Hexar RF vert & inf RF adjustment. Here's how.

The above drawing shows the adjustment of the rangefinder on a Konica Hexar RF. This shows how to completely (vertical and infinity) adjust the rangefinder on this camera. I've been looking around the web for information regarding Vertical alignment adjustment, but could not find any details on it. So, after taking the plunge and purchasing one, I found that my infinity alignment was right on (with both my Summicron 50/2 and Hexanon 50/2), but my vertical alignment was slightly off. It bugged the living stuffing out of me, so I just took out the adjustment plug and went for it. Sorry for the quality of the above drawing, but it was the best I can do at 2am in the morning. Basically, looking down into the adjustment hole (lens facing away from you), there is the toothed wheel that is attached to the notched frame on the camera. I have read that people have been able to adjust infinity alignment here, but it really is the vertical alignment adjustment. Pick a rectangular object on a wall not too far away (light switch is fine). With the camera on a tripod and at about the same height as this object, focus on the corner so that when out of focus, you can see the double images of the rectangle. Use whatever tool you need to to move the toothed wheel either away from you (lowers the focusing patch) or towards you (raises the focusing patch) until the two double images are at the same height. Focus the object in and out of focus will confirm this. Next, you need to adjust the infinity focus, as messing with the vertical alignment will probably affect the infinity alignment. With your trusty 50mm (or whatever you have) M lens mounted, go ouside at night or day and focus on a distant object (I chose a bright star, but you can choose a distant mountain top (peak or antenna). At infinity (on the lens), the double image of your distant object should line up in the rangefinder. If it does, then close up the adjustment hole and go take pictures. If not, then you'll need to get a small flat-head screwdriver and adjust the screw to the upper right of the toothed wheel. When looking down, it is the screw that seems to have a "C" retaining clip on it. It appears to be just on the left of a condenser lens of some sort (on the rangefinder). Tightening the screw (clockwise) will move the focus patch to the left, while loosening (counterclockwise) the screw moves the focus patch to the right. After your best adjustment, make sure that infinity lines up by focusing once on your distant object the normal way, upside down, vertically, and upside down vertically (basically, turning the camera 90 degrees until a complete circle is made, while focusing in and out to infinity). By doing this, you can make sure that the infinity alignment is correct.

Needless to say, do this at your own risk. This worked for me and I am just informing the general public of my adjustment method. I am not responsible for anything YOU do to YOUR camera.

I just had the pleasure of using this camera the next day for a test and this is what I got:

All images were scanned with a Nikon LS-1000 film scanner at 2700 dpi. The images were then reduced in resolution and saved in jpg form.

This is an enlargement of the "a" in "Argentina" on the sign, in the middle of the photo.

This is also an enlargement from the photo. It shows a bundle of dry pine needles just underneath the word "Bolivia" on the sign.

The picture was taken with the vertically/infinity aligned Hexar RF with a Black Wetzlar Summicron 50/2 at the minimum distance of just under 0.7m. I focused on the captical "A" in Argentina and then re-framed the picture to put the sign in the middle of the frame.

Finally, a quick-draw M travel camera I can live with.

Good Luck.

TonyK