Canon Rangefinder Vertical Alignment

[desmo]

Hi all,

I bought a clean Canon L-1 recently and when I attached a Canon 50mm LTM f/1.4 (that I had never used), the rangefinder was offset vertically. I've used rangefinders for many years and had never seen this before. After researching a bit, I didn't see how the lens could have caused this, so I messaged the seller and sent the camera back. However, the seller now claims he tested the camera and found no issue.

This is a (lofi) video showing the problem:


My question is, could the misalignment be caused by a problem with the lens? Is there any way to troubleshoot this without buying another camera and lens?

Thanks much for any assistance,

Mark

 

[aw614]

Other lenses you used. was the patch aligned?

it isn't hard to align the rangefinder on the Canon L1 if you need to do it.

 

[desmo]

Other lenses you used were still aligned?

Thank. you, I don't have any other lenses to try right now...

 

[aw614]

I would align it. Here is a guide on how to do it, the procedure is similar to the Canon P

How to Calibrate a Canon P Rangefinder (in my case, for use with Soviet lenses) - by Cameradactyl (Ethan)

I am a fan of quirky old soviet cameras. I have had, loved, and broken a few Zorki 4 cameras over the years, and I love their lenses. I own Jupiter 8, 9 and 12 lenses (50mm f2, 85mm f2, and 35mm f2.8). I use the 35mm for more than 80% of what I shoot, but the Zorki viewfinder only really...

www.35mmc.com

On the L1, you can set it to the "RF" position and try to align it at infinity by trying to focus on something far away.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

If the RF pickup of the camera Jammed on the RF cam of the lens- it's possible. BUT- you would not have been able to focus it.
With a Canon 50/1.4: it will not happen. I've seen it happen once, on an early J-12 that was way out of spec.

Correcting the problem is simple, as shown in the above linked article. You need to be a little careful, the prism can come out if you are really careless. I've read accounts of that. I keep the camera pointed back when the retaining (trim) ring is off.

 

[desmo]

Thanks to both of you for that info. The first L-1 is back in Japan. But I do feel better about buying another camera with confidence that the lens isn't going to cause a problem with another camera. If the same issue does show up with another camera, I'll post back. 👍