Olympus sp help/

[kippaxaus]

Hi Can anybody point me to some info on adjusting the rangefinder on this model, another purchase of ebay!! other than a slight adjustment, the camera is fully functional and the lens looks crystal. I have read so many accolades for this camera I just had to have it. Looking forward to using it, I would like to get the rangefinder spot on first though. Anybody else out there with one, what do you think, was this one of the best ????

 

[wintoid]

I own a few fixed lens rangefinders, including a Yashica GX and Olympus 35RC, and have had a Canon QL17 GIII, but none are as good as the Olympus 35SP in my opinion. I simply love what the lens produces, and it's really easy to focus compared to all the others bar the GX. I also love the way its metered manual works, which of course opens the door to rating films at ISO1600 or ISO3200 without too much headache.

For example, look at this..



Focus good, bokeh good, contrast good.... I have no complaints.

As for rangefinder adjustment, sorry I can't help you.

 

[Trius]

For horizontal adjustment:

Open back
On the top film rail you will see an inset screw*
Remove this screw to reveal an opening
Recessed in this opening is another screw; that screw adjusts the horizontal adjustment

If you need vertical adjustment, I can't help much too much. I believe you have to remove the top plate for that, and I've never done it.

Earl

* On the SP this screw may be above the top film rail in the body casting. I can't recall, and both of my SPs have film in them right now. I know for sure that my LC has the screw that seals the RF adjustment port on the top rail, and I think the SP is the same.

 

[kippaxaus]

Thanks Earl, once again you have helped me, I think last time it was with an Olympus SC.

 

[Trius]

The Zuiko Dr. (or at least physician's assistant) is always glad to help. 😀

 

[kippaxaus]

Hmm!! slight problem I tried to adjust through the film rail opening, In doing so the screw under neath the grub screw has been pushed further in, I didn't think I was putting that much pressure on it, looks like I will have to take the top cover off now, anyhing to watch out for ?

 

[Trius]

You've hit the limit of my knowledge. I've taken apart other cameras, but my SPs have only gone to Olympus repair techs. Obviously the wire connected to the hotshoe will be an issue. Also, since the ASA dial is on one end of the top plate, you will have to unscrew that. You will need a proper wrench for that, and it is easy to scratch it. IIRC, once you unscrew the ASA dial, the top plate will lift off; the main part of the dial itself is attached to the top plate. The top plate has a cutout, I think.

You will need to take off the film wind lever and the rewind knob. Let us know if you don't know how to do those. I think there may be some other screws/fasteners, too, but I don't recall.

Edit: BTW, Simon, wonderful shot!!!

 

[kippaxaus]

I managed to take off the top cover, there are a few other items that have to be removed before it comes off. It seems as if you can also adjust the vertical by removing the cover over the hotshoe, as directly underneath is the vertical adjustment screw, I tried to get some movement, but either way did not really make much difference, the horizontal I manged to do, I dont think the way I did it is by the book.........but hey there is no book!! I have it all back together now, I will put a roll through and see what I get back. keep you posted.

 

[wintoid]

Wow nice to see the insides of it. I don't know anything about this, but it looks quite well made to me 😀

 

[Trius]

Cool! I knew there was more to getting the top off, but couldn't really remember. I also now recall the vertical adjustment screw being inside there, thanks for the reminder... looking forward to the rest of the story.

 

[GrimRicho]

I also pulled the top off my 35sp a while back, trying to find the vertical alignment. Turned every screw I could see under there and nothing seemed to improve things. I stopped before I did too much damage. Do you guys mean the appropriate screw is inside the paper covered mirror/lens compartment (I think this is what was below the hot-shoe)?

I'm using my SP regularly though, despite slight vertical misalignment, and really love it. Particularly nice with colour film, I reckon.

 

[kippaxaus]

Sorry for the late response ( been away) I think your right GrimRicho, the adjustment screw is underneath the rangefinder cover ( I've put it back together now so I only have the pics I took of it) see below. If you look between the diodes there is a screw( not the one on the left) that is the vertical adjustment screw on the SP.

 

[GrimRicho]

Thanks for the reply and the pic, Kippaxaus. I opened her up again and had another shot, including the screw you've highlighted. Just can't seem to get any change in the vertical alignment. Maybe mine's too far gone. Oh, well, no harm done in trying. Still a beautiful camera.