Voigtländer R3A rangefinder calibration

Tomro · Oct 8, 2024

Somehow, last week, the rangefinder of my recently acquired R3A got un-calibrated. I‘ve read that a slight bump might do that on the Voigtländers, so this is probably what might have happened.
Anyway, I tried to find some information on how to recalibrate the rangefinder, but I’ve come up short for this specific model.
The site that should have given some pictures and a description is offline and the archived version comes without pictures.

Wayback Machine

Any chance someone could provide me with a link to another guide?
TIA

BobUK · Oct 8, 2024

I don't know if this is at all similar in construction, but it may give you a start.

Good Luck.

Edit..... The video starts part way through. Just rewind to the beginning.

Tomro · Oct 8, 2024

Thanks. I’d already found that video, but I’ve read that the first R and the third are different. So I’d rather not try based on that

BobUK · Oct 8, 2024

How to correct vertical alignment on a Voigtlander Bessa T's rangefinder?

<p>Hi,<br>I´ve been a happy Bessa user for nearly a decade: long ago using an R4M, an R3A and two T´s. They have never given me any problem... 100% lucky with my Voigtlander lenses too, the 15mm, the tiny 28mm 3.5 and the 40mm 1.4. Although I love my only Leica, a Barnack IIIf RD, it ...

www.photo.net

The first paragraph in this link would indicate the R3a is accessed through the hot shoe.

Repairing cameras can definitely be a heart in the mouth experience.

I'l have a look a bit more for confirmation.

lic4 · Feb 5, 2025

I talked to a Leica tech in the US about the R3A a few years ago, because I had a rangefinder that just wouldn't adjust properly. The repairperson said that a significant number of the Bessa bodies had this issue, they just can't be adjusted to complete accuracy. I know this is anecdotal, but I stuck to other rangefinder models since then.

Tomro · Feb 5, 2025

Thanks for sharing. That would be too Bad. I still got the non adjusted rangefinder because I cannot find anyone who would know how to recalibrate it

dave olson · Monday at 2:12 PM

The late Roger Hicks has stated in one of his books that he used a Voitlander R3a on many of his projects. No mention was made of any problems. For those who don't know, Roger was a contributing editor to " Shutterbug" magazine and authored, with his late wife, a number of great books on photography. I have owned an R3a for the past ten or more years without any problems.

Tomro · Monday at 2:23 PM

I don‘t doubt that. However, mine is not correctly calibrated anymore. I tried three different lenses, and it‘s just off.

ChrisArslain · Monday at 6:17 PM

I have an R2 that has never hit focus at 7 ft since 2002 when I got it, but I was hard on it from the start. It's at Pro Camera right now with a 75mm LTM for CLA. The patch to viewfinder distance is almost half that of the Leica Ms, I'm sure that matters with accuracy too? It seems a little hard to calibrate I'm afraid to try. I'm probably gonna keep wide angle lenses on it. Mine is sentimental or I would sell it and get an M3/4. Worth about the same right now if you are patient...

Y2kTLCrepair · Monday at 6:21 PM

"I cannot find anyone who would know how to recalibrate it" Tomro
&
"they just can't be adjusted to complete accuracy" lic4

Not sure why folks say these can't or aren't possible to calibrate accurately.

The key for the best results are to employ the use of a softening agent; the Loctite needs to be softened before twisting &
turning these somewhat fragile adjustments. Trying to turn somewhat frozen adjustments can tend to marr (damage) these 'bits' along with
feed the frustration as to why you're having to apply so much force

So apply a 'Half-Drop' of MEK solvent on both of these adjustment points (a small amount goes a long way).

- - - - - -
"provide me with a link to another guide?" Tomro
Here's a pretty good illustrated rundown : Bessa Rangefinder Calibration <<< click

Tomro · 2025-07-17T02:19:39-0400

would be nice if you would not quote me/draw conclusions incorrectly: I did not say that *it* cannot be done, but that *I* cannot find anyone who would *know*. that’s a huge difference.

Thanks for the link. It is dead right now, but via archive.org it works. Seems to be a R3. That will be really helpful

Voigtländer R3A rangefinder calibration

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