Bessa R2 misalignment

[Unregistered]

Hi

I'm a complete novice to rangefinder cameras and recently bought a Bessa R2. I've noticed that there is a misalignment when I focus on horizontal lines/objects. Is this a common bug with the Bessa R2 or should I return my camera? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks 😱)

 

[Oldprof]

Dear Unregistered:

I do not have a Bessa R2, but I have heard that rangefinder misalignments are fairly common with some Bessa models. I believe this can be corrected by making rangefinder adjustments. If you do a google.com search you should be able to find some information about this.

 

[rover]

It apparently was common on early models. Did you buy this camera used? As Oldprof says, do a search and you should find the instructions on how to correct it. From what I understand it is an easy fix.

 

[pvdhaar]

Before you rush off and start changing any alignment, you should first check that you've got your eye centered when looking through the viewfinder.

It may not apply to your situation, but I've found that on my Hexar by moving my eye up and down a little bit, I could see the double image in the rangefinder either below or above the other one.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Unregistered,

A very small misalignment won't wreck your photos. My Canonet is slightly misaligned... on the vertical axis. If the problem is very slight, you can live with it.

However, to make sure you don't have a potential problem, try shooting the same object/person at different apertures. If not, you can try the famous mirror test: stand some four or five feet in front of a mirror and focus on a little stain ON the mirror or something ON it, like the frame, and check the distance on the scale. It should be the distance at which you're standing from the mirror. Then without moving from your spot, focus the lens on YOUR reflection on the mirror. Check the distance scale: it should be twice the first value. If so, you're fine; if not, I'd have it check by a technician.

Did you buy the camera used? From a store or from an individual? Stores usually warrant their goods for 3 months. Individuals may... Check with your seller, as this is not an unusual problem with Voigtlander bodies.

 

[John Robertson]

If it is indeed missaligned get it done under warranty do not attempt to poke about in it yourself unless you are very experienced in these things, but get it checked by a reputable camera shop first!