Voigtlander Bessa II - Adjusting rangefinder coupling

tony25

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Hi - I just got the Bessa II, the first test roll shows focusing issue. First, I put grounded glass to the back and found that rangefinder and grounded glass image is significantly off. For example, Rangefinder scale showed distance of 1.2M, my measurement from film plane is approximately 1.2M (a little off, probably due to my measurement, or rangefinder itself), but the image on the grounded glass is sharpest at 1.1M on the distance scale. Testing on different distance, showed similar issue with consistent compensation (how much I rotated the focusing knob) to make image sharp. My guess is that lens position may not be incorrect. I am wondering if anyone know, how I can make the adjustment? Thanks.
 

MattKing

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For clarity, are you saying that when the rangefinder says something should be in focus, the ground glass/film has the focus plane at a different distance?
If those two match, the camera is working correctly, and it is just the scale focus indicator that is off.
 
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tony25

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No, they are not match. The rangefinder and scale indicator and actual distance are matched. The grounded glass and rangefinder is off, so I think the lens position may be incorrect.
 

MattKing

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Someone may have adjusted the rangefinder to match the scale indicator - which is a mistake - instead of adjusting the rangefinder to the focus on the film.
 
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tony25

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Is there instruction on how to adjust rangefinder of the Bessa II? thanks.
 

gone

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You can't go by the scale markings on the lens. Well, if you shoot w/ the aperture really stopped down you can, but the rangefinder should always be more accurate.

I owned a few Bessa II cameras, but never had to go into them to adjust anything, they're some of the sturdiest folders ever built. Very high quality of fit and finish.

Once you find a way to adjust the RF, you'll need to put the camera on a tripod, use a cable release if necessary to hold the shutter open on B, place a ground glass or something similar on the frame rails, rack the lens to infinity, and see if the image on the GG is sharp w/ a loupe. If it is, adjust the camera's RF to match that and you're done.
 
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