Getting R3A alignment adjusted in UK

[ITD]

Hi, I tried to search for threads on this subject, but since I can't use 'UK' in a search :bang: I'm never going to find anything.

Can anyone recommend anywhere that I can get my CV R3A vertical alignment fixed in the UK, and how much should I expect to pay for this?

I had a look at the DIY instructions but the screw is so far to the side of the access hole that I couldn't move it. Best left to the experts I reckon!

Thanks

 

[padraigm]

well I did it myself and it really is easier then you think. PM me and I will send you the directions I have. Will save you some money 😉

 

[c.poulton]

Padraigm, this might be a useful resource to post on the forum?

I too have this verticle mis-alignment with my R3A. Nothing too bad so far that it stops me working, however I am sure that it is getting worse with use and sooner or later I should get the RF seen to.

Like ITD, I too tried a little diy on the cam, but thought better of it once the hot shoe was off....

 

[padraigm]

Hi Guys, I am having trouble finding it and have contacted the person who gave it to me. I will update you soon.

 

[padraigm]

OK guys here is a link to one of the sources I used. I have an excel sheet with images and instructions. Just send me your email address and I will send it. I am not sure how I can post it. As I said I used both as a reference and everything worked out fine. Just be slow and methodical and you will see how easy it is.

http://www.cosina-voigtlander.com/content/view/58/82/

 

[nome_alice]

yeah i used the instructions on that page to do the vertical alignment on my R2A.

to add, when you look down the hole in the top plate with the lens mount pointing away from you the screw you're looking for is off to the right.

 

[ITD]

Guys, I have no problem finding the screw, it just won't move using a normal precision screwdriver at that angle. I don't know whether some are further from the opening than others, but it's just not budging.

I've slipped off the head with the driver a number of times and I'm very concerned about damaging something. I'm no novice at this sort of thing - I used to repair printers & similar for a living and stuck screws aren't normally a problem but at that angle, no way.

So, unless there's a way of taking the top plate off without special tools, or any good ideas about turning this screw other than the obvious, I'm going to need an expert. Any suggestions?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Send it to Robert White.

Or take it yourself, it's not very far.

 

[ITD]

Send it to Robert White.

Or take it yourself, it's not very far.

I didn't know they did repairs - that's where I bought it from.

Just called them - they'll send it out rather than doing it in house.

They guessed at around £65+VAT - does that seem pretty reasonable?

Thanks

 

[steve kessel]

alignment

alignment

I took my R3M to Aperture (near British Museum) when it went out of alignment after I dropped it. They sent it to their repairer. Cost was around £40 +vat.

The rf is quite sensitive to little jolts as it's out again after a very slight bump.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

They guessed at around £65+VAT - does that seem pretty reasonable

I would say 'Yes', but you must decide.

 

[ITD]

They sent it to their repairer.

So, isn't it going to save time and effort just to go direct to the repairers, or do they only deal with the dealers?

Seems odd to send a camera to a dealer so that they can just send it out again. Anyone know who the repairers are?

 

[kully]

ITD, my R2a went from Robert White to Cosina in Japan, took four weeks from memory.

PS Crikey - another RFF'er in Reading!

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

ITD, my R2a went from Robert White to Cosina in Japan, took four weeks from memory.

ITD:


Look out for 'Ash' another RFF'er from perhaps Slough or Swindon.

With a Barnack Leica I seem to recall.

He's not on RFF any more, but he's still a photographer on the internet.

 

[kully]

Ash is in sunny Swindon. If you check out the Purelight forum, you can find details of meets we (RF users) have in London every few months, great for sharing info / gripes.

 

[steve kessel]

So, isn't it going to save time and effort just to go direct to the repairers, or do they only deal with the dealers?

Seems odd to send a camera to a dealer so that they can just send it out again. Anyone know who the repairers are?

Both Aperture and Classic Camera (Leica repairs only as far as I know) have "repairers" who collect and deliver on Saturdays. Aperture say they'll call you when it's ready. Both don't tell you what was done to the camera, other than guaranteeing the work for 6 months.

Best to have a backup camera if one should go down.

 

[padraigm]

Hmm I don't remember having a problem with the screw, it was tight but it only needs to budge just a little to get it right. But if it's not going smoothly then you got to do what you got to do. 65 quid for someone to turn a screw is a lot in my opinion but....

 

[ITD]

PS Crikey - another RFF'er in Reading!

Small world!

I do remember Ash from before he went off to Purelight. Actually, it's been so long since I looked in on them that my bookmark's out of date. I think I have an email somewhere with the new URL, but I didn't find much to keep my interest up last time I checked. Maybe I'll have another look.

 

[ITD]

65 quid for someone to turn a screw is a lot in my opinion but....

I have to agree, especially if it's prone to going out of adjustment easily (as some have described).

I'm going to give this one more try using your excellent instructions when I have some time, space and more light than right now.

 

[noci]

yea the screw can be a bit hard to turn in the first place, but once you overcome that initial resistance it should move just fine. you need the proper kind of itsy bitsy screwdriver, so that way you won't slip.

just recently did that surgery on my r3a and it went all right. but unfortunately vibrations really seem to whack the alignment out again with mine. i just wish it was more sturdy... anyone gimme a M6 in exchange for it?