Mamiya 7: Impact Damage to Rangefinder, Frame Lines and Flash Sync
Originally posted on Instagram. Notes from the repair bench, kept here as a searchable archive. View the original on Instagram
This Mamiya 7 had impact damage and due to that, the rangefinder and frame finder lines needed attention. Also the top cover trauma caused the flash sync connection to be not operative. In addition, the viewfinder mask was a bit skewed. Standard calibration of the rangefinder for infinity, one meter and vertical was done and frame lines adjusted using all three test lenses: 150mm, 80mm and 65mm.
Photo two shows the view after the top cover was removed and the bent viewfinder mask can be seen. To the left of the viewfinder mask is the frame finder adjustment assembly. Photo four shows the final step in frame finder adjustment and that is locking the adjusting screw with sealer (I use a red colored lacquer).
Photo five is of one of my gripes: please do not attach glued on parts with adhesives that are not made to be removed (Pliobond is suggested). The wind lever cover in this camera was glued down with some adhesive that did not want to be removed. When parts for these cameras were available from Mamiya, it was OK to deform a part to remove it because you had a replacement. Not