webster
Newbie
I just got myself a mamiya 7ii and have a question on the focusing patch. I am fairly new to RF and and would like to check with the experienced users here.
When i focus, i am supposed to superimpose the images in the patch. with this capera i am omly able to superimpose them horizontally and not vertically. from my previous RF experience you only superimpose them horizontally and it should be on the same plane (no need to align vertically) right?
I also noticed thatif i tilt the angle a bit, i am able to superimpose the mages vertically.
is this a normal behaviour for the Mamiya 7?
thanks
When i focus, i am supposed to superimpose the images in the patch. with this capera i am omly able to superimpose them horizontally and not vertically. from my previous RF experience you only superimpose them horizontally and it should be on the same plane (no need to align vertically) right?
I also noticed thatif i tilt the angle a bit, i am able to superimpose the mages vertically.
is this a normal behaviour for the Mamiya 7?
thanks
kully
Happy Snapper
What you're seeing in that patch is the superimposed image from the window to the right (as you look from the back of the camera) of the viewfinder window.
Amongst other things there is a mirror in there which turns left and right as you focus.
That mirror only turns left to right, so the images will only move left to right.
If you tilt the camera the images are still moving in the same plane, if you hold camera vertically the images are still moving left to right but you are at 90 degrees to them so you are able to superimpose them vertically. If you held the camera vertically and then laid down on the floor so it was vertical to the earth but normal for you they would move left to right again.
To conclude, the images only move left and right, whether they are vertical or horizontal depends on what angle you hold the camera to your eye.
Left to right
Sorry, just read that and it seems a bit rude, it's not.
Amongst other things there is a mirror in there which turns left and right as you focus.
That mirror only turns left to right, so the images will only move left to right.
If you tilt the camera the images are still moving in the same plane, if you hold camera vertically the images are still moving left to right but you are at 90 degrees to them so you are able to superimpose them vertically. If you held the camera vertically and then laid down on the floor so it was vertical to the earth but normal for you they would move left to right again.
To conclude, the images only move left and right, whether they are vertical or horizontal depends on what angle you hold the camera to your eye.
Left to right
Sorry, just read that and it seems a bit rude, it's not.
Revolucion Artistico
Established
If I understand what your saying correctly it sounds like the veritcal alignment of the rangefinder is off. It may still focus correctly but the rangefinder patch (the mirrors and such that kully is taking about) can get misaligned. This sometimes can be corrected yourself (if you are brave enough to take the task on), otherwise a repair will have to be made if it bothers you that much or the focus is off.
webster
Newbie
folks, thanks for the answers. I have ran through 1 rill of slides and will check from the results if focusing is affected.
john_s
Well-known
With your eye centrally placed, the focus patch should coincide exactly, both vertically and horizontally. With your eye displaced up or down, there will be a small vertical displacement of the two images. It's not uncommon for there to be need of adjustment. Instructions for doing this can be found on the internet. If you can't find them, I can post a copy here. You have to do it *very carefully* because overdoing it can cause damage. With perfect superimposition, focusing is a bit easier in my opinion, especially of less contrasty subjects.
webster
Newbie
john_s said:
John, Thanks. Could you send me the the instructions?
would greatly appreciate it.
john_s
Well-known
Mamiya 7 rangefinder adjustment
Mamiya 7 rangefinder adjustment
This text I lifted from a site somewhere. I can't remember where. I would like to attribute it to the author, so if you are he, please accept my apologies for not saying who you are. I don't know the date it was written.
<start of Quote>
"Your comments on being informed on user serviceability are valid, and I would like to address them. As a photojournalist and old Leica user, I understand and appreciate many concerns voiced about being able to adjust the rangefinder under extreme conditions.
I will review the adjustment possibilities of the Mamiya 7 RF with the EXPRESS WARNING that the camera rangefinder assembly CAN BE DAMAGED if adjustment is not properly performed. The following information is shared WITH THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE CAMERA OWNER THAT THERE IS NO LIABILITY OR WARRANTY IMPLIED BY MAMIYA OP, OR ANY OF THEIR AGENTS, AND THAT IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO SERVICE ANY MAMIYA PRODUCT BY ANY OWNER.
