Bessa R3A horizontal and vertical misalignment

[Pusiek]

Hi,

I've just got lens (Zeiss planar ZM 50mm f2) for my Bessa R3A, so could finally check the rangefinder and I found out, that both vertically and horizontally the rangefinder is misaligned! I've found some instruction on internet how to fix it, but it seems not to be very easy and requires a lot of precision, which I lack. Does anyone of you know a place near Cardiff UK, where I can have it fixed? I bought the camera of ebay, so it is a bit tricky to claim my money back. Alternatively if someone could provide links to relevant websites covering the subject in detail, I'd be much obliged. Does the rangefinder work depend on the lens itself? In a sens is it possible that I see horizontal misalignment, when focusing at infinity, because the lens itself is not properly "adjusted" for infinity? Sorry for the layman's terms.

In short... HELP! please help me! I want to take pictures!😉

All the best,

Piotrek

 

[kpas]

It's really easy to do with a little patience - I would take a stab at doing it yourself first and if you fail the worst case is you have to get a service center to have their turn.

Once you get your head around it, its about 10 minutes max to get it spot on.

Better if you know how to do it just incase you have to do it in the field again (or overseas where you won't be able to spare the time)

 

[mfogiel]

I have adjusted the horizontal alignment myself, but the vertical alignment adjustment is more tricky, because you would need to remove the top cover. I am sure there is some repairman in Wales that could do it, maybe you can investigate with Robert White:
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/.

 

[Pusiek]

First Try

First Try

Hi,

OK. I gave it a try. Removed the hot shoe, tried to play with the vertical alignment screw, but it wouldn't move even a bit. I was afraid that I might damage it. I even found a thin piece of metal that acted better then my precision screwdrivers (one have to use screwdriver at certain angle, because the top of the screw is not totally exposed), but to no avail. I'm wondering if the previous owner tried to lock the screw with a loctite or a nail polish, although he claims that the camera was in perfect condition and didn't require any alignment.

Sadly Robert White doesn't repair Bessas yet. At least not in the UK. His people told me that they will start repairing Bessas in house soon, but didn't give me the exact date.

I will try to find a repairmen in Cardiff or Bristol and convince him to show me how to do it myself😉

Thanks for the comments,

Piotrek

 

[Sparrow]

Try putting a film through it as it is and see what happens, I make a rule of never checking alignment until I see it in out of focus prints

 

[kpas]

I found the technique described at the bottom of this URL very good:

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-123.html

Makes it much easier for those with less then perfect eyesight to bring the problem indoors.

 

[kpas]

Also, use the guide here: http://www.arransalerno.com/blog/bessa-rangefinder-calibration/

Between those two URL's I have found it very easy to adjust the R3.

 

[das]

I have an R4M that is ever so slightly out of horizontal alignment. I know it's been a few years, but there still does not seem to be a good "horizontal rangefinder alignment on the Bessa R for dummies" out there. Does anyone have a good tutorial? If not, who does Bessa R alignment repair work for a decent price?

 

[SyPat]

The physical base lenght of the Bessas (after the T model) is: 37mm.