Adjust RF on Zeiss Super Ikonta 532/16

[phl0w]

I got this 532/16 in very good condition, but the lens was rather hazy and dusty (it's from 1937). I took it apart following David Richert's guide, and cleaned the lens(es).
Problem is now, it seems I can't put it back together. Also: The RF is off now. I guess because I removed the big geared RF wheel that moves the front lens?
Regarding the re-assembling: How do you put the front lens back on? Two problems arise:
* When I couple the lens to the RF wheel first and then try to fit the front plate, I can't get it back on because of that metal lip that limits the RF wheel's travel to close distance and inf. Or is it supposed to be forced on?
* When I put the front plate on first and then put the lens in place it won't screw in enough and lose contact to the RF wheel when focusing to close distances.
So, would somebody please tell me what the correct procedure to re-assemble the front lens is?

Second question:
How do you adjust the RF? I found a link at the end of that guide I linked, but it doesn't help in any way because it features a different camera which apparently features a much simpler, i.e. uncoupled, RF mechanism.
Heres what I thought would work, maybe someone can direct me to the proper procedure:
With the front plate and lens off, I look through the viewer and focus at something at infinity (moon), take out the large RF wheel that moves the front lens and put it back where it would stop at infinity with lens and front plate (with focus limiter) in place and put the lens back on. Am I missing something or should this work?

Help appreciated!

 

[wallace]

maybe you get an idea about adjusting the RF by reading here:

http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/adjust rangefinder.html

I believe that the Moskvas have pretty similar RF mechanism.


Thomas

 

[phl0w]

Well, did it myself finally.
My initial thinking was correct, I just wasn't vigorous enough to put back the front plate.
Here's what I did:
1: Put back the big geared wheel without lens and focus to something at CFD (close focus distance) of 1.6m (5ft) through the viewfinder. I use a digital rangefinder which makes adjustments all the easier.
2: Take out the big geared wheel and with the front plate in place check where the focus stop is for CFD - mark with a pencil or something. Remove the front plate and install the big geared wheel now with its nose at the focus stop for CFD.
3: Screw in the lens. the last few mm you have to overcome a slight resistance so the lens' nook meets with the wheel's nose.
4: Intall front plate with lens focused to about 2-2.5m.
5: Double check RF + lens markings for CFD and infinity. If you didn't disassemble the RF prism in the first place, everything should be back to normal.

I adjusted a Agfa isolette III recently, which was a breeze in comparison to the 532/16.