R and R2 rangefinder discrepencies with the same lenses

[Seele]

I have been using my Bessa R kit, with 35/2.5, 50/2.5 and 75/2.5 (all bought new) for quite some time to good effect; all of them focus and match with rangefinder correctly.

Hankering for a more sturdy mechanical body I was waiting for an R2 to turn up, and bought one which was in as-new condition from a man who used only Leica M-mount lenses on it; he bought a R3A so the R2 became redundant. He assured me that M lenses work correctly with the rangefinder.

A new Voigtlander 28/90 adapter was purchased and fitted to the R2, but all three existing lenses display the same problem: when set to infinity the R2 rangefinder goes beyond infinity.

I will do a round of diagnosis to track down the problem but in the mean time, has anyone encountered a similar issue?

 

[rxmd]

Sounds like a misaligned rangefinder on the R2.

Philipp

 

[Seele]

Sounds like a misaligned rangefinder on the R2.

I was thinking about that too, however there are several possibilities:

Supposing I put a M lens on it, and its focussing scale matches that of the rangefinder, I have to make sure that the image also matches that on the film plane. If that be the case it means there is a problem with the M adapter which allows the lens to go too far into the camera.

Then, if I put a M lens on it and its focussing matches that on the film plane, but not the rangefinder, then the rangefinder is out of alignment. Assuming the M adapter is not at fault, then the other lenses will function correctly.

The above two scenarios are the most likely ones out of a myriad of possible permutations. Of course we are assuming the lenses are all correct!

 

[clintock]

Relax, the rangefinder infinity is off a little that's all. My bessa T, r3a, leica m3, leica IIf, leica cl, two M5, and a half dozen soviets all have had to have their rangefinder infinity setting adjusted-
not an uncommon thing.
I think the Voightlander screw-m adaptors are probably the most accurate and precise ones ever made.

 

[Seele]

Relax, the rangefinder infinity is off a little that's all. My bessa T, r3a, leica m3, leica IIf, leica cl, two M5, and a half dozen soviets all have had to have their rangefinder infinity setting adjusted-
not an uncommon thing.
I think the Voightlander screw-m adaptors are probably the most accurate and precise ones ever made.

First I have to make sure that the camera back focus is correct by testing it against a known-good M lens, preferably with a collimator, once done then the rangefinder would be isolated as the link at fault. That should not be too difficult because I deal with the national distributor and the official service technician 🙂

 

[Seele]

I cannot disagree with you there; the requisite precision in the manufacture of a coupled rangefinder camera is, I believe, a major reason why the industry shifted to the reflex during the 50s, and practically pushed the system CRF to a position of minority interest.