RF misaligned?

[ywenz]

I own an M6 and when focusing on say a diagonal line approx 2 feet away from me, I noticed the angle of the two lines do not match up in the patch. Does this mean I need to get my RF aligned or is this normal with the range finder system?

 

[terrafirmanada]

It could be the difference of viewing angle from the viewfinder and rangefinder windows. I would check from a bunch of different locations. Two feet is quite close, so whatever you are looking at must be the same distance from both windows (ie- camera parallel to given flat object you are observing). If they are still off you might have a problem I would try something from a bit further away. My M3 will not even focus closer than three feet.

 

[ywenz]

er.. i must have under estimated my distance since the lens' min focus distance is 2.5ft. I was definitely greater than 2.5ft away because i moved back until it was in focus.. but the lines still was at different angles.. perhaps the difference in distance between the two views is the reason for this. I'll keep testing.

 

[terrafirmanada]

I just went downstairs and tried a test in our kitchen (white walls, and bright) using a blue broom handle. It seems that I am seeing the same non-parallel broom handles. I think this is parallax that we are seeing, since the windows are in different locations (viewfinder and rangefinder). Now if you are seeing horizontal or vertical lines that do not matchup when you are facing your test object then you might need to visit the local shop.

 

[ywenz]

That makes sense. Thanks.

 

[unky tone]

I think my hexar's RF patch is out of vertical alignment by about 0.5mm - the rangefinder patch's upper horizontal border is just out of alignment with the focusing patch - so far it hasn't been a real issue in terms of focusing as I use vertical edges for alignment my pics have been in focus. But it has slowed down my ability to focus quite a bit - especially compared with my SLR (canon F1n) - My yashica's rangefinder patch is vague at the best of times but I can work around that (not too upset with a 25buck camera). I find my canonet QL 17 to be the easiest to focus. I wonder whether the viewfinder magnification of the hexar may be contributing (I've never looked through a leica!)
Can vertical alignment issues be easily fixed?

 

[danmitch]

I had the same with my M6 - took it in to Leica in Milton Keynes and they adjusted the vertical allignment for me very quickly and without charge while I waited. According to the engineer it is a pretty normal adjustment.

Dan

 

[pvdhaar]

I think my hexar's RF patch is out of vertical alignment by about 0.5mm ....

I wonder whether the viewfinder magnification of the hexar may be contributing (I've never looked through a leica!)
Can vertical alignment issues be easily fixed?

I've written a guide which you can find here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1937

 

[unky tone]

Thanks for the link Peter.
I read your guide very late last night and had to start work very early this morning - I've only just got home.
I'm a little wary at this stage of taking the hexar apart because a lot of the time the vertical alignment issue seems dependent on the view angle. ie: looking at objects perfectly level doesn't seem too bad , but if the viewing angle increases then the vertical alignment appears slightly more 'off'
But if it really starts to bug me then I'll give it a go.
BTW is the plastic part on the top plate that is mentioned as the bit to remove to access the cogwheel that little square just in front of the flash hot shoe?
Once again, thanks for the advice - I have to say that it's things like this that make the RFF a great place to visit.

 

[pvdhaar]

BTW is the plastic part on the top plate that is mentioned as the bit to remove to access the cogwheel that little square just in front of the flash hot shoe?

Yes, that's the one. Just don't drop it inside the cover..