Sketchy patch on R3M?

[znapper]

Hey

Just wondered if any other R3M owners have issues with the rangefinder-patch.

I find it quite a challenge to "line up" my eye properly, to get a "full" rangefinder patch in the viewfinder.

Mine is very sketchy, requiring me to line the eye up perfectly, in all other cases, the patch gets dimmer on the left or right side, making focusing a bit of a challenge.
- This is not an issue of vertical/horizontal alignment of the patch, that cause things that are in focus to seem out of focus. The issue is that the patch itself is only "full" and bright when my eye is aligned perfectly straight into the finder, a slight movement to the left, right or up or down, and the patch loose definition on the opposite side that I am moving.

My fault or the cameras fault...?

(I don't wear glasses and my vision is otherwise near perfect)

 

[stevebrot]

Yes, the image circle of the rangefinder patch is small enough that the patch is not visible at the corners or extreme sides of the ocular opening. I just checked on my R3M and when the 40mm and 50mm frame lines are visible, the rangefinder patch is also visible. This is not consistently the case when using the 75mm and 90mm frame lines. Although it is not stated in any detail, the user manual does say to center your eye when focusing.


Steve

 

[segedi]

It's a "feature". The rangefinder itself is nice and bright because it has a larger opening compared to the Leica. But I prefer the smaller opening because it forces you to line up your eye.

But, you will get used to the voigtlander.

 

[znapper]

Ok, thanks, I thought it was maybe something wrong with the mirror or similar.
My GF use glasses and she has real issues using the Bessa because of this (I can manage, but I find it more difficult to use than IE my M6).

I like the camera in general though, not a lot to complain about at all 🙂

 

[newt_on_swings]

You will get used to it quickly if you keep at it. What's a little trickier is getting used to shooting with both eyes open on this camera as it allows for a 1:1 view. Pretty cool skill if you can master it.