Help me with my frustrating Mamiya 7 problems

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Okay guys, I'm really tired this. I bought a Mamiya 7ii many months ago and I've had problems ever since. I've been trying to get it properly calibrated, and it went back to the same repair man (who is incredibly reputable) several times. At first, it seemed like there really was something going on, because when I'd send it back he'd confirm seeing the problem too. But when the infinity adjustment was finally set right, I didn't feel like immediately sending back for the problem it still has: the ghost image is higher than the viewfinder image. This causes no problems when I try to focus on telephone poles, but almost anything else is a huge chore to focus on because of this.

But the repair man got it back today and says everything was spot-on. I have absolutely no known visual problems and I have great eyesight. The viewfinder's image is sharp and clear and the ghost image is sharp too - it's when I try to line them up that j get problems. On top of that, I can very
clearly see that the ghost image is higher all the time. It doesn't feel like an eyesight issue at all.

So what do I do? If the camera worked for me, I'd absolutely love it, which is why I haven't already given up. But no one has given me an explanation as to what could be going on, and it's such a chore to focus that I can't even just tell myself to focus casually.

Thanks..

 

[pgeobc]

I do not know diddly squat about these, alothough I own one. I saw someplace that there is not only a horizontal adjustment, but a vertical one, too. Igor's Camera has a kit for the home user to align the thing; it is about $50.

Many years ago when I did a lot of competition rifle shooting, a friend and I tried to use the same scope/rifle combination. We never could use the same sight corrections, so maybe you and he simply see differently.

 

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I'll probably end up having to just mess with it on my own... but I was wondering if anyone knew what might be going on.

 

[bwcolor]

I think that the camera is still current, so if worst case, send it back to the manufacturer.

 

[blank]

I don't think there's anything wrong with the camera - he's replaced a bunch of stuff and is very well known as being an expert on the Mamiya 7.

 

[Beemermark]

Many years ago when I did a lot of competition rifle shooting, a friend and I tried to use the same scope/rifle combination. We never could use the same sight corrections, so maybe you and he simply see differently.

How you line your eye up to the VF can affect the image. I've had the same problem with a Konica RF and rifle scopes.

 

[blank]

Yeah, ive noticed that too but can't seem to find a place that makes all the difference.

So there is no visual problem of mine you guys can think of that would cause me to see the rangefinder patch slightly higher than it should be? I can't imagine what it would be but I feel obligated to ask.

 

[bwcolor]

The only visual problem would be if you wore lined bifocals and the line was creating this issue.

 

[blank]

The only visual problem would be if you wore lined bifocals and the line was creating this issue.

Yeah, I don't wear glasses at all nor do i need them. I guess I'll try adjusting the thing on my own.

By the way, even though this has been an ordeal, the repair man has been very patient throughout. I'm sure others would have given up by now.

 

[atlcruiser]

do you have another RF to look through and compare?


My guess is eye position

Who is you repair guy? I need to send mine in for a tweek

 

[john_s]

It is incredibly annoying to have one image above the other. Theoretically you can still focus accurately but it's harder to judge.

I did the adjustment on mine and it seemed easy (care is needed of course). I gather that you and the repair person have not been together with the camera, and that you sent it to him and he sent it back. Maybe it's getting knocked out of alignment in the delivery?

When I adjusted mine I didn't reapply Loctite to prevent it slipping out of adjustment: I don't know how important it is, but mine is still aligned. (Incidentally mine was mailed internationally to me when I bought it, and its misalignment was obvious on arrival, so maybe it's the delivery that is the problem.)

 

[blank]

It is incredibly annoying to have one image above the other. Theoretically you can still focus accurately but it's harder to judge.

I did the adjustment on mine and it seemed easy (care is needed of course). I gather that you and the repair person have not been together with the camera, and that you sent it to him and he sent it back. Maybe it's getting knocked out of alignment in the delivery?

When I adjusted mine I didn't reapply Loctite to prevent it slipping out of adjustment: I don't know how important it is, but mine is still aligned. (Incidentally mine was mailed internationally to me when I bought it, and its misalignment was obvious on arrival, so maybe it's the delivery that is the problem.)

Thanks John S - I think I'm basically at the point where I need to do it myself. I get sharp results but it's a real chore to focus. I just hope I'm capable of the adjustment.

 

[katgut@earthlink.net]

"I guess I'll try adjusting the thing on my own."

Probably the worst thing you can do. I'd try another "incredibly reputable" repair person. Maybe try sending it to MAC group for repair and then see what they say.

 

[blank]

"I guess I'll try adjusting the thing on my own."

Probably the worst thing you can do. I'd try another "incredibly reputable" repair person. Maybe try sending it to MAC group for repair and then see what they say.

Why is that? Isn't it just a matter of popping off the little plug and turning a screw very gently?

 

[mickster]

Why is that? Isn't it just a matter of popping off the little plug and turning a screw very gently?

Exactly. IME the adjustment is utterly straightforward - just go gently and take your time. People on forums seem to get really paranoid about these things, probably because the camera costs so much, but there's no reason to be.

In case you haven't already found them, instructions are here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1631

You will mangle the plastic cover getting it off - if this bothers you just order a spare from your local Mamiya distro. They cost a few quid / bucks.