Cheap RD1, RF vertical alignment off

[f4arm]

Hi guys,
This is my first post on RFF, although I'm reading threads on this forum on a regular basis. I have been shooting film for a couple of years (Bessa R body and OM2) and took the plunge for digital with a Pentax K10D. Although this is a nice camera, I am not enjoying taking pictures with it. I have just found a cheap RD1 (700 euros) but the vertical alignment of the rangefinder is off. I was considering swapping the Pentax and a 50/1.2 for the RD1. Do you think that the rangefinder issue will drive me nuts? Is this a good or a bad idea ?
Thanks for your help,
Cheers,

Pierre.

 

[victoriapio]

Obviously you need to get the rangefinder fixed. If you are handy with small tools and parts you can probably do it yourself via the instructions on the Cutler site. If not I believe there are at least two companies that can adjust it for you.

Go here and click on the Rich Cutler site:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34052

O.C.

 

[dcsang]

Fixing the Rangefinder on the R-D1 (or any of the Bessa bodies) is pretty easy and I've done it myself.

As stated above, just be careful with the tools - do a search here on alignment of the bessa rangefinders and you'll find some detailed instructions on how to go about it.

Cheers and good luck,
Dave

 

[Carlos Cruz]

Bad idea definitely.

Can you give me a link to the seller? 😀

 

[f4arm]

Thanks all of you guys!
I know how to fix it in theory and have done it in the past on my Yashica Electro 35. The only thing I worry about is that there might be some broken bit in the rangefinder unit. But looking at all the posts here, it looks like this is most likely misalignment.
I think I'll keep the seller secret for a bit 😀

Cheers,

Pierre

 

[kshapero]

Obviously you need to get the rangefinder fixed. If you are handy with small tools and parts you can probably do it yourself via the instructions on the Cutler site. If not I believe there are at least two companies that can adjust it for you.

Go here and click on the Rich Cutler site:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34052

O.C.

For FYI, who are the repair shops that work on Epson R-D1's? I know of Steve's in California.

 

[Tuolumne]

Essex Camera Repair in New Jersey does a great job on repairing, CLAing almost any camera. Their specialty is Leica and Nikon.

/T

 

[bluelight]

I got a R-D1 with allignment off and started with the hotshoe bubt eventually opened up the top plate.

In most cases, you should be be able to fix it. Congradulations to a great find.

 

[victoriapio]

I knew of Steve's and dadgumit I thought the other shop was a well know Leica repair person here in the States. Can't remember who at the moment. I will post it when I shake the cobwebs off my memory. There was a thread a while back about a cottage industry sprouting that can repair many of the Rd1s issues.

O.C.

For FYI, who are the repair shops that work on Epson R-D1's? I know of Steve's in California.