question about rangefinder focus/calibration

[carlito]

This is my first post to the forum although I've read a fair amount of content here. I just recently purchased a used Bessa R4A and have a question about focusing. My first roll came back looking not as sharp as I'd like. I've never used a rangefinder before so focusing was somewhat new to me. In my camera, I can align the RF patch just fine horizontally but it never seems to be quite aligned vertically. Should it be?

I have a 2nd roll in the camera now and have been reading up on DIY calibration. I've removed the hot shoe cover and have been trying to align the patch vertically while focused on infinity but I still can't seem to get it aligned. Am I missing something or doing something wrong? I'm not sure which way to turn the screw for vertical alignment but can't even tell a difference regardless of the direction it's turned.

Any help would be sincerely appreciated!

Carlito

 

[ampguy]

It should focus both ways

It should focus both ways

If it bothers you, send it off to get fixed. Perhaps there is a DIY method.

This is my first post to the forum although I've read a fair amount of content here. I just recently purchased a used Bessa R4A and have a question about focusing. My first roll came back looking not as sharp as I'd like. I've never used a rangefinder before so focusing was somewhat new to me. In my camera, I can align the RF patch just fine horizontally but it never seems to be quite aligned vertically. Should it be?

I have a 2nd roll in the camera now and have been reading up on DIY calibration. I've removed the hot shoe cover and have been trying to align the patch vertically while focused on infinity but I still can't seem to get it aligned. Am I missing something or doing something wrong? I'm not sure which way to turn the screw for vertical alignment but can't even tell a difference regardless of the direction it's turned.

Any help would be sincerely appreciated!

Carlito

 

[carlito]

Anyone else?

Anyone else?

No offense but this reply didn't help at all.

 

[ferider]

I have never seen an R4* open, but have calibrated an R3A.

There are 3 screws for different purposes. And they are not independent of each other. When you adjust vertical alignment, you will change horizontal alignment.

First, I recommend to diagnose the problem of mis-focus. Which lens were you using ? A fast 50mm wide open and close up is bound to fail on the R4*.

Then, take a lens that you know works well, and compare RF readings (i.e. horizontal alignment) with actual distance (measured with a tape measure for instance) and the setting of the lens on the focus scale. Easier to do that when the camera is on a tripod.

Where are you located ?

Roland.

 

[carlito]

Turning the vertical alignment screw (one on the right, with front of camera facing away) the RF patch doesn't seem to move either horizontally or vertically.

The camera has a 40mm lens and photos seemed slightly out of focus regardless of distance.

Unfortunately, I don't have other lenses to test with although I will try your suggestion with the one lens I have.

I'm located in Michigan, USA.

 

[Al Kaplan]

If you had any kind of waranty from the seller then return it.

 

[carlito]

It was an open box purchase from B&H so I can return it. I called and verified that I can still return it so I'm gonna try another roll and see if my tinkering helped any.

 

[chut]

I can send you some instructions on rangefinder calibration on an R4A, but if you're not used to doing it and don't have the tools, I'd recommend sending it in to an expert. Just PM me your email address if you'd like the instructions.

 

[hans voralberg]

Just return and exchance, calibrating on the Rx are quite easy as long as you have the right tool, but not worth the hassle

 

[carlito]

I can send you some instructions on rangefinder calibration on an R4A, but if you're not used to doing it and don't have the tools, I'd recommend sending it in to an expert. Just PM me your email address if you'd like the instructions.

Thanks, I really appreciate it!

PM sent