If a camera is under warranty, we note that you should send the camera to us, because any user serviceability would void the warranty. Now that I hope our concerns are clear, on to the information requested in the above forum postings:
The plastic cap at the back of the Mamiya 7 top plate must be removed (you might use an Exacto knife )with care being taken not to cut the body cover ( NOT A GOOD THING). We use a bit of sealant adhesive to secure the cover.
You might need to replace it with a new plug ( cost from Mamiya America Corp $2.00 USD.) after adjustment is made, because you may cut or damage the plug.
Once removed, there are two screws visible. This is where the delicate part comes in. To service it it properly, we remove the entire top cover and all related parts, which is one reason for the amount of our repair charges on RF adjustment. CAUTION In the field, this is neither desireable nor practical and DEFINITELY NOT for a consumer to perform.
Once the two screws are visible, the bottom one is for infinity adjustment ( screwed into a brass looking part) and the top for horizontal image alignment(chrome on chrome). CAUTION You may see a shielded wire, which you SHOULD NOT TOUCH as it may be easy to cut or damage it. Then you WILL NEED to send the camera in for the top plate to be removed and the wire replaced.
Both screws are very sensitive and are secured with a type of "lock tight" adhesive. DO ONE ADJUSTMENT AT A TIME.
You first need to loosen the adhesive with a solvent like acetone. CAUTION This should be ideally applied SPARINGLY with a needle, and acetone should be used sparingly and not come in contact with anything especially the body cover. It will remove paint.
Once the screw adhesive is loosened ( DO ONE AT A TIME ) VERY CAREFULLY USE THE APPROPRIATE SIZE SCREW DRIVER. CAUTION A wrong size stripped or bent driver head MAY DAMAGE the screw.
CAUTION For infinity, the eccentric screw is very sensitive, and probably needs VERY SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT. You probably need LESS THAN ONE QUARTER turn for adjustment.
Once adjusted, you need to re-seal the screw with A TINY AMOUNT of loctite. For RF image horizontal alignment, the top screw needs to be loosened in the same manner as above. USE VERY GENTLE adjustment as above, because turning it TOO FAR can DAMAGE THE ENTIRE RF assembly as there are sensitive and some NON-MOVING parts directly connected to the screw. DAMAGING THIS MEANS YOU NEED A NEW RF ASSEMBLY. $$$$. This is why we DO NOT RECOMMEND USER SERVICING.
If you have any further questions, please e-mail us. I hope that this information explains what we do and why we do not recommend user adjustment.
I know many photojournalists who use and abuse the Mamiya 7 in the field daily, and who do not need adjustment as mentioned in the above forum comments. However, in an effort to be responsive, we have shared this information with appropriate caveats."
The material contained within quotes was extracted from the Mamiya USA Forum. It was written by the erstwhile Mr Martin Silverman. Please note that it no longer appears on the Mamiya Forum and that Mamiya USA may not sanction its use any longer which means that Mamiya may not repair any cameras damaged by following these instructions. I'm supplying these instructions with a HUGE CAVEAT EMPTOR. Use them at your own risk only.
<End of Quote>
Mamiya 7 rangefinder adjustment
This text I lifted from a site somewhere. I can't remember where. I would like to attribute it to the author, so if you are he, please accept my apologies for not saying who you are. I don't know the date it was written.
<start of Quote>
"Your comments on being informed on user serviceability are valid, and I would like to address them. As a photojournalist and old Leica user, I understand and appreciate many concerns voiced about being able to adjust the rangefinder under extreme conditions.
