vertical rangefinder question (FODIS?)

[john_nyc]

Hello, there.

I just got one of those vertical rangefinders that mounts on the shoe of a Leica A. I think it's called a FODIS. I'm not sure what to expect of it, so either this one isn't functional or I'm just expecting too much from it.

Its cosmetics are beautiful and the wheel turns freely and is rotating the mirror. However, it's extremely dark and rangefinder patch is only visible in a very specific viewing angle. Unless there's really bright light on the thing being focused on, it's not really visible at all.

I'm inclined to send it back, but if this is just how these things are, then I'll keep it just because it's cool. Either way I have a 24 hour evaluation period.

Thanks,

John

 

[Steve M.]

Nope, that's not how they are. They work great when they're working right. Send it back.

 

[john_nyc]

Thanks, Steve. That's all I needed to know.

John

 

[John Shriver]

The beam-splitter probably needs to be replaced, just like most Leica screwmount cameras. I'd consider it normal maintenance, every 50 years when it tarnishes.

Most people who buy them are collectors who don't care about the mirror.

 

[john_nyc]

I'd be less inclined to reject a screwmount with a hazy RF if the shutter speeds were on and it wasn't leaky, since it'd still function as a camera. A rangefinder that's just a rangefinder that doesn't work as a rangefinder to me is plainly non-functional and back it went.

However, after running another couple of rolls through the A I think I like not being sure about the focus. It's liberating!