Replacement for a mirror of the rangefinder.

[Sid836]

I have a Sokol 2 camera that upon opening the to housing to find out why thee was no yellow patch and second image in the viewfinder, I have discovered that the half by half centimeter mirror that sits behind the right light opening is missing! I have taken almost the entire camera apart, but it seems as if it has been evaporated, teleported to somewhere else, or the seller had taken it out to use it somewhere else. :bang:

It is a pity because the camera otherwise is like new. 🙁

Is there a way replacing it?

 

[johannielscom]

Yes. The thing is called a beam splitter. Look for seller nobbysparrow on eBay, he has them. For instructions, look here: http://jelabs.blogspot.nl/2012/06/replacing-beam-splitter-mirror-in.html?m=1

 

[Sid836]

The beam splitter (phew!) is there. What is missing is the mirror on the far other side of the rangefinder. It looks like there was some mirror 0.5 by 0.5 centimeters. The problem is that I don't know how to search for it. Looking for mirrors brings back a million of things but not what I am looking for.

 

[Sid836]

I have solved this by buying a mirror for 99c and cutting a 0.5 by 0.5 cm piece from it. I have used gell glue to fix it to the place of the old mirror.
The real pain has been adjusting the rangefinder both horizontally and vertically. But now everything works as it should.

Thank you for the help!

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Don't you need a first surface mirror in a RF?

 

[Sid836]

If I knew what a surface mirror is, yes. 🙂 I have the basic knowledge of how a rangefinder works. Sokol has three entry points for light. One to the left where the beam splitter mirror is, one in the middle and one to the right where a tinny mirror sends light to the left elements of the range finder towards the beam splitter.

 

[Sid836]

Oh! I see what a surface mirror is. Would the fact that I use a second surface mirror cause implications in focusing? I have just read that there is ghosting by the second reflective surface. Where can I find a first surface mirror with such dimensions?

 

[Pickett Wilson]

A junk SLR is a good source of first surface mirrors. Almost all older SLR mirrors are first surface.

 

[Sid836]

I have a Zenit ET with a stuck shutter. I'll get my mirror form it. I will cut a small piece and save the rest of the mirror.

(although I feel pity for it even if broken)

 

[Grytpype]

Old Polaroid cameras are a good cheap source of front silvered mirrors. Any of the type with the film pack underneath have a 45° mirror to reflect the image. Here in the UK I never pay more than 0.50GBP for them!

You could save your Zenit, and fix it some day!

 

[rogue_designer]

http://optolife.com/front_surface_mirror/M500.html

 

[Sid836]

Great! It has pieces of the exact dimensions I need. No cutting, just the exact piece.
I have ordered a 35x25 that will be of exact fit.

Thank you very much!

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@Grytpype
I was about to get my Zenit down to pieces, but the shutter worked! I will have it checked by somebody because it is a pity on her as she is really in mint condition.