Minoltina AL-s

Ranger Copy

One Stop Short
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Feb 26, 2010
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Anyone familiar with this rangefinder? I got it yesterday and trying to learn about it. Seems it is not behaving as it should. There is no diamond in the viewfinder to focus with. I don't see any difference of focus. I mean infinity and 2.6ft (.8m) look the same. I don't see a double image. i quess i can use it as a scale/distance camera and hope for the best. :bang:
2rzur09.jpg
 
That's nice to hear Al. Please share some pics taken with the camera. The lady I bought it from said she really enjoyed using bw film. she said it was working...so I believed her same as on ebeware site. I now have 3-4 cams that aren't fully functioning. I think I will create art with them...a video with a sledge hammer . Then again I can't rule out operator issues. haha
 
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Well, It's not operator issues. I took my Konica RF out for the first time and it definately has the double focus trick. So I tried the AL-s on the same subject. I see an orange frame outline ( the paralax ?) and I see a faint orange something in the middle but not a diamond or a double image. Wondering if this is worth fixing?
 
Clancy's B&W AL-s Shots Rock

Clancy's B&W AL-s Shots Rock

That is a nice set of photos using your negs with a scanner. I wouldn't have known. Nice composition all around. I have photo tints to hand color prints but haven't found any in the shops within reason to purchase.

BTW: I took my AL-s to a camera show this last Sunday and the camera has a non-functioning rangefinder. I suppose I can use it as scale focus and hope for the best. I have to decide if I want to keep open about finding another to buy or spending money on repairs if they can be done.

Thank you Clancy for the reply and sending the link!
 
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The AL-s is an elegant little camera with a lot built into it. I'm on my 3rd one, but fortunately this one is fully functional. I hope you get yours sorted out and enjoy it!

Andy
 
Similar problem - and fixed it!

Similar problem - and fixed it!

Anyone familiar with this rangefinder? I got it yesterday and trying to learn about it. Seems it is not behaving as it should. There is no diamond in the viewfinder to focus with. I don't see any difference of focus. I mean infinity and 2.6ft (.8m) look the same. I don't see a double image. i quess i can use it as a scale/distance camera and hope for the best. :bang:
2rzur09.jpg

Just got my Minoltina AL-S up and running again after a similar problem. I bought it on the big auction site because it looked like it was in pretty excellent condition. Of course, the seller was "not a camera person" and made no guarantees on performance. ;0.)

Upon arrival, I had no double image in my viewfinder, so everything looked the same at all distances. I noticed a rattle in the thing, so I googled around until I cobbled together the method for removing the top cover (two screws, rewinder stem/crank, and a retaining ring under the rewinder). Found the convex lens that sits in the middle of the rangefinder flat on its back inside, but intact. I epoxied it back into its place, cleaned all the glass inside and out, and put I back together. Rangefinder works like a champ now!
 
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