Top Plate Removal

[mtargz]

So, after dragging the wonderful Hexar on my hip wherever I went for two months (mind you, nothing intensive barring the occasional sprint-to-the-bus and city bike-ride), last night, to my shock and horror, I discovered the vertical alignment to be off. I don't know if horizontal alignment is also affected, but the vertical misalignment is jarring to the eye.

I opened the tiny adjustment-cover, but as I've been warned, the wheel wouldn't budge: It looks glossed over - my reading here and elsewhere mentions wax - so I assume I have to take the cover off, at least for the first time.

I see three screws, but all guides mention a fourth, covered behind the rubbery grip - however, since the rubber is so nicely attached, I don't want to mar it any more than absolutely necessary; therefore, I'd like to ask: where exactly is that screw? All the guides are pretty much text-only (pictures usually expired), so they don't help much.

Is there any diagram available? A picture indicating the position?

 

[elmer3.5]

Hi, don´t worry about the fourth screw, the covering is very well made and will fit again woithout any inconvenient.
The rf alignment wheel is waxed, you can cut it with a sharp knife.

All in all it´s quite DIY to dismantle the top plate and align RF on the Konica Hexar RF.

Look on the konica sub forum there´s alot of info about this topic!

cheers!

 

[mtargz]

I'll remove the covering later and see if I see the screw before I chicken out 😛

I've asked in the subforum exactly because I couldn't find any helpful photos in the threads that discuss it - they discuss at great detail, but they're quite old and, like I said, without photos.

 

[elmer3.5]

well I feared ther same so i tryed lightly first but things were very forthcoming and so i successfuly aligned my RF!

In deed no photos, but some member had photos on another task on the camera, search thoroughly but it can´t be that old.

bye!

 

[shambla]

I don't have my Hexar any more, so this is from memory - hopefully someone can correct me if I am wrong.

Anyway, I seem to remember that the final screw is near to the top of the rubber and close to the lens mount. I think it was on the right hand side of the lens mount if looking at the camera from the front (same side as the frame preview lever). Just start peeling from the thin bit where the rubber meets the lens mount and you should see the screw quite quickly.

Also, the rubber seems to sit back where it came from quite happily, so don't worry too much about ruining the finish of it by unsticking it. Hope that helps

 

[pb908]

the screw just in the top of preview lever, just peel little bit and you'll see it. no need to peel the whole rubber. pm me your email address, and I'll send you few pictures regarding calibration procedure. as well as how to modify the frame lines if you need to(well, you will open the top cover, right, then why not to do other thing on the same time).

 

[gliderbee]

the screw just in the top of preview lever, just peel little bit and you'll see it. no need to peel the whole rubber. pm me your email address, and I'll send you few pictures regarding calibration procedure. as well as how to modify the frame lines if you need to(well, you will open the top cover, right, then why not to do other thing on the same time).

Modify the frame lines ? I didn't feel the need yet, but maybe if you tell me, I will (commercials work that way 😀). I would like to see those pictures; would you mind sending them (stefan.smets@advalvas.be)?

Thanks,
Stefan.

 

[mtargz]

So, I finally got around to buying the proper screwdrivers and removing the plate - it is, indeed, a breeze with proper tools.

However, I couldn't get the wax holding the wheel to loosen up - not without what seemed to me like inappropriate force for such a fragile assembly. I think I'll let the Hexar live like this until I get to Europe this summer, and find a reliable repairman there.

 

[pb908]

yes, it is the same as me in the first time, i use sharp thin knife (and a sharp pick tool) to remove the glue, run it across the round shape adjustment and finally made it.
it take much effort to calibrate than to open the top cover..it is easy to screw up things as small amount of adjustment will change alot in viewfinder.
whoever want to do it, need to understand the risk.
but, modify the frameline is easy enough 🙂

 

[umcelinho]

I actually am not getting exactly how I'm supposed to open the small cover on the top, to adjust the RF alignment without having to remove the top plate. I've found some instructions but still couldn't quite get it right :/

Any "for dummies" instructions? 🙂

 

[mtargz]

The small cover can be removed with your nails - just pull it up by the flat side.