Minolta Hi-matic F parallax question.

[james.wilgeroth]

Hi all,

I have recently aquired a near mint-condition Hi-matic F. On viewing the user manual, as you'd imagine, the way to focus your image involves matching the rangefinder image with the lens image. However, i can only align the image horizontally i.e. there is some vertical mis-alignment. This is not that case in the manual - the image is totally aligned.

Is this a feature of parallax? Or is it possible that there is a fault with the camera? I think that the latter is rather unlikey due to the cameras excellent condition.

However, as i am new to rangefinders, i would very much appreciate any helpful comments....

Many thanks

James

 

[John Koehrer]

If the RF is working horizontally and superimposes the subject correctly but, you have an image slightly above the RF patch. The RF is out of alignment. It has no effect on accuracy of focus, just annoying.
Rangefinders are the most delicate part of the camera, if it was shipped to you a solid bump or someone throwing the box across a shipping area could do it.