ZEISS/IKONTA REPAIR

anthonym3 · Jun 23, 2023

Can someone suggest a reputable repair shop. My MESS IKONTA rangefinder is not working.

jimjm · Jun 23, 2023

Try Jurgen at Certo6. He restored my '38 Super Ikonta 532/16 a few years back. Did a great job.

anthonym3 · Jun 23, 2023

jimjm said:
Try Jurgen at Certo6. He restored my '38 Super Ikonta 532/16 a few years back. Did a great job.

Thank you!

blee1996 · Jun 23, 2023

Most of these rangefinders are quite simple and can be adjusted yourself. Mess Ikonta's rangefinder is separate from the lens focusing system, so you have little risk trying DIY.

anthonym3 · Jun 23, 2023

blee1996 said:
Most of these rangefinders are quite simple and can be adjusted yourself. Mess Ikonta's rangefinder is separate from the lens focusing system, so you have little risk trying DIY.

I don't think adjustment is the problem. It worked for a while then the focus ring turns freely however the images do not merge. If you have any suggestion how to do a DIY please inform me.

henryvk · Jun 27, 2023

I've never had a Mess Ikonta but these are not complicated mechanisms. Does the split-image still move when you turn the RF dial?

If it doesn't react at all to the dial then maybe the RF cam somehow slipped over or away from the focusing dial.

Here's how you remove the top cover: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/albums/72157634322354805

Alex Varas · Jun 27, 2023

Last link is good for removing the top cover.
In your case I would remove only the focusing ring and take a look.
When taking it out.

You will see two pins, outside pin marks the limits for infinity and close focusing. Inner pin moves the rangefinder cam.
What I think it happened it’s the inner ring got loose, check the small headless screw that tights two rings together. That screw is on the side if the focusing ring.
From there if the camera didn’t receive any bump the configuration of mirror/beam splitter should be fine and it’s a matter of setting up the focusing ring with the inner pin correctly at infinity with images matching. You can move inner cam with a screwdriver and set the images in advance and then put the focusing ring matching the pins and locking the headless screw back.
I hope it was clear, otherwise someone should clarify my instructions

anthonym3 · Jul 8, 2023

Alex Varas said:
Last link is good for removing the top cover.
In your case I would remove only the focusing ring and take a look.
When taking it out.

You will see two pins, outside pin marks the limits for infinity and close focusing. Inner pin moves the rangefinder cam.
What I think it happened it’s the inner ring got loose, check the small headless screw that tights two rings together. That screw is on the side if the focusing ring.
From there if the camera didn’t receive any bump the configuration of mirror/beam splitter should be fine and it’s a matter of setting up the focusing ring with the inner pin correctly at infinity with images matching. You can move inner cam with a screwdriver and set the images in advance and then put the focusing ring matching the pins and locking the headless screw back.
I hope it was clear, otherwise someone should clarify my instructions

anthonym3 · Jul 8, 2023

Alex. I wrongly assumed that the distance ring around the lens was the focusing mechanism.. I had never had a MESS IKONTA The images now line up horizontally but not quite vertically, any suggestions?

Alex Varas · Jul 8, 2023

Bad news, this rangefinder has “no way” to change vertical alignment. I mean no screw to move turn, etc…
Most possible scenario, someone removed the top cover and put in back in a way the vertical alignment changed. It might happen.
If this is not the case the only alternative left is using pliers with thin points to move up/down the beamsplitter on the left as described here:

I had to do it in one Mess Ikonta and it took me some attempts until getting the correct image.

I hope it helps.

anthonym3 · Jul 8, 2023

Alex Varas said:
Bad news, this rangefinder has “no way” to change vertical alignment. I mean no screw to move turn, etc…
Most possible scenario, someone removed the top cover and put in back in a way the vertical alignment changed. It might happen.
If this is not the case the only alternative left is using pliers with thin points to move up/down the beamsplitter on the left as described here:

I had to do it in one Mess Ikonta and it took me some attempts until getting the correct image.

I hope it helps.

anthonym3 · Jul 8, 2023

Thank you. I am not qualified to do this. I am going to keep it in my car for use when I see something interesting to photograph so I will use the ZEISS red dot system.

ZEISS/IKONTA REPAIR

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