R3A shattered viewfinder

[grapejohnson]

I clumsily dropped my R3A the other night and shattered the front viewfinder. When I look through it, it still looks great unless I point it in direct light, which then it gives me some flare. It doesn't feel very stable though, and I don't want it to get worse. Where do I go to get the contact information for Cosina to get this fixed? I bought the camera new through Adorama in June, can they help in some way? The vertical alignment has been off slightly since I got it, can somewhere fix both at the same time? How much am I looking at here for a repair? Any information would be great.

 

[grapejohnson]

. . . anyone?

 

[besk]

Cameraquest

 

[eia41]

If the camera was bought new, should it not be the seller you must be contacting first??

 

[grapejohnson]

I don't know of Adorama's policies, just wondering if anyone did. I figured that since it was my fault for the damage I should contact Cosina about repairs, but had no idea where or how to get ahold of them.

 

[lewis44]

Can't remember if it was Adorama or B&H, but I had an issue with a Cosina product and they referred me to a repair facility for warranty repairs. I believe it was Washington State that I sent it. In either case, Call Customer Service and they should give you the info. Both are good to work with. If they do warranty repairs, they should do your repair for $$$

 

[sepiareverb]

I think this marks you as a true pro who doesn't need any stinking intact viewfinder window to work. Just keep shooting.

 

[grapejohnson]

I think this marks you as a true pro who doesn't need any stinking intact viewfinder window to work. Just keep shooting.

my only worry was getting excessive dust in the RF mechanism, but i've considered it. brightest VF ever!

 

[gb hill]

Take a look at cameraquest repair page. They can fix your camera & I'm sure Stephen will give you the quickest turn around.

http://cameraquest.com/repairs.htm

 

[grapejohnson]

for anyone interested:

Voigtlander (Distributed By - Cosina Corporation)
Tel: +49 531-376-812 or 212-989 1252
Email: rich@photovillage.com
Website: http://www.cosina.co.jp/seihin/voigt/english/index.html

 

[grapejohnson]

Still waiting for my camera. I dropped it off at Photo Village Jan 2nd. They said it was on the way back from Japan some time last week but I haven't heard from them yet. Is this typical? I really miss using my RF.

 

[steveclem]

Been there, done that....
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128149

Microscope slide.

 

[grapejohnson]

Been there, done that....
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128149

Microscope slide.

That's a great idea. Unfortunately I've already sent it off to Japan and am waiting (forever) for it to return.

 

[grapejohnson]

Has anyone else had to wait for four months for something like this before? There's still no sign of its return date yet. I call pretty frequently, but apparently Cosina still has it.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Something's not right. In the past, I've sent several Voigtlander products to Cosina for repair via two camera shops in Tokyo and the longest it's ever taken is three weeks from drop off to pick up. Even factoring in another two weeks for international shipping both ways, it's still just five weeks. Did Cosina send it back on a boat instead of by airmail???

 

[grapejohnson]

Something's not right. In the past, I've sent several Voigtlander products to Cosina for repair via two camera shops in Tokyo and the longest it's ever taken is three weeks from drop off to pick up. Even factoring in another two weeks for international shipping both ways, it's still just five weeks. Did Cosina send it back on a boat instead of by airmail???

I hope not, I'd probably need a realignment after that! A few weeks ago they told me there's an invoice ready for it so it should be done but it just never came apparently. They told me orginally it would be 4 to 6 weeks.

 

[grapejohnson]

Apparently there was more wrong with it than either me or the shop owner suspected. Luckily, the repair only set me back $200, they had to replace the top plate and part of the RF mechanism. It's on its way and should finally be back to me by monday! I can't wait to FINALLY be able to shoot an RF again

 

[frank-grumman]

http://www.cameraquest.com/repairs.htm

 

[grapejohnson]

Ahh! It's finally back from repair, and looks brand-new again. I blew through almost an entire roll, going to finish the rest off so I can test my new lenses (Jupiter 9 and CV 40 1.4) and the RF alignment, etc. I forgot how incredibly fast focusing was with a rangefinder as it's been four months since I've been able to use it. Having the 40 1.4 with focusing tab is amazingly fast for focusing. I feel like the camera is almost "reinforced" now, since it's been brought back up to speed. I'll share a test shot or two once I develop the film!

 

[gb hill]

nice that all went well with you. The R3a is a nice camera.