Glass damage.

[chrisso]

I just noticed the far right (looking front on to the camera) focusing window has a large crack running across it.
I moved house this week, but I moved the camera myself and didn't notice that I knocked it. 🙁
I still can't understand it, but the evidence is there.
What to do?
I can't imagine it needs an Epson specific tech to change one glass window.
There is a good Leica tech in Sydney.
Is the glass the same as another camera? Bessa perhaps?
Or do I have to start chasing down spares from Epson (already!!!!).
Perhaps some sturdier glass would be in order?
Thanks for any help and advice.

 

[RichC]

Sorry to hear about that.

I have a very strong suspicion that the viewfinder glass window is identical to that in the Bessa R3A/R2A, and possibly earlier Bessa cameras: see if you can persuade someone to measure a Bessa window for you.

I've had the top plate off my camera a few times, and this window is not part of the rangefinder: it's simply a thin protective piece of glass attached directly to the top plate (probably glued - sorry, I didn't pay much attention to it!), so, if a replacement can be obtained, this should be a straightforward job for a camera technician (or yourself, if you're mechanically minded).

An earlier RFF thread mentioned two German companies that distribute parts for Epson also supply R-D1 spares:

MK Computer
https://www.mk-electronic.de/shop/d...WMFT=O&WTID=935&WREC=923290&WKEY=65534=923290

Gedat Datentechnik
http://www.gedat-ersatzteile.de/epssearch.php?sess=5741200607191138431459

It seems you can buy most of the small parts, excluding the body frame, main body covers, the rear LCD and the analogue gauge assembly.

I'd be very interested to hear how this pans out, so please post any developments. Good luck!

 

[iUser]

you should be able to get parts from unicomp in the UK. www.unicomp.co.uk but you'll need a part number (if the glass is parted)

 

[RML]

Chrisso, any luck?

 

[chrisso]

Thanks for the help.
Sorry it's Christmas, and in this part of the world (Australia) many businesses shut up shop until early January (if not later).
I'll probably hold fire for a couple of weeks, then try my local Leica expert first. He likely has Bessa experience.
I'll certainly report back. At least I'm relieved to find the window is not hard to get at.

 

[RichC]

Any luck, chrisso?