Super Ikonta B focus issues and more...

[Petear]

Hi All,

I just got a Super Ikonta B in the mail, sweet. I'm feeling like this camera is mine...I like.

Couple of things..I bought it CLA'd from a guy who came well recommended.

Everything is smooth as silk but...

1) I'm noticing a slight bit of diagonal travel with the split image focusing when focusing in the close ranges.

2) the focus range printed on the barrel of the focusing element don't really jibe with actual distances when proper focus is indicated by the split image...6 actual feet from object the scale represents about 7 feet on the printed scale.

At 15 feet actual feet from the object, when the images are lined up, the printed scale represents about, maybe, slightly under 20 feet (between marks here).

Everything is consistently long on the scale I guess you would say.

So should I be concerned about the slight diagonal travel of the split image?

And, should I be concerned about the discrepancy between actual feet and what the printed scale is showing when the split images are lined up?

I haven't finished my first roll of film but I felt I should query you guys since these things were noticable.

I realize that this camera is very old but it seems that with calibration I should be closer to the ball park.

Thanks

Pete

 

[Limpovitj]

1) I'm noticing a slight bit of diagonal travel with the split image focusing when focusing in the close ranges.

The Super Ikonta B rangefinder travels sort of diagonally (has to do with the finder and rangefinder windows not sitting on the same horizontal axis), so what you're seeing is likely normal.

Edit: Just remembered: I have no idea how the earlierst Super Ikonta B (the one with seperate finder and rangefinder peephoples (like a thread mount Leica) works in this regard. Don't know which one you have.

2) the focus range printed on the barrel of the focusing element don't really jibe with actual distances when proper focus is indicated by the split image...6 actual feet from object the scale represents about 7 feet on the printed scale.

At 15 feet actual feet from the object, when the images are lined up, the printed scale represents about, maybe, slightly under 20 feet (between marks here).

Everything is consistently long on the scale I guess you would say.

Have you measured the distances you compare the scale to, or are they estimated? If it's consistently out on the long side then the rangefinder won't line up at infinity. If it lines up at infinity, then it's likely fine through out the whole range as well. Remember to include a shot at 2.8 at near focus on that first roll. That's the surest way to tell if anythings wrong, after all.

Hope this helps & good luck!

 

[furcafe]

It's also possible that the lens focuses fine, but that a repairperson re-installed the distance ring incorrectly so that it's giving the wrong readings. Does it read infinity @ infinity?

The only definitive test of the focus accuracy is either a test roll or using a ground glass on the film plane.

Have you measured the distances you compare the scale to, or are they estimated? If it's consistently out on the long side then the rangefinder won't line up at infinity. If it lines up at infinity, then it's likely fine through out the whole range as well. Remember to include a shot at 2.8 at near focus on that first roll. That's the surest way to tell if anythings wrong, after all.

Hope this helps & good luck!

 

[Petear]

Hey thanks,

Yeah, I'm at the end of the first roll, couple of close and infinity tests on it so I'll check those out when i see film.

Limpo,

Mine is pre world WW2 I believe. Uncoated 2.8 80. I checked infinity and things seem to line up properly.

Thanks guys, I'll update with, most likely, a few more questions.

 

[literiter]

I have several Super Ikonta Bs. Focus registration can be quite accurate. It can be tricky to align however.

I have found the uncoated lenses just a little less contrasty than the coated. Use a hood if possible.

The Super Ikonta is a fantastic camera. You are fortunate to own one.

 

[whitecat]

This is an amazing camera. I think we as responsible photographers should try to preserve them in this day and age of plastic digital garbage.