M2 Vertical Adjustment Question

[monochrome120]

In the last month or so I've noticed that the focus patch on my M2 is no longer aligned vertically. Its fine for objects within 10 feet or so but gets progressively worse beyond that. The camera has not been dropped or abused in any way. The negatives are still coming out fine so I guess its really just a nuisance at this point.

I tried turning the adjustment screw through the top plate. I found that its travel is very limited -- about 1/8 of a turn total. Is this normal? Turning the screw one direction definitely makes things worse, but it wont turn far enough in the other direction to correct the alignment!

Any comments / feedback will be most appreciated!

Regards,
Greg

 

[Vickko]

hmmm. Something isn't right - I thought the screw had more travel than just 1/8 turn. Something in the RF may have shifted more. You'll need to open it up and investigate.

Vick

 

[monochrome120]

Thanks Vick! I had a feeling that the screw is supposed to turn more than it does. I'll have to get someone to take a look at it.

Regards,
Greg

 

[nobbylon]

try this experiment.
Hold the camera vertically and look at the rangefinder, is it still out of alignment?
now turn the camera 180 and look through again, does anything change.
If you gently shake from side to side, can you hear anything.
The prism glass, long piece, may have come loose. Easy fix if you can get the top off.

 

[monochrome120]

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, it makes no difference which way the camera is oriented. Also I dont hear anything loose inside it.