question about rangefinder focus adjustment

[brianentz]

On my Canon LTM cameras there are two separate places to make adjustments for vertical and horizontal adjustments. I don’t understand the vertical adjustment. On my cameras in focusing the ghost images move side to side until alignment and on all that brings them together. Am I to understand that on some cameras one ghost image might be above the other even when aligned as best as possible and that that’s what the vertical alignment is for? Maybe on all my cameras (I have five) they are all spot on vertically? Or am I misunderstanding the vertical adjustment?

 

[Coldkennels]

You'll know when vertical alignment is out.

This is something that can happen on all rangefinders - it means the "ghost image" is slightly too high or too low. It won't make a difference if you're focusing on a post, but anything that isn't a perfect vertical line will not line up properly in the rangefinder, no matter what you do.

Luckily it's also the easiest adjustment to tweak on a lot of cameras - sometimes you don't even need dedicated tools. I've adjusted the one on my Leica IIIf with a nail at a steam fair once!

 

[Richard G]

Slightly out vertical RF coincidence destroys that quick snap into focus, slowing the taking of the shot, making you wonder if you have the correct glasses on. On M Leicas up to M5 it’s easy to adjust. But the screw you remove from the top cover is flat and tiny once it’s off. Leave a lens on the camera if you don’t want it lost in the camera innards.