Bronica S2A focusing problems

Hello there, I just found a Bronica S2A on ebay. For a couple of days I had no focusing problems, then suddenly infinite is out of focus. Following indications of Sam Shepard in another forum, I took the finder apart and cleaned away the original foam (it was all gooey) and put in "some" replacement". Still, infinite is not in focus. Now, this probably won't be a problem when taing pictures, but has anyone a good idea anyway?

Thanks a lot

proudbronica

Sometimes the groundglass is shimmed underneath, so be sure that you didn't lose any shims when removing it. Also make sure you have enough foam or whatever material you used to compress the groundglass all the way to the rails, and that the matte side of the groundglass is face down. If all of these things are okay, another possible issue is mirror alignment, and for that you should send it to someone like Frank Marshman (CameraWiz) or Koh's Camera, both of whom specialize in classic Bronicas.

Many thanks, David, I'll take it apart again and verify as you suggested.

Best regards

Emilio Crignola

I just forgot something, David, maybe you can help me there, too: when I took the finder apart, there was foam on the underside of the top-frame, on the edges of the ground glass and on the edge running around the finder opening. Now, where does the foam actually go: between fresnel and ground glass and between ground glass and top-frame, or just between the two glasses?

Thanks again

Emilio Crignola

The foam should go between the top frame and the glass. Foam, like the foam used for light seals is the normal replacement, but Sam Shepard recommends using moleskin, which is a product used for cushioning foot blisters, and strange though that may sound, I have to agree that it works better and lasts longer than neoprene foam, which eventually deteriorates, becomes sticky, and pulls up on the groundglass to cause the focus error.

Also, while you have the glass out, it's a good idea to clean it with warm soapy water and let it dry before putting it back together, and remember that it goes back matte side down.

Thanks again for your precious help, David and a nice Sunday!

Best regards

Emilio