Bessa RF: how to adjust the rangefinder system?

[ericzhu]

Just bought a Bessa RF, which is a coupled rangefinder. But after viewing through the rangefinder window, it seems a split images system. I have to find a vertical line for focus. Though the 2 vertical lines are merged in horizontal, but the images are not totally merged.

Is this normal? I doubt the rangefinder needs adjustment. May I know how to do it? After viewing the upper part of camera, I see no screws to dismantle it.

Thanks.

 

[binky]

Try a combination of these two:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=15847
you need to remove the depth scale plate carefully (and use a non-permanent glue to re-attach later). Keep a spent 120 spool inside the camera. You'll need to grip this while unscrewing the winder screw. Before you start, I advise that you cover a piece of paper over the lens because accidents can happen and your model most likely has a Skopar or Heliar.

http://photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00JtE7?start=10
the bottom part gives you a sense of how to adjust the rangefinder. I never had to adjust mine--only needed to clean the haze and mold inside.

 

[graywolf]

Some cameras have superimposed rangefinder images, some have split rangefinder images. In the case of the split image a trick is just to rotate the camera when using the rangefinder, so that you can focus on an image that is running in any direction.

e.g. if you want to focus on a horizontal line, rotate the camera to vertical. If you want to focus on a diagonal line, rotate the camera to the opposite diagonal position. Then recompose after focusing.

 

[fidget]

My Bessa Rf is like this. The image is not superimposed as "normal", but is split top and bottom. It is adjustable, this is done through two holes in the top plate. The covering has to be taken off or holes made in it to do this. The covering is destroyed by removal.

Dave

 

[ericzhu]

My Bessa Rf is like this. The image is not superimposed as "normal", but is split top and bottom. It is adjustable, this is done through two holes in the top plate. The covering has to be taken off or holes made in it to do this. The covering is destroyed by removal.

Dave

Thanks for your info. No wonder why I couldn't find any screws to adjust it. It's hidden under the covering.

 

[ericzhu]

Try a combination of these two:

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=15847
you need to remove the depth scale plate carefully (and use a non-permanent glue to re-attach later). Keep a spent 120 spool inside the camera. You'll need to grip this while unscrewing the winder screw. Before you start, I advise that you cover a piece of paper over the lens because accidents can happen and your model most likely has a Skopar or Heliar.

http://photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00JtE7?start=10
the bottom part gives you a sense of how to adjust the rangefinder. I never had to adjust mine--only needed to clean the haze and mold inside.

Thanks for the info.