I will review the adjustment possibilities of the Mamiya 7 RF with the EXPRESS WARNING that the camera rangefinder assembly CAN BE DAMAGED if adjustment is not properly performed. The following information is shared WITH THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE CAMERA OWNER THAT THERE IS NO LIABILITY OR WARRANTY IMPLIED BY MAMIYA OP, OR ANY OF THEIR AGENTS, AND THAT IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO SERVICE ANY MAMIYA PRODUCT BY ANY OWNER.
If a camera is under warranty, we note that you should send the camera to us, because any user serviceability would void the warranty. Now that I hope our concerns are clear, on to the information requested in the above forum postings:
The plastic cap at the back of the Mamiya 7 top plate must be removed (you might use an Exacto knife )with care being taken not to cut the body cover ( NOT A GOOD THING). We use a bit of sealant adhesive to secure the cover.
You might need to replace it with a new plug ( cost from Mamiya America Corp $2.00 USD.) after adjustment is made, because you may cut or damage the plug.
Once removed, there are two screws visible. This is where the delicate part comes in. To service it it properly, we remove the entire top cover and all related parts, which is one reason for the amount of our repair charges on RF adjustment. CAUTION In the field, this is neither desireable nor practical and DEFINITELY NOT for a consumer to perform.
Once the two screws are visible, the bottom one is for infinity adjustment ( screwed into a brass looking part) and the top for horizontal image alignment(chrome on chrome). CAUTION You may see a shielded wire, which you SHOULD NOT TOUCH as it may be easy to cut or damage it. Then you WILL NEED to send the camera in for the top plate to be removed and the wire replaced.
Both screws are very sensitive and are secured with a type of "lock tight" adhesive. DO ONE ADJUSTMENT AT A TIME.
You first need to loosen the adhesive with a solvent like acetone. CAUTION This should be ideally applied SPARINGLY with a needle, and acetone should be used sparingly and not come in contact with anything especially the body cover. It will remove paint.
Once the screw adhesive is loosened ( DO ONE AT A TIME ) VERY CAREFULLY USE THE APPROPRIATE SIZE SCREW DRIVER. CAUTION A wrong size stripped or bent driver head MAY DAMAGE the screw.
CAUTION For infinity, the eccentric screw is very sensitive, and probably needs VERY SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT. You probably need LESS THAN ONE QUARTER turn for adjustment.
Once adjusted, you need to re-seal the screw with A TINY AMOUNT of loctite. For RF image horizontal alignment, the top screw needs to be loosened in the same manner as above. USE VERY GENTLE adjustment as above, because turning it TOO FAR can DAMAGE THE ENTIRE RF assembly as there are sensitive and some NON-MOVING parts directly connected to the screw. DAMAGING THIS MEANS YOU NEED A NEW RF ASSEMBLY. $$$$. This is why we DO NOT RECOMMEND USER SERVICING.
If you have any further questions, please e-mail us. I hope that this information explains what we do and why we do not recommend user adjustment.
I know many photojournalists who use and abuse the Mamiya 7 in the field daily, and who do not need adjustment as mentioned in the above forum comments. However, in an effort to be responsive, we have shared this information with appropriate caveats."
The material contained within quotes was extracted from the Mamiya USA Forum. It was written by the erstwhile Mr Martin Silverman. Please note that it no longer appears on the Mamiya Forum and that Mamiya USA may not sanction its use any longer which means that Mamiya may not repair any cameras damaged by following these instructions. I'm supplying these instructions with a HUGE CAVEAT EMPTOR. Use them at your own risk only.
<End of Quote>
john_s
Well-known
I would like to add to the above that I have done it on a M7 body (second hand) that arrived a bit out, and I didn't mess it up. I didn't use any Loctite, and it hasn't shifted (18 months of light use)
Nor did I need to use acetone to soften the Loctite or whatever it is. Maybe someone previously did, or maybe it was not that strong. I did use a good quality screwdriver that fitted the screw slot very snugly.
Nor did I need to use acetone to soften the Loctite or whatever it is. Maybe someone previously did, or maybe it was not that strong. I did use a good quality screwdriver that fitted the screw slot very snugly.
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