Super Ikonta III focus adjustment

[torbja]

I have picked up a beautiful Super Ikont III (531/16 ?) The only problem is: It dont focus to infinity. When the lens is at the infinity mark, the focus seems to be at about 10-20m. I have tried with film, and with a ground glass from a Rolleiflex taped to the back. The rangefinder follows the scale on the lens, but the negs are not sharp.

Is it possible to adjust the lens?

 

[hanskerensky]

Sure is possible. I have a III with a Novar-Anastigmat and the method used is frontcell-focusing. Guess that you could loosen the frontring, then turn the frontlens a bit further inside its thread till you have perfect infinity focus, then fasten the frontring again when that is in the infinity position.

While cleaning the frontlens i made a set of images which you can find on Flickr .
Please read carefully the comments made at those images before you start.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/sets/72157613202905483/with/3245221866/

 

[RichL]

Below the lens you will see a cam and linkage, make sure they are moving full up and full down freely.

There is some adjustment available on the linkage itself. Look just to th right of the lens, down by the bed and you will see a locking screw and an adjusting screw.

 

[torbja]

Thank you both, I will try this evening......

 

[torbja]

It worked perfect!
I tested with a groundglass, and it focus to infinity, and the rangefinder is correct on both long and short distances.

Thank you!

 

[RichL]

Good, it's a great camera to use.

 

[hanskerensky]

Yes, have fun with it ! 🙂

 

[FatBear]

It worked perfect!
I tested with a groundglass, and it focus to infinity, and the rangefinder is correct on both long and short distances.

Which suggestion worked for you?

 

[hanskerensky]

If the lens is out of focus at infinity you have to follow the method which i described.
If the rangefinder needs adjustment have a look at this image i took from my second SI III some days ago :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/8707224231/