Rangefinder adjustment in NYC

[kalex]

hello,

I just started my rangefinder adventure with buying a used R-D1. so far I love it 🙂 I have been shooting with DSLRs and I have to say this is a totally new and nice change.

I do have a question. My finder patch (i think that's what its called) seems to be off to the left of the 50mm frame. I read up article posted http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_16.htm

Problem is I'm not too technically inclined with camera gear and I'm afraid to do it myself. Anybody in NYC are willing to help me out, I will pay for your service. or does anybody know a camera store that can do it for me?


So far my only lens is 75mm Voigtlander 2.5 and its very impressive. also I can't believe how small and light rangefinder lenses are compared to Nikon SLR lenses. I got a lot to learn and enjoy

Thanks


Alex

 

[Peter A (NYC)]

Ask Marty's Camera Repair in Forest Hills if they can help you.

 

[kalex]

Thanks Peter.

Alex

 

[Oscar Levant]

Do it yourself. There's nothing to it. The worst that could possibly happen is that you destroy your camera.

 

[JNewell]

I am not sure you aren't saying that the patch is off center altogether, rather than that it doesn't bring the two images together correctly. If the issue is just that it's a little off the center point, there is probably nothing wrong with it.

 

[kalex]

Oscar - that's the end result i'm trying to avoid 🙂

JNewell - its actually both. the actual patch is to the left a bit, not much but its not in the middle of the viewfinder. also i noticed that when images are brought together correctly the left image is slightly higher than right image. i think I'm explaining it correctly. but the actual picture is sharp with no issues.

 

[Jim Watts]

Oscar - that's the end result i'm trying to avoid 🙂

JNewell - its actually both. the actual patch is to the left a bit, not much but its not in the middle of the viewfinder. also i noticed that when images are brought together correctly the left image is slightly higher than right image. i think I'm explaining it correctly. but the actual picture is sharp with no issues.

Kalex
The patch being off to the left a bit with the 50mm framelines is normal. You will also notice that as any of the framelines move (to correct parallax) when focusing that the rangefinder patch does not. This is correct for the R-D1. The patch is fixed and centred to the whole of the viewfinder area.

"the left image is slightly higher than right image"

This is almost certainly a verticle mis-alignment of the rangefinder, quite common with the R-D1 and is fairly easy to correct yourself. Instructions and photos on Rich Cutlers R-D1 FAQ site: http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_16.htm This site is also linked at the top of the R-D1 threads list.

Jim

 

[kalex]

I want to thank everyone for their encouragement. Jim you are right. Its very easy to adjust and took me about 10 minutes. it seems to be aligned now and properly focuses with my 75mm lens. Going to wait until its sunny outside tomorrow and do a final test.