Custom fitted FSU VF on Bessa T

[mike goldberg]

Today at the PO, I picked up a good quality, 35mm focal length VF ordered from an FSU seller. Beautifully packed, it got to Jerusalem in 10 days.

My intention is to use it on a Bessa T. It may be necessary [but not mandatory] to have a machine shop or silversmith grind out 2-3mm from the front of the VF's metal shoe, so that it is seated 2-3mm forward.

In examining my Kiev 4a, I noticed that the shoe base atop a Kiev is:

- Longer than that of a Bessa, and...

- It sits a bit farther forward in the top plate, than that of other cameras.

The net result with this VF and the Besa T, is a minor inconvenience. I am left-eye-dominant, and when using the T's range finder, the small rear window of the VF rests against my forehead.

Cheers, mike

 

[John Robertson]

My intention is to use it on a Bessa T. It may be necessary [but not mandatory] to have a machine shop or silversmith grind out 2-3mm from the[IThe net result with this VF and the Besa T, is a minor inconvenience. I am left-eye-dominant, and when using the T's range finder, the small rear window of the VF rests against my forehead.

Cheers, mike

Should be quite easy to do, there are differences in the shoes of many cameras. M39 leicas need a front corner ground off to seat properly. I use the FSU 35 finder on my Bessas T but being right eyed I don't have a problem. A good watch repairer should have the necessary equipment to do your mod.

 

[pvdhaar]

I wouldn't grind off too much, as a finder that sits too much forward may give you a hard time to oversee in its entirety.

 

[mike goldberg]

Thanks guys. Two millimeters will do it, and
a jewelry maker nearby has the tools.
I spent some time with Ruben this afternoon.
The 35mm finder is well made, a Rostow.
Ciao, Mike

 

[mike goldberg]

It's done!... Five dollars was well spent at Gabi's studio this afternoon.

He ground off 2mm from the front of the metal shoe, just below my
Rostow 35mm Finder for the Bessa T. The net result is: The VF slides forward
another 2mm closer to the front... thus, when RF focusing
with my LEFT eye... the rear of the viewer is not uncomfortably sticking in my forehead.

See Thumbnails below. This is an economy solution 🙄
Believe me, if I had the 'bread,' I'd buy the Voigtlander 28/35 mini VF,
which is pricey. BTW: I find that I do better in the Thumbnail illustrations, if I do
not use digital sharpening when Resizing.

Cheers, and thanks to Ruben, Gabi and All above in this Thread.
mike