Rangefinder question

Rhodes · 12-30-2008

Hello, I have the following question about the rangefinder of my leica IIIc.

When viewing trough the rangefinder, the objects at infinity should appear like one (the same when an object is focus) or they appear double, like out of focus, because the distance is so great (do not know if you are understanding what I'm trying to say)!

If should be the first, and what I got, when seeing objects on infinity, is it a rangefinder out of line?

VictorM. · 12-30-2008

If the lens is set to infinity and your eye is centered on the rangefinder images, the images should overlap. Be sure the object you're focusing is really far enough away to appear to be at 'infinity'.

Rhodes · 12-30-2008

@VictorM., overlap is seeing double or only one?Yes, lens lock at infinity and objects fair away. I can see the ocean from my window (and houses) so the objects manny times are boats, ships!

OldNick · 12-30-2008

If you can see ships far away, with the lens locked at infinity, then you should see a single, superimposed, image in the rangefinder. There is a rangefinder focus adjustment near the rewind knob on the left end of the camera. Try moving this to achieve the best focus of the images in the rangefinder.

If, under the circumstances above, you see separate images, there is a problem somewhere.

Jim N.

rpsawin · 12-30-2008

Rhodes,

If the image does not overlap and appear "in focus" the rf may be out of alignment. Does the image seem to be off vertically or horizontally? If it is out of alignment it is an easy fix. A qualified technician can align it quickly. If you are confident in your ability to fix it yourself there are members here who can provide the infomation on how to do this.

Best regards,

Bob

bmattock · 12-30-2008

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

The one on the left is not in focus. The one on the right is. Both are probably set at 'infinity' as far as distance from the camera goes.

VictorM. · 12-30-2008

Here's the illustrations from the original instruction book:

VictorM. · 12-30-2008

Rangefinder adjustment instructions (do this with a lens in place): http://www.mediajoy.com/en/lrc/lbal/index.html

Leica IIIc instruction book: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/leica/l...leica_iiic.htm

Rhodes · 12-30-2008

@rpsawin, I have no experience to do alignments on the rangefinder of any camera, I possibly will not try. I prefer a qualified technician.

At infinity, what I see is like the first image posted by bmattock, the one on the left. And I think that's off horizontally, according what I have reed here.

OldNick · 12-30-2008

Do you have access to another lens? It is possible for the cam on the rear of the lens to cause the problem if the lens has been disassembled and reassembled by someone who does not understand what they are doing. What type of lens are you using?

Jim N.

John Shriver · 12-30-2008

Take the lens off the camera, focus it at infinity. Measure the distance from the mating face of the lens flange to the back of the focusing cam. It should be 7.5mm on any LTM lens. If it is 7.5mm, it's your rangefinder that's out of whack. If it isn't, it's your lens that's out of whack.

Rhodes · 12-30-2008

@OldNick, Elmar 50/3.5 that come with the camera.If the previous owner disassembled and reassembled the lens, I do not know, but think not.
@John Shriver, didn't understand right what you are saying, possibly do to translantion issues. "mating face of the lens flange to the back of the focusing cam" this part is the trouble one.

Rhodes · 12-31-2008

I experimented with other lens, viewing a far building the balconies and the corner wall are in double, so i begining to think that rangefinder is off horizontally and vertically, because the second image of the balcony is also down a bit.
Any good CLA in europe?And even better in Portugal?

payasam · 12-31-2008

Remove the screw near the R/F window. Inside the hole there is a very small screw for the horizontal adjustment.

John Shriver · 12-31-2008

The threaded tube that moves in and out as you focus the Elmar lens touches the metal roller inside the camera to control the rangefinder. When the lens is focused at infinity, that tube is 7.5mm into the camera. You measure to the part of the lens that touches the front of the lens mount on the camera.

Rhodes · 01-07-2009

Sorry to bring up this old thread, but I want to thank you all the ones that posted here and helped me. I decided to adjust the rangefinder by my self, the vertical adjust was a bit hard since I didn't quite understand how that should be done, but manage to do it, the horizontal was easy, and know the rangefinder is oki (I hope...)!

Thanks!