JasonC
Established
My Bessa RF's front standard could wiggle on the focusing track(?) and the rangefinder is out of vertical alignment. Anyone knows any easy fixes? Thanks.
Jason.
Jason.
Bessa RF Repairs
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sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Do you (gently) pull out the standard after unfolding? Usually, it won't snap completely into place after all these years, and needs a bit of help. It is quite normal that the front standard wiggles a bit even after pulled out - the folding mechanism usually shows some traces of wear.
As long as the lens doesn't drop out of parallelity for more than one or two millimeters and ends up in the same plane every time you open the camera or focus, it is better to do nothing about it. You can compensate for any eventual lens shift by readjusting the rangefinder.
More critical on the Bessa RF is that many people miss the hidden fold-in tab and break the folding mechanism in some attempt to close it by brute force - I've nearly bought one destroyed by the seller in a last "test" while packing.
In such a case, the standard won't merely wiggle, but literally flap around, or won't raise any more. Usually, such a broken standard cannot be brought back to a reasonable degree of reliability without making new parts, as some of the tabs and guides get shorn off when forced. In such a case, the camera is only good as a spares carrier for another camera with working mechanics, but damaged bellows, optics and shutter.
As long as the lens doesn't drop out of parallelity for more than one or two millimeters and ends up in the same plane every time you open the camera or focus, it is better to do nothing about it. You can compensate for any eventual lens shift by readjusting the rangefinder.
More critical on the Bessa RF is that many people miss the hidden fold-in tab and break the folding mechanism in some attempt to close it by brute force - I've nearly bought one destroyed by the seller in a last "test" while packing.
In such a case, the standard won't merely wiggle, but literally flap around, or won't raise any more. Usually, such a broken standard cannot be brought back to a reasonable degree of reliability without making new parts, as some of the tabs and guides get shorn off when forced. In such a case, the camera is only good as a spares carrier for another camera with working mechanics, but damaged bellows, optics and shutter.
FallisPhoto
Veteran
Provided you're locking both struts, then not easy ones, no. You are likely going to need some new hardware.
JasonC
Established
The front standard locks quite solid. If you look at the Bessa from the front with the door under the lens, the standard could wiggle left and right. No up-down movement at all. Any clue on how to re-align the rangefinder? Thanks.
Jason.
Jason.
FallisPhoto
Veteran
It could be that you just need to tighten the rivets a bit, due to wear over the years. The camera is old and things tend to loosen up over time.
Edit: Almost forgot to answer this part. Just remove the four tiny screws on the nameplate on top and it will come off. Under it are a couple of holes. The holes allow you access to the rangefinder adjustment screws.
Charles
Last edited:
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