Bessa R - Rangefinder Malrotation!

[estepan99]

Hello Forum!

After reading your interesting posts and enjoying all of your great RF-pics I decided to buy my own rangefinder to try another kind of photography. Till now I was only doing SLR-photography using Nikon stuff.
So I bought a (not) used Bessa R with the 2,5/35 and took one first roll of film with it. Since we have a new shopping mall in town, I decided to take some architectual shots.
The pics looked great aside from being malrotated up to two degrees. (Thats what I had to adjust in Photoshop to get straight pictures). Then I mounted the camera on a tripod and in lining up the 35mm rf-lines against a horizontal line I saw, that the camera itself has to be off by some degrees.

So my questions are:

1. is that a common problem with bessas
2. is it easy to be adjusted by a technical interested user or has it to be sent in?

For I have bought it used there is no garanty, will it be expensive, so that it would be better to sell it again and stay in SLR-photography or would you advise to have it fixed.


Thanx for your help,
greets from Austria,
Stephan

 

[BJ Bignell]

Stephan,

I sometimes have difficulty getting my horizontals to be horizontal when I use the Bessa, but the problem is mostly with wider lenses (I use the 21). I don't know if it's due to the design of the camera, a fault in the camera, or a fault in me! 😀

Although I've never heard of such a thing, it's possible that there is a slight defect in your Bessa. I don't know if that type of problem would be adjustable, should it be a manufacturing defect.

One thing to remember is that RF framelines aren't strict; they're a guideline, or a "suggestion". It might be prudent to try another roll, and use the framelines for framing, but use your built-in sense of horizontal/vertical to manage the tilt - this is how I shoot. And maybe, if you like the camera but still have a problem, just don't use it for architecture shots! 😉

Good luck, and welcome to rangefinder photography,
BJ

 

[jonasv]

slightly tilted framelines are a problem that happens more often, or so I heard. The camera itself isn't off, it's probably just the framelines. Don't know how expensive it is to fix.

And, well, I don't think rangefinders are meant for architecture shooting - why not use the SLR's for that?

Welcome to the forum, hope you'll enjoy it here!

 

[wyk_penguin]

Again, haul out the view cameras!!!

But there were some cases of Bessa users reporting tilted framelines, and on the early models (R, R2) misaligned RF patches. These aren't Leicas nor ZM. (No offence)

 

[glchua]

Probably the framelines within the camera is off.

I have the same problem with my 21 viewfinder, but that's easier to fix than your camera.

 

[estepan99]

Thanks for the welcomes!

As I normally don´t do much architecture shooting, there should be no big deal with the framelines, I just wondered how come. Maybe I will give my local (130kms) repairman a visit asap and see what he can do with it.
I will give the Bessa a second chance in doing with it what´s designed for.
For all interested I will report outcomes although it will take some time.

Thanx again for your replies,
have a good time,
Stephan

 

[Gerold]

I had the same problem with my Bessa R2A (purchased from Cameraquest). Stephen replaced it by a new one, no questions asked (warranty). Replacement is fine (but the finder arrived out of whack, arrrrgh !)

 

[Bertram2]

Hello Forum!
1. is that a common problem with bessas
2. is it easy to be adjusted by a technical interested user or has it to be sent in?
Stephan

No, not common, but some had it, mine too. Was fixed under warranty by Ringfoto Germany, they sell it with a 3 year warranty.
Yours was probably sold because the former owner did not want to adjust it.
There are self repair descriptions available in the www, dunno where, best ask at the CVUG list of Stephen Gandy.

Regards,
bertram

 

[tedwhite]

You might try looking at the entire image being displayed beyond the framelines in the viewfinder. See if that works in terms of the architectural stuff. Or, you could put the camera on a tripod and simply step back and align the camera with the subject.

But for serious architecural photography, you need a 4X5 view camera with tilts and swings.

Ted

 

[Ergo]

Try a bubble level.

 

[Fred]

Check the alignment by checking the framlines are parallel with the outside of the VF, oh and as Ergo stated, try using a bubble level that fits in the hot shoe.

 

[Yamatama]

I had the exact same problem with my R. I brought it to a repairman (I live in The Netherlands) 8 months ago and he has been looking since for the right parts and tools. Ergo: not an easy operation. Latest I heard about it was that the parts were on a boat from Japan. ETA: 2 weeks.

There seems to be some part with the framelines etched on it. This particular part can get loose (by dropping the camera on concrete for example, as in my case), resulting in tilted framelines.

My suggestion: send it to Stephen Gandy. www.cameraquest.com

Good luck

René Olde Olthof
Amsterdam

 

[erikhaugsby]

As ergo said, maybe its just a case of oh-so-imperfect leveling of your camera.
Others have given plenty of help, though..

 

[estepan99]

Thank you all for your advise!

1. When I look through the VF and slowly move back it is obvious, that the lines are tilted.
2. For living in Europe it will not be worth the money & time sending the camera to cameraquest.
3. As long as I don´t photograph horizons and buildings there will be no problem
4. I fear my bessa will become a letter-weight (no clue what it´s called in english)
but
5. I like the bessa very much for its tinyness and the feel when held in my hands. And the nice click when triggered. And the incredible 2,5/35 color-skopar lens.

So thank you all, maybe there will be a future contest or some other occasion, when I will be able to share some pics with you all.

Greets,
Stephan