Hexar rf Double horizontal image in rangefinder.

[skibeerr]

Hello, I just joined and already have a question.

• Kamera is horizontal.
• I focus and the vertical lines in the range finder spot flow together, as normal. Images turn out sharp, no problem.
• The horizontal lines of the subject however remain double.
• I use Hexanon-m lenses.

Is this normal? And is it normal that I have trouble focussing with the camera held vertical?
As you can see I am new to rf so thanks for helping me out.

Take care, Wim

 

[Paul T.]

Do you mean that, when the object is in focus, the two images align horizontally, but are slightly misaligned vertically?

If so, it's termed vertical misalignment, and is quite common with the Hexar. Search the archives here, and there is a DIY fix. However, attempt it with care. On some cameras, the screw that needs to be adjusted is sealed, and attempting to alter it might ruin an RF part that is very difficult to replace.

 

[KoNickon]

Wim, what you describe sounds like the rangefinder spot is out of adjustment vertically. The camera will focus accurately, but it certainly does make focusing more difficult when you do not have a clear vertical line to focus on. You will most likely want to get that fixed. I am sure others here will be able to tell you who services the Hexar RF in Europe. Alternatively, I am sure someone here can tell you how to do the adjustment yourself.

No, this is not normal! But it does seem that a number of RF owners have had the same problem.

 

[laptoprob]

If you are not familiar with this, let a pro do this for you.

 

[rpsawin]

I agree with Rob. Leave this adjustment to a professional. Hexar parts are difficult to come by (read that as expensive) should you damage anything.

Best Regards,

Bob

 

[galavanter]

Do you mean that, when the object is in focus, the two images align horizontally, but are slightly misaligned vertically?

I have an R-D1, and with all the reading I have done concerning RF patch misalignment, I think this is the first time I have actually grasped what it means. Both because I have never had another RF, and I think I am lucky not to have the problem in my R-D1, I couldn't understand exactly what people meant when they referred to it. At one point I thought there were two complete "patches", that could be off, like two index cards, one on top of the other, but not stacked perfectly. I have been embarrassed to ask. But I would like one more clarification if the OP doesn't mind me asking.
Let's say I am focusing on a large capital L with a CORRECTLY aligned RF. The vertical post of the "L" will look double when out of focus, two vertical poles side by side. When focusing is complete, only one vertical pole of the L remains.
But the lower horizontal pole doesn't look double when out of focus, in the sense of one horizontal pole above another? It is one horizontal pole beside the other, correct? Unless of course it is vertically misaligned like Wims.

 

[pvdhaar]

Hello, I just joined and already have a question.

• Kamera is horizontal.
• I focus and the vertical lines in the range finder spot flow together, as normal. Images turn out sharp, no problem.
• The horizontal lines of the subject however remain double.
• I use Hexanon-m lenses.

Is this normal? And is it normal that I have trouble focussing with the camera held vertical?
As you can see I am new to rf so thanks for helping me out.

Take care, Wim

Before you go adjusting anything, make sure it's not due to how you hold the camera. The Hexar RF is quite picky on that. If you have your eye just below or just above the optical center of the view finder, you'll see double horizontal lines.

Only if no position of the eye solves this, then it's time to poke a screwdriver into the camera. But as said, that should be done with care. You can read how I went about it here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1937

 

[pvdhaar]

Oh, forgot to mention..

Focussing the Hexar-RF when it's held vertical was something I never succeeded in. It was as if the RF patch almost disappeared from the finder. I learned to focus with the camera horizontal, and then turn it to vertical and shoot.

 

[Pablito]

What you describe is not "normal" for a rangefinder camera in the sense that it means the vertical alignment is off. As you say, it does not affect the ability to focus. Unfortunately, it IS normal for this particular camera which has a poorly designed rangefinder that quickly goes out of alignment. When I owned a Hexar, it would go out of alignment constantly. Konica would claim to have repaired it but it would become misaligned just from the shipping back to me. This happened several times until I was finally able to speak to a Konica technician who admitted the design flaw and said it was virtually impossible to keep the camera in alignment. Apparently others here have not had that problem but based on my own experince I have to say, "get used to it" or sell the camera.....

 

[skibeerr]

Before you go adjusting anything, make sure it's not due to how you hold the camera. The Hexar RF is quite picky on that. If you have your eye just below or just above the optical center of the view finder, you'll see double horizontal lines.

Only if no position of the eye solves this, then it's time to poke a screwdriver into the camera. But as said, that should be done with care. You can read how I went about it here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1937

Pvdhaar,dank je wel.

You put a question to the world wide comunity of rf users and then..... your neighbour answers it.

Tilting the camera does away with the double lines, no screwdriver needed.
And I will yust go on focussing horizontal for verticals.


Thanks to everybody for the reply's and I hope that in ten years or so I will be able to answer questions myself.

Take care,

Wim

 

[Paul T.]

Let's say I am focusing on a large capital L with a CORRECTLY aligned RF. The vertical post of the "L" will look double when out of focus, two vertical poles side by side. When focusing is complete, only one vertical pole of the L remains.
But the lower horizontal pole doesn't look double when out of focus, in the sense of one horizontal pole above another? It is one horizontal pole beside the other, correct? Unless of course it is vertically misaligned like Wims.

yes you're completely right. Only if there is vertical misalignment, will the two bottom bars of the L show one above the other, or overlapping.

I had quite bad vertical misalignment on my Hexar. It was a total pain, because it's harder for your eyes and brain to register when two images are coincident horizontally, when they're not coincident vertically - ie it's easy to recognise when your target is projected clearly, but it takes a few milliseconds longer to recognise when it's blurred, but only in one direction!

I found my Hexar VERY difficult to use with vertical alignemtn out. I tried the DIY fix, but because the screw had been glued into position, I probably bent one part of the mechanism. It took a year's wait before Greg Weber located that part.

MY R-D1 had a slight vertical misalignment, which was only visible if you were picky. This time I left it alone.

 

[galavanter]

Thank you Paul. Forgive me Wim for jumping in, I'm a RF beginner too. I also use M-Hexanon lenses with my R-D1. 🙂