Rangefinder Alignment Question

[JNewell]

My R-D1 rangefinder has been showing some significant infinity misalignment at infinity, both horizontal and vertical. Following the instructions here and on a couple of websites (thanks especially to Rich's site), I spent some time yesterday getting infinity lined up in both directions. I didn't adjust the middle screw.

Here's the question: at closer distances, there is significant vertical misalignment. Does this indicate a need to adjust the fourth screw? Based on the descriptions I've read, I don't think this is an issue that can be adjusted with the center screw under the hot shoe (?).

Many thanks for your suggestons.

 

[LCT]

I've always used the screw below to adjust vertical misalignments with the R-D1

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Sounds like the known problem of the rangefinder cell being misaligned with the rest of the finder, meaning that you can get correct vertical alignment at one end of the focussing range but not the other. Other than preventing the rangefinder patch snapping into focus as it should when the images coincide, this problem has no impact on focussing accuracy. My own R-D1 has the same fault; I treat it as one of the camera's foibles – but I'd still be interested if anybody came up with a DIY fix!

 

[LCT]

...I'd still be interested if anybody came up with a DIY fix!

Ever tried to align your RF at medium distances, say from 2m to 10m for instance? It should stay slightly off in closeups and at the infinite but unless you shoot a lot of closeups actually you could feel more comfortable as DoF will compensate your slight infinite misalignment.