focusing problem with my r3m

[pentaprism]

Yesterday, i wanted to take some pictures with my r3m and noticed that there's something wrong with the focus. The double image in the rangefinder spot doesn't match vertically anymore.

Anyone knows what the problem could be? Could it be that one of the mirrors inside moved a bit?


I tried to 'simulate' the problem in photoshop ->

 

[Malo1961]

Hi there,
It looks like you have a problem with a misaligned rf unit.
Did your camera take a hit or a bump?

Greetings from Holland,
Martin.

 

[pentaprism]

not that i know... i'm always very careful with my cams, so...

 

[csxcnj]

I recently bought a new Bessa R2S, the rangefinder was in perfect alignment....until I dropped it from the dizzying height of about 2 inches onto the seat of a wooden park bench. Now the alignment is out at infinity. And as I found out, that is not covered by the warranty....even after I was told by the dealer that a drop from that small a height should not have hurt the camera ( if that ever happens again I'll be sure not to mention the circumstances when requesting a repair)......to shorten what could be a long story, I don't think the Bessa's are very robust, or maybe the newer ones are and the older ones aren't....kinda dissapointing as I really like the camera otherwise.

 

[biomed]

Is the vertical alignment as severe as shown in the illustration? From time to time I see slight vertical misalignment with my R3A. I find that if my eye is centered in the viewfinder there is no misalignment. If this doesn't "fix" the problem, or the misalignment is indeed severe,then you will have to adjust the rangefinder (see the repair forum) or take it to a camera repair shop. Good luck. Let us know the outcome.

 

[c.poulton]

I also have this problem with my R3A following a very bad flight recently. (lots of turbulance which knocked the camera around a bit - even though it was in a camera bag!)

It's not as bad as in the illustration, and as Biomed suggested, it does not appear to be as bad when my eye is directly centred on the viewfinder. So far I am living with it, but when I get the camera CLA'd later this year, I get this sorted out at the same time - I am starting to notice it more and more :bang:

I do worry that the Bessa's are not as robust as other RF's - and for that very reason I am saving up to buy a Leica MP, or M7 (Not sure if I can live without AE?) - for piece of mind.

 

[pentaprism]

@biomed: Yes it's as severe as shown in the illustration(unfortunately 🙁). I'll contact Robert White to get it fixed. I do hope it's covered by the warranty. It has to be... the cam is only 2 months old!

 

[csxcnj]

@biomed: Yes it's as severe as shown in the illustration(unfortunately 🙁). I'll contact Robert White to get it fixed. I do hope it's covered by the warranty. It has to be... the cam is only 2 months old!

I get the feeling from my experience that, if it wasn't like that when you received it, you'r going to be told it isn't covered by warranty.....😡

 

[pentaprism]

I get the feeling from my experience that, if it wasn't like that when you received it, you'r going to be told it isn't covered by warranty.....😡

their response:

I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulty

Please send the camera back to us and I will take care of it

I will look at it and decide what to do - I may just send you a new one rather than have it repaired under warranty


I can only hope they don't change their mind about that last sentence 🙂

 

[csxcnj]

their response:

I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulty

Please send the camera back to us and I will take care of it

I will look at it and decide what to do - I may just send you a new one rather than have it repaired under warranty


I can only hope they don't change their mind about that last sentence 🙂

Good for you 🙂 , me...I'm stuck unless I want to pay $175 for a CLA, think I'll just try and live with it. I'm still getting an R4A and some lenses.......I have read the newer Bessa production isn't as delicate.