Contax IIa Rangefinder Problem

[timagal]

Hello, all.

I just got a Contax IIa and, although the lens is moving when focusing, the yellow square does not move. What could be the problem?

Thank you all in advance.

 

[oftheherd]

I don't have a Contax IIa, but I think with any RF camera, one would first want to check the linkage between the lens and the RF of the camera, then the camera's RF mechanism.

With any luck, someone who has had just that problem may be able to tell you an easy solution.

 

[jim_jm]

Are you saying that the image in the RF patch (yellow square) does not move, or that the RF patch itself does not move within the viewfinder as you focus?

If the image in the patch is not moving to indicate correct focus, then the problem may lay with the body's focusing helical, the lens, or the RF mechanism.

If you're asking if the patch itself should move within the viewfinder, it should not. This is a feature of Leica M bodies to adjust for parallax; the entire VF frame and RF patch move slightly to adjust for closer focusing.

 

[Kevcaster]

Yes ditto Jim jm, the rangefinder spot does not move but a double image should be visible within the central spot when the lens is out of focus. If this double image inside the central spot does not move when you move the focusing mount then the likely cause is a detached oblong convex prism that sits in a frame inside the rangefinder window. The focusing train from the focus mount to this frame is pretty robust and is highly unlikely to have become damaged without it being very apparent.
Might just need a clean!