Adjusting Xpan Rangefinder - Here is how

T

Turtle

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I came across this link (http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/008zw6)on how to adjust the RF on the Xpan, after receiving my one off ebay. The RF was predictably out, though only horizontally.

I followed the instructions and it took 5 mins to get it right. After setting infinity, it now agrees perfectly with my 0.85 M6 at all distances which can't be bad :) Previously it was visibly stopping short of infinity in the RF and was backfocusing by about 8-12 inches at 6-8 feet or so. You could see an evident discrepancy between the distances you could read off a given object compared to my Ms. Setting vertical might be tougher but not being a fool, I did not touch it as mine is fine.

If anyone has any issues with the instructions or struggles, just PM me.

Just bear in mind the adjustments to the main screw are so small you should hardly feel like you have turned it at all. You just need to sense the merest hint of movement and re-check at ininity. There might be a tiny bit of back and forth, but on about the fourth turn it was right on. I used radio antenna about 2-3km away. With the low mag finder of the Xpan and slow lenses thats plenty far enough.

PS you will need teesny weensy screwdrivers (one phillips/pozidrive and one flat head) which even if they cost you $10 still leave $150 saved on a service centre adjustment for 5 mins work :)
 
Last edited:
Turtle said:
I came across this link (http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/008zw6)on how to adjust the RF on the Xpan, after receiving my one off ebay. The RF was predictably out, though only horizontally.

I followed the instructions and it took 5 mins to get it right. After setting infinity, it now agrees perfectly with my 0.85 M6 at all distances which can't be bad :) Previously it was visibly stopping short of infinity in the RF and was backfocusing by about 8-12 inches at 6-8 feet or so. You could see an evident discrepancy between the distances you could read off a given object compared to my Ms. Setting vertical might be tougher but not being a fool, I did not touch it as mine is fine.

If anyone has any issues with the instructions or struggles, just PM me.

Just bear in mind the adjustments to the main screw are so small you should hardly feel like you have turned it at all. You just need to sense the merest hint of movement and re-check at ininity. There might be a tiny bit of back and forth, but on about the fourth turn it was right on. I used radio antenna about 2-3km away. With the low mag finder of the Xpan and slow lenses thats plenty far enough.

PS you will need teesny weensy screwdrivers (one phillips/pozidrive and one flat head) which even if they cost you $10 still leave $150 saved on a service centre adjustment for 5 mins work :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, so far mine`s been perfect, but if it goes out, I`ll try this for sure. ;)
 
Turtle said:
I came across this link (http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/008zw6)on how to adjust the RF on the Xpan, after receiving my one off ebay. The RF was predictably out, though only horizontally.

I followed the instructions and it took 5 mins to get it right. After setting infinity, it now agrees perfectly with my 0.85 M6 at all distances which can't be bad :) Previously it was visibly stopping short of infinity in the RF and was backfocusing by about 8-12 inches at 6-8 feet or so. You could see an evident discrepancy between the distances you could read off a given object compared to my Ms. Setting vertical might be tougher but not being a fool, I did not touch it as mine is fine.

If anyone has any issues with the instructions or struggles, just PM me.

Just bear in mind the adjustments to the main screw are so small you should hardly feel like you have turned it at all. You just need to sense the merest hint of movement and re-check at ininity. There might be a tiny bit of back and forth, but on about the fourth turn it was right on. I used radio antenna about 2-3km away. With the low mag finder of the Xpan and slow lenses thats plenty far enough.

PS you will need teesny weensy screwdrivers (one phillips/pozidrive and one flat head) which even if they cost you $10 still leave $150 saved on a service centre adjustment for 5 mins work :)
Click to expand...

I dont understand, can you explain what screw does what?
 
This is the same mechanism as in the Hexar RF. You'd probably be horrified to learn that that system (barrel/prism adjustment for vertical) has been in use since the Konica Standard of 1948.

Dante
 
Very interesting, thanks for sharing!

In fact is the same as the KHRF, on that camera i took the top cover compeltely since the little plastic cap didn´t give me onugh room to adjust the whole thing.
 
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