Wista RF - Rangefinder coupler issues?

[HalideReducer]

I just picked up a Wista RF from the big auction place, specifically for the rangefinder.

I'm new to the Wista cameras, but I have the PDF manuals from Butkus that explain operation of the rangefinder. I believe I'm using it right.

1. I have the Nikkor 150mm lens, which should work with the rangefinder.
2. The labels for the cam change dial have come loose, so it's hard to tell whether it's set on 135, 150, or 180. I've tried all 3.
3. I left the upper track even with the lower track. The instructions say to extend it for the 180mm lens but makes no mention of the position for the 150mm. I've tried it both ways.
4. The manual states that the coupler for the rangefinder should be able to focus from infinity to 1.11m with the 150mm lens. Setting the camera on a tripod and focusing on an object ~3m away, I can't get the rangefinder image aligned regardless of the settings.

The seller reported the rangefinder was functional and aligned when it was sold. When I received it, a small black screw fell out when I opened the camera. Visual inspection doesn't show any empty screw holes.

Operator error? Issue with the rangefinder?

 

[John Koehrer]

It may be easier to set infinity first.
With a 150mm the nodal point of the lens should be ~150mm from the film.
For a SWAG the 150 is probably the centermost position for focal length.

True confession time. I've never seen this camera in the flesh so it's all a shot in the dark.

As another guess, the screw that fell out likely fastened the cam to the RF itself. If the RF image moves
when you move the cam in/out that one's not likely.





r

 

[HalideReducer]

The RF image does move, but it acts like it's outside the coupling range even though it should be when I try to focus on anything closer than ~10m. The manual says the rangefinder coupling should be aligned down to 1.11m.

I'm going to focus on geting it right at infinity so I can at least be sue I've got the right cam selected (since the indicator seems to be broken) and eliminate variables from there.

 

[John Koehrer]

Anyhow, the screw may have been internal to the RF itself Usually(!) a screw from something like the cam *MAY* have
a smooth shoulder and then a threaded portion. If it's threaded for the entire length it's likely to retain something, Maybe an internal cover for the RF.

Someone like Ian or shutterfinger has much more experience with LF cameras than I.

 

[HalideReducer]

The loose machine screw has a "flat" type head that sits flush. Could be what you mean by smooth shoulder. My current theory is that the cam selector isn't working. No matter what I set it on the RF seems to behave the same way.

 

[HalideReducer]

Since I can't send private messages / start conversations (maybe my account is too young?), maybe @shutterfinger will see this and stop by.

I'm trying to figure out how I can repair/have it repaired, and approximately what it may cost so I can negotiate with the seller. I want to fix and use the camera, not return it ... waiting for callbacks from some camera shops I've contacted.