this the first time you are using this R-D1? That is, was it ever producing perfectly focused photos when you align the images in the viewfinder? If there was a change in focusing ability, then maybe something got knocked out of alignment.

And with regard to the issue of aligning the images in the viewfinder, are you able to get both images to perfectly align, or is there always some slight discrepancy? When the two images are well aligned, the image in the central rangefinder patch "pops"--becomes very sharp and in focus. When I first started out with the R-D1, I wasn't familiar with rangefinders at all, so what I initially thought was in focus based on the viewfinder images being mostly overlapped was not really so when I carefully examined the images and realized they were slightly fuzzy instead of sharp and "popping." This can be easily seen when trying to focus on something with straight parallel lines and/or lettering/text. Sometimes the angle at which you place your eye to look into the viewfinder can also affect your view of image alignment too.

But based on what you said about the images not aligning at infinity, sounds like the rangefinder needs alignment although it's possible that the infinity point you choose may not be far enough (100 feet vs. 1/2 mile).

I would wait for the other lens to arrive and compare the new VC to the Canon. If they both exhibit the same need for focus compensation, then you should get your camera adjusted. However, if it's just the Canon lens that is off, either the lens itself needs adjustment or the adapter you are using is not giving the correct focusing. I would stick to genuine Leica or Voigtlander LTM to M adapters because they tend to have better quality control and more stringent tolerances.

The need for rangefinder realignment is pretty common on the R-D1, so I would have it checked out. Depending on where you are located, rates may vary. I go to Steve's Camera Repair in Los Angeles, but I had other work done in addition to rangefinder alignment so I can't say. Just contact him through his website for a direct quote as he prefers this. He has experience with the R-D1, his turnaround times are reasonable, and he stands by his work.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

If you're good with DIY, you can align it yourself by accessing the adjustment screws underneath the hot shoe:

http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_16.htm

 

[yanidel]

Don't touch the finder as long as you haven't try a direct M bayonet lens. I had the same issue with a Jupiter-3 (50mm 1.5) and the R-D1, the patch would show good alignement but the pictures were out of focus. This problem did not appear with any other lens. I had the J-3 checked and the repairman told me that it was fine. So I guess some screw lenses just don't work very well on the R-D1.

 

[wiregen]

thanks for the advice guys. I'll wait till my VC comes and test it out some more.

Steve's camera seems to be the #1 source for any RD-1 repair so worse case scenario I'll reach out to him.

 

[wiregen]

Don't touch the finder as long as you haven't try a direct M bayonet lens. I had the same issue with a Jupiter-3 (50mm 1.5) and the R-D1, the patch would show good alignement but the pictures were out of focus. This problem did not appear with any other lens. I had the J-3 checked and the repairman told me that it was fine. So I guess some screw lenses just don't work very well on the R-D1.

Very interesting, thanks for the information. I am able to compensate for the off focus on my canon. I would focus then shift the lens so there is a slight ghost image. Surprise surprise the image is in focus.

Haven't perfected it yet. Probably this weekend I would have time and set up a tripod and do accurate tests.

 

[kevin m]

Keep in mind that the RF in the Epson has a short base length, so focusing fast/long lenses at distance is always going to be dicey.

 

[s_r_c]

Unless someone can chime in with a positive experience that professional service cures the rangefinder accuracy, I would save the bucks and keep the camera in your own mitts.

I've been using CV screw lenses w/ adapters on the epson for a year, and none of my lenses are perfectly consistent. But I can get them to focus accurately wide open.

It is very easy to do the adjustment yourself. Compare with a known good rangefinder, or measure the focus like a hollywood focus puller.

My method is that I stick to one lens, calibrate it at 5ft, and double check infinity. You might have to split the difference. If you know you'll be favoring the cannon, use it for calibration. Especially if it's a f/.95.

On my camera, adjusting the vertical alignment is hopeless, but the horizontal behaves pretty well.

About adapters:
I've never seen or heard of a fotodiox. I've used the CV adapter and old leica ones. Though you would think a CV LTM adapter on a CV SM lens would be a good match, they often don't align. Worse, the threads drift over time, and I've found this to mess with my infinity focus enough to be annoying.

On CV lenses, I've removed the male SM thread plate, and beneath it are more screw threads for you to adjust the position of the plate.

But, at some point, you'll run out of adjustment.

Haven't had this problem with leica LTM adapters for some reason, so I'm keeping an eye out for those. Don't know if the cannon has adjustable positions for the threads to align with.

Hold out for the M lens to arrive and decide which misalignment is the culprit, camera or lens.

Speaking as a mechanic, bank on both.