Range finder vertically aligned at infinity, out close-to

[Philip Whiteman]

My R-D1's 'finder is spot on for objects in the far distance, fine at medium distances but progressively vertically misaligned as I focus closer. Is this situation normal, or should I take the hot shoe off and reset it?

Sorry if this is a hackneyed question – I did have a look back through past threads (and I only got the camera last week).

 

[ferider]

I have never heard about this happen. This might be difficult to fix by yourself.

It could also be the lens.

Roland.

 

[pfogle]

I have a similar issue... in mine it's because the rangefinder patch is slightly tilted with respect to the frame lines (which are accurate to the actual CCD), so the moving RF image 'ramps' when focusing from far to near.

I don't know of any fix for this - the adjusting screws don't fix it. It seems to be something out of whack when the RF was assembled.

In my case I've made a compromise - I adjusted it to be exactly lined up (vertically) at about 3m distance, and I live with it being slightly off at close up and far distances. That way, at least it's right for the range where I do most of my portrait pictures.

Hope that helps...

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Good call, Phil: after reading your posting, I checked and found the rangefinder patch is slighly angled WRT the 'finder frames in mine too. Thanks for helping me avoid fruitless chase in trying the adjustment screws – I'll just live with it (and keep on reminding myself "this lovely little camera cost me one third of the price of an M8…").

 

[Stephen G]

I may have this issue too.
Initially I worried that my RF was off vertically, and then noticed it was only at the shortest end of the range (under 5feet). Beyond that it is fine, so I don't mind.