Leningrad rangefinder adjustment

[tenebrae]

A question for all you Leningrad specialists:

Is it possible to adjust the rangefinder on a Leningrad? On my Leningrad, the rangefinder patch is both out of vertical alignment (in relation to the viewfinder image), and out of "range" (wrong distance when I focus on an object at a known distance). I understand that the small circular cover on top (ahead of the shutter speed dial), with the two pinholes, can be unscrewed to adjust the rangefinder. Has any of you ever done this, and with what results?

Also, the shutter speed dial needs to be adjusted. The speed that shows opposite the mark is not the speed with which the camera fires. Can you just unscrew the screw of the shutter speed dial and turn it to the correct position, or should I abstain from fiddling with it?

Apart from these minor ( :bang: ) inconveniences and a slightly wrinkled shutter curtain, my Leningrad is flawless (ahem, yes, I know it's a basket case... these things happen on eBay, but until this one always to others.... *sigh*)

[comp_wiz101]

Well, I could always take it off your hands....
Hey! I had to try! :)

[tenebrae]

And well you could....

But it would be cruel to burden you with it, as the shutter release button also has this intermittent quirk of hanging up, all of a sudden. And then it snaps back again (but only after I threaten that I will be forced to send her to Canada if she doesn't shape up).

[jlw]

A question for all you Leningrad specialists:

Is it possible to adjust the rangefinder on a Leningrad? On my Leningrad, the rangefinder patch is both out of vertical alignment (in relation to the viewfinder image), and out of "range" (wrong distance when I focus on an object at a known distance). I understand that the small circular cover on top (ahead of the shutter speed dial), with the two pinholes, can be unscrewed to adjust the rangefinder. Has any of you ever done this, and with what results?

Yes, the Leningrad rangefinder is very adjustable. The horizontal adjustment (for infinity position) is under a very tiny cover screw on the front. The vertical adjustment is under that porthole on top. The porthole is a bayonet mount, not a screw -- turn it about 1/4 turn and it should lift off.

There are other adjustments as well, which are accessible under the top cover. The top cover removes very easily.

Also, the shutter speed dial needs to be adjusted. The speed that shows opposite the mark is not the speed with which the camera fires. Can you just unscrew the screw of the shutter speed dial and turn it to the correct position, or should I abstain from fiddling with it?

No, it's safe to fiddle with. Just loosen the setscrews in the base, turn it until it's lined up correctly, then tighten the setscrews.

If you use the RFF search feature to find posts including "Leningrad," you'll find a lot of how-to information about this camera.

[comp_wiz101]

Well, my Dad can do some watchmaking and I work on cameras, so we could probably work something between us :)
...can't blame a guy for trying. I'd love to get a quirky little project camera like that - either that or a Droug

[JonP]

A very timely post, my Leningrad arrived today, almost mint, except that the rangefinder is way off, hopefully the non-invasive approach will be sufficient. But, boy the finder and those frame lines, I'm in love - now to tinker.

[tenebrae]

Thanks!

Found the setscrew for the horizontal adjustment (and adjusted the rangefinder). Found the screws in the base of the speed dial (and put it back in the correct position).
Sacrificed a screwdriver and made a tool that fits in the two pinholes, and managed to turn the porthole on top 1/4 turn. But the cover still won't come off. I turned it anti-clockwise, because that is usually the "losen it" direction. Or is it?