Bessa R - Rangefinder adjustment screws

[kamil_k]

Hi, I am aware that there have been many posts on this topic in the past. Unfortunately in 2018 most of the content which was linked as an answer to this topic is gone. Information which is currently available is misleading or referring to other Bessa models therefore I need your help:

Once you unscrew the hot shoe plate there are 3 adjustment screws (looking from the back: 1-top, 2-middle 3-bottom). Which one is responsible for horizontal alignment (infinity)?

I used to do small adjustments with the middle screw. However according to some sources it's just the locking screw. Is it right? If so - which screw should be touched to adjust RF horizontally? I don't want to put everything out of alignment by just trying it out.

Thanks!

EDIT: I meant horizontal adjustment - not vertical :bang:

 

[xayraa33]

Hi, I am aware that there have been many posts on this topic in the past. Unfortunately in 2018 most of the content which was linked as an answer to this topic is gone. Information which is currently available is misleading or referring to other Bessa models therefore I need your help:

Once you unscrew the hot shoe plate there are 3 adjustment screws (looking from the back: 1-top, 2-middle 3-bottom). Which one is responsible for horizontal alignment (infinity)?

I used to do small adjustments with the middle screw. However according to some sources it's just the locking screw. Is it right? If so - which screw should be touched to adjust RF horizontally? I don't want to put everything out of alignment by just trying it out.

Thanks!

I don't own a Bessa R nor have ever worked on one but from the scant info online on this subject the vertical adj. is the slotted screw that is closest to the front of the camera.

This is apparently done after slightly loosening the middle phillips screw, which is apparently hard to turn, as there is some impermanent Loc-tite type material on it so it does not move easily.

The Bessa R2 looks to be similar but the later Bessa models are configured differently.

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/user-review-of-the-epson-rd1.138807/

 

[kamil_k]

Thank you. I was confused as there were some posts implying that the middle screw should be turned for horizontal adjustment. I managed to adjust the RF with it for the first time but after several months it got out of alignment again.

 

[xayraa33]

Thank you. I was confused as there were some posts implying that the middle screw should be turned for vertical adjustment. I managed to adjust the RF with it for the first time but after several months it got out of alignment again.

The RF assembly might be of poor design and relies too much on temporary Loc-tite on screw heads to keep it going out of wack due to normal vibration and use of the camera.

My Fed 5C camera has RF geometry like that and needs constant adjustment.

Yes, there is a lot of confusion on line on this subject, and different RF set-up on later Bessa models make the confusion even worse.

That fat middle screw seems to loosen the whole of the RF prism assembly and the fine adjustments vert. & horizontal are done the other screws and the middle screw is used after all this is achieved as a lock-down.

It looks like the proper screwdriver type and fitting size are very important for this job and so is good eyesight and lighting, to see what you are doing before you start fiddling with those screws .... and tiny drops of reversible Loc-tite or nail polish are needed to lock the screws down after adjustments are completed to your satisfaction.