DIY XPAN II rangefinder adjustment?

[rfepson]

I was lucky to buy a XPAN II last weekend - in perfect state but needs a vertical rangefinder adjustement.
I have found the different threads for DIY adjustments - but found out the XPAN II has a different arrangement under the flash holder than the images of the XPAN I instructions. I can't reach the 2nd screw which I think is for the vertical adjustment, it is too much to the the back of the camera and I can't get the blade of my -tiny- screwdriver into it.
Does anyone have an experience he can share for the adjustment of the XPAN II? Or is there a Hasselblad or Fuji technician among the forum readers who can help? I couldn't unfortunately google any XPAN II instruction for my problem.
Thank you so much for any tip you can provide!

 

[gshybrid]

I adjusted both the vertical and horizontal axis on my Xpan 1. I probably used the same DIY instructions that you are referring to. One thing I remember is that the pictures were a little misleading... the screw on the right is deeper than the photo suggests and the adjustment on the left is more of a tiny thumb wheel with lock tight. I'm surprized that they would change the rangefinder for the second model.

 

[rfepson]

.. the screw on the right is deeper than the photo suggests and the adjustment on the left is more of a tiny thumb wheel with lock tight. I'm surprized that they would change the rangefinder for the second model.

Thank you for your fast feedback. You might be right that I misinterpreted the photos I found and I now understand, that the left is actually like a wheel. But what do you mean by 'with lock tight', please. The wheel I see in my XPAN II is black and I can not turn it as it seems sealed on the upper left side. Might that be some sort of black glue I'll have to scrub off?

This is a photo I just took to show what it looks like in my XPAN II.

 

[gshybrid]

Yes the wheel is the vertical adjuster. It looks just like mine. You can use an X-Acto to break the seal or acetone to dissolve it. Be sure to remove the pieces so they are not floating around in the camera. Holding it upside down and blowing it out worked for me. After I made he adjustment I put a little medium strength Loctite(available at hardware and auto parts stores) on the wheel to secure it.

Thank you for your fast feedback. You might be right that I misinterpreted the photos I found and I now understand, that the left is actually like a wheel. But what do you mean by 'with lock tight', please. The wheel I see in my XPAN II is black and I can not turn it as it seems sealed on the upper left side. Might that be some sort of black glue I'll have to scrub off?

This is a photo I just took to show what it looks like in my XPAN II.

 

[rfepson]

Thank you again for your advice - I will try to fix it for the weekend to test my first roll with it!

 

[Turtle]

I posted a thread on this about a year ago, for a Xpan 1. Took about 30 mins all in. Do a search and I am sure you will pull it up.

 

[robdeszan]

Hi rfepson,

Did you manage to adjust the rangefinder ok? Is it complicated?

I think mine Xpan II's rangefinder might be slightly misaligned on the vertical axis. Saying that, the focus distances markings on the lens seem to correspond to the actual distance measured from the hot shoe.

I just find it to be a little difficult to focus, especially with the 90mm and its shallow dof at short distances lens where accurate focusing is critical. I do get some slight focus shift occasionally.

As a design, is it possible to have them perfectly alligned on both axes? Or will it be ever so slighlty misaligned because of the paralax xompensation for instance?


Thanks!

 

[didjiman]

It's pretty easy to do. I just adjusted 2 XPan-II, only took a few minutes each. Good luck.

 

[robdeszan]

Just a quick update.
Well, I guess the adjustment is not for the faint hearted.
I did eventually send the camera to Hasselblad UK service department as I had trouble removing the adhesive on the nut. It took 3 weeks (apparently, they had to order a small part from Sweden) and the total cost was £120. They did a wonderful job, the focusing is way easier and more precise now, they might have cleaned the viewfinder internally as it appears very crisp and bright. It's worth mentioning that communication was very good and that the camera was securely packed on return. I do recommend it if anyone struggles with a misaligned rf and has no wish to fiddle with their equipment.

 

[didjiman]

I am glad you have it done right, but it really isn't difficult at all. The screw is right on top. I did it for 2 XPan II as I said.

The RF CLA though, is probably worth sending it in.

 

[rfepson]

I finally did it - and in the end it was easy to do!

I finally did it - and in the end it was easy to do!

My XPAN II viewfinder is well aligned now - I found out, that I had not been carefull enough when dissolving the black glue from the wheel with aceton. After the repeated use of more aceton suddenly the whell was free to turn. It took some backs and forths to find the right horizontal and vertikal alignment - but now everything is ok.

Thanks to all who posted their experience before and the encouragement I got in this thread.