Just ordered a rangefinder

VirtualAdept

VirtualAdept

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Mads
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I got star of the month at work which comes with a rather nice £40 bonus so figured I'd treat myself to something I've wanted for a while, so... last night I bid on, and won, a petri 7 rangefinder.
I'm gonna have a look, probably on butkus for a manual, but in the meantime does anyone have any tips for a firsttimer with a rangefinder?

Thanks guys n gals.
 
2 tips.
1 read the manual :)
2 Enjoy!
 
Star tip...remember to take the lens cap off:)
 
practise abit with focusing, hopefully it has a tab like leica's do, if you get used to it you can know by feel what distance your focused at
 
If you can't see the rangefinder patch clearly you'll struggle to focus in anything other than perfect light. Don't settle for this, it isn't inherent. There are lots of little bits of glass inside a rangefinder and the grime of years causes them to lose a lot of clarity. Simply popping off the top cover and cleaning them (gently) with a q-tip and some lens cleaner can make a world of difference.

Aside from that, Enjoy! I find it a great way of shooting.
 
Just watch out for the semi silvered mirror in the range finder optics ,it's surface silvered and usually very delicate so if you do decide to give everything a clean just be aware that you could wipe the silvering of the glass :eek:
DAHIKT :rolleyes:

Paul
 
I'm impressed... Sent yesterday 2nd class, arrived today. Focussing is properly odd compared to what I'm used to, as is having the shutter speed dial on the lens. View attachment 9222
Can't wait to run a film through it.
As an aside, I think I'm in love with slide film, having just received my first roll back from developing.
 
Right, I've run a film through it and... there's some crap on the lens making everything soft. However, its not on the rear or front elements, but appears to be on an element just behind the shutter. Any idea how I'd get to that to clean it?
image by VirtualAdept, on Flickrimage by VirtualAdept, on Flickr
 
It's quite involved, was it sold as in good condition, is it too late to send it back?
 
The best thing you can do is send it back, if possible, because you will have to open some parts of the lens to clean it and doesn't worth the price you have payed for the camera.
 
RaglanSurf said:
It's quite involved, was it sold as in good condition, is it too late to send it back?
Click to expand...

No... like a muppet I've already left feedback. On the plus side, it was only just over £10, so I shouldn't be surprised.
It was sold in "fair vintage condition", no mention of the condition of the lens. My own fault for not checking prior to sale and immediately upon receipt.
However, I am willing to roll up my sleeves and give a go at cleaning it and if all else fails... buy a replacement, perhaps a zorki that I've lusted after.
 
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