FED 2 Rangefinder Adjustment

[martinsmith99]

My FED 2 arrived yesterday and looks to be in the condition suggested.

Unfortunately the vertical adjustment seems off as the RF image is a little high. Thanks to the useful info here I see that it is a fairly simple adjustment that I should be able to perform by removing the RF bezel and turning the screw with tweezers/pliers until the correct image is displayed.

One question I have; does this then throw out the horizontal adjustment? I've not yet checked this for accuracy as it's always too dark when I get home.

Thanks

 

[wolves3012]

Yes it does, unfortunately. If you read the sticky on how to adjust it, it tells you to adjust the vertical first for this very reason. If the adjustment is very slight, you may get away with it - just depends how picky you are and what lenses you're likely to use. If you're going to use longer or fast lenses I'd suggest adjusting the horizontal with some thoroughness.

P.S. It's not a screw that you adjust for vertical alignment, it's the whole window behind the bezel. There are either 2 flats or 2 notches immediately around the window to allow this (don't use the outer ones, they hold the window in).

 

[rxmd]

I've not yet checked this for accuracy as it's always too dark when I get home.

Actually it's fine if it's dark. Just use the moon or a star as the focus target, it should be distant enough for infinity alignment. For 1m you can use a laser pointer or an in-house target.

 

[martinsmith99]

Thanks

I've adjusted the vertical which was only minor and very easy. The 1M setting appears correct, I await the clouds to lift so I can check infinity.

One more question, can these be set with film in the camera without exposing it to unwanted light?

 

[wolves3012]

As long as you aren't silly by shining a powerful torch in the innards or something then it won't affect any film.

 

[payasam]

When adjusting the R/F of a Leica, screw or M, I have often used a star: but when I tried to do that with a FED-2 the other day, I could not see a thing. I cannot say if this is the much-maligned dim finder or just a dirty one.

 

[rxmd]

Hi Mukul,

When adjusting the R/F of a Leica, screw or M, I have often used a star: but when I tried to do that with a FED-2 the other day, I could not see a thing. I cannot say if this is the much-maligned dim finder or just a dirty one.

with the FED-2 I also find it difficult with a star; the finder is contrasty, but not very bright. I normally use the moon. I find this easiest in the first and fourth quarter, because of the convex side of the crescent. It's a fair bit closer than a star, but that shouldn't matter too much, I hope 😉

 

[martinsmith99]

The moon worked a treat. I can see that it's out a gnat's whisker on the vertical but horizontal is fine. In normal use it looks perfect. Thanks for all your help & advice.

 

[payasam]

Philipp, we must make do with the moon until camera lenses and shutters are calibrated in light years. I can't help wishing, though, that it was a cube or a pyramid rather than a sphere.