Leica CL Rangefinder Adjustment

[wjlapier]

Anybody here adjust their CL rangefinder? I’m curious what the little plug thing looks like when it’s removed. And how you went about adjusting the rangefinder. I’ve seen some post on the removal of the plug but no video or images so far. I might send it to DAG.

Thanks.

 

[selyfriday]

I've adjusted mine. I can't remember where I saw the how to though. It was surprisingly easy I recall. Careful removal of the protecting piece and the screw was easy to turn to adjust the rangefinder. (in very small increments as I was very nervous of doing it)

 

[dourbalistar]

I've also adjusted mine, following the instructions on this thread here on the forum:

Leica Minolta CL rangefinder adjustment

I never found anything online other that instructions on where the adjuster is and tips on removing the plug (which I will copy below). The adjustment looks like a small screw inside of a larger screw/nut, I attached a picture below. The outer screw/nut (black in the picture) adjusts the...

www.photrio.com

I didn't take any photos during the process, but the plug is literally just a little plastic piece. Be careful when you remove it because if it goes flying, it might be hard to find. As for the adjustment screw, a very small adjustment goes a long way so be prepared for a lot of trial and error. Is your vertical or horizontal out of alignment? My vertical alignment was off, but adjusting the vertical put the horizontal out of whack, so getting the two to coincide was tricky. For the horizontal adjustment, I used the moon as a target for infinity focus.

This video for a different repair shows the inner workings with the top plate removed. If you pause the video around the 10:41 mark, you can get a decent view of the outer (horizontal) and inner recessed (vertical) adjustment screws:


Good luck!

 

[lic4]

Does DAG add a little adhesive to the adjustment wheel after it's adjusted? If so, it might be better to have him do it for the added longevity of the adjustment than try at home.

 

[wjlapier]

Not sure how Don does it. Both vertical and horizontal are off. Horizontal going past at infinity. Vertical, just a slight bit off.

 

[lic4]

If I recall, the vertical is a little more complicated than horizontal.

 

[wjlapier]

Yeah, I heard from Don yesterday. The CL will go to him for adjustment as well as an upgrade to accept a modern battery.

 

[__Brian]

The adjustment - this is a concentric ring, inner screw and outer split screw. I thing i used fine needle nosed plier for the outer and screwdriver for inner. Do the vertical adjustment first, then horizontal. Do not press down on the tools, let them Sit in place and then adjust.

 

[wjlapier]

Back from DAG. Even adjusted the meter to accept modern battery.

 

[GregY]

Back from DAG. Even adjusted the meter to accept modern battery.

Good move. Don worked on my CL as well. He's also got parts for them...