Rangefinder adjust in the Vitessa T

colyn

colyn

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I picked up a second Vitessa T today and noticed the rangefinder is slightly off on the horisontal adjustment. Anybody know the procedure to bring it back into proper adjustment?

I found some info for the Vitessa N but don't know if it applies to the T..
 
I removed the shoe so I could remove the plate as seen in the image. The hole on the left has a square nut. Can anybody confirm whether or not this is the rangefinder horizontal adjustment? It does move when racking the focus back and forth.. There is no adjustment screw/etc in the right side hole but the part visible also moves..

rf_adjust.jpg
 
I have two Vitessa Ls that will hopefully make one fully functional camera. Both had their mirrors loose, one had a working meter but the shutter release mechanism was trashed. The other had a dead meter but the shutter and winding mechanisms seem to work fine.

In both cameras the 'adjustable prism' is glued in place. Really it is just the mounting point for the mirror. I replaced the mirror in the more working body but the split image is way off horizontally. With the prism glued in place the only other adjustment I see is in the swing arm for the swinging beamsplitter.

With that adjusted as far as possible the image is still way off horizontally.

Any other adjustments that I am missing or am I going to need to try and break through all the glue to free up the prism?

If I need to break the prism free I think I will cut the top plate of the 'junk' camera in half so I can access the adjustments while still looking through the rangefinder.

Thanks,
Shawn
 
I have the exact same problem as Shawn here. Does anyone know how to adjust the horisontal when it's very off? I have tried adjusting both of the double "v-screws", but it's not enough to get my horisontal aligned.
 
Maggedusen said:
I have the exact same problem as Shawn here. Does anyone know how to adjust the horisontal when it's very off? I have tried adjusting both of the double "v-screws", but it's not enough to get my horisontal aligned.
Click to expand...

First check the lens at infinity using a ground glass. Don't assume your alignment target for the rangefinder (Ie. the focus of the lens) is correct. It probably will be OK but this is an old camera so it must be checked. If the lens is off, attempts to correct the RF accuracy are doomed to fail.

If this is good you can then concentrate on persuading the RF to match the focus point of the lens. At this point, a picture speaks a thousand words. I've some experience of the early folding Vitessa rangefinders, but none at all of the later T models. Even throughout the production of the various folding models the schematics of the RF design changed considerably. I couldn't assume the T model is identical to the models I have worked on, or even similar, without some photos revealing the details. But I can tell you that from what you've said, you're going to have to take the top cover off to progress the calibration of the system if the basic adjustment screws are not sufficient to restore proper accuracy. This means dealing with the wind plunger and its button, so, ensure you are up to speed about how to remove the cover without damaging the mechanism in the process. I've elaborated on this previously a few times, so search forum postings for more information if you're not already apprised of the points which need to be borne in mind when disassembling a Vitessa.
Welcome to RFF.
 
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