This may sound incredibly stupid but...

[saiminyaku]

Is the focusing patch of the RD-1 series supposed to be centered within the framelines like illustrated here: http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_04.htm

I ask this because my focusing patch is not in the center of any of my framelines -- not 50, 28, or 35. There is a distinct bias in the location of the focusing patch always being closer to the top-left corner of the frame illustrated by the framelines rather than the center.

If this is not normal, what is there that I can do to fix it?

Any and all responses go immensely appreciated. Seriously.

 

[rxmd]

This is normal, don't worry. The framelines move diagonally as you focus in and out, to compensate for the parallax error that is caused by any offset viewfinder. The focusing patch remains in position on the R-D1. Without a lens mounted, the rangefinder mechanism thinks it is focused very close, so you get a distinctly off-center rangefinder patch (or rather off-center framelines). Mount a lens and focus in and out and you'll see how it works.

 

[saiminyaku]

This is normal, don't worry. The framelines move diagonally as you focus in and out, to compensate for the parallax error that is caused by any offset viewfinder. The focusing patch remains in position on the R-D1. Without a lens mounted, the rangefinder mechanism thinks it is focused very close, so you get a distinctly off-center rangefinder patch (or rather off-center framelines). Mount a lens and focus in and out and you'll see how it works.

I have CV 35mm 1.4 SC mounted at all times and yes, I have noticed that the focusing patch remains in the same position. So not at any time should the focusing patch be in the center of the given framelines -- lens mounted or not?

I just want to confirm that I understand you correctly as I sent my RD-1s into Steve's Camera Center to modify the shutter shaft, AE lock and have the rangefinder adjusted if needed upon receipt of it from Seoul, South Korea and it hasn't taken any beatings since so I saw no reason for their to be an issue with the rangefinder itself but Rich's illustrations renewed a paranoia once had.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

rxmd................. I do have a very nr mint 105 AI 2.5 Nikkor with hood caps and leather case sitting on shelf. Please make me an offer if you are interested

With all due respect, but you do know there is a PM function you could've used to inform 'rxmd' that you had something of interest to him without derailing a thread correct? I mean no offense and I am not trying to be passive aggressive, it's just the moderator in me coming out in a forum where I have no authority. So please, don't take offense.

 

[timexchen]

Just check with my R-D1s and Leica m6. To my surprise, they are different. In R-D1s, the position of the yellow patch with reference to the VF is fixed. The frameline is moving as you focus the lens. But in M6, the frameline and the yellow patch are moving synchronously when focusing.

I hope this helps.

 

[LCT]

...my focusing patch is not in the center of any of my framelines...

The focus patch doesn't move, only the framelines do. The focus patch is in the center of the framelines when the lens is focussed at infinity.

 

[saiminyaku]

The focus patch doesn't move, only the framelines do. The focus patch is in the center of the framelines when the lens is focussed at infinity.

You're 100% right. I just tested it myself and your observation is spot on.

Thanks for taking the time to respond and to 'timexchen' as well for noting the difference between the Leica finder and the Epon's.