Framelines move in viewfinder when focusing

[Anton Bawab]

A couple of weeks back I took the camera from an air-conditioned environment outdoors where humidity was just brutal. That resulted in condensation on all surfaces of the camera.

Waiting for the condensation to 'go' - I became impatient and was trying desperately to focus through the fogged viewfinder.

With that much time on my hand, I noticed that when moving the focus tab on the camera (a bessa R3a) the framelines in the viewfinder were moving diagonally - so that the bright focus part of the viewfinder was no longer central to the framelines. This, I realized happened with both lenses I tried (a 40mm/f1.4 as well as a 21mm/f4).

My questions are :
1. what's the best way (least damaging to the camera) to handle the condensation from a change in temperature/humidity as such?
2. do the framelines always move when focusing? does that mean that the framelines become indicative when they are no longer centered in the viewfinder? or has something gone seriously wrong with my camera?

I haven't developed the film that's in the camera yet, so I am unable to tell if the focusing is still correct or not !

Many thanks,
Anton.

 

[laptoprob]

It's called parallax compensation, a very useful feature. Up close the field of view is different than at infinity, because of the distance between finder and the lens.
The rf spot is a different story, it is always in a fixed position.
Condensation takes time, maybe just movement of the rf system can speed things up. Maybe taking the lens off can speed things up.
In general: avoid coming into a more humid environment without letting the camera and lens adapting to the temperature first. That will avoid internal condensation.

good luck.

 

[Peter A (NYC)]

The frameline thing is normal! It is called automatic parallax correction. It helps viewfinder framing accuracy. If the camera was in a sealed bag, the condensation would have formed on the outside of the bag, and the camera would have remained dry. But if it happens again, be quick to wipe it off with a soft cloth.

 

[Pablito]

It is normal for the framelines to move.

when you are in air conditioing try to put the cameras in the warmest part of the room or keep the equipment in a non-airconditioned space. DO NOT take the lens off when you go outside because that will surely promote condensation inside the camera. If you can't avoid the a/c let the equipment warm up slowly in the case, don't open the case till it has warmed up.

 

[Jonathan R]

I use the hot air blower in my car to get rid of condensation fast. Not TOO hot of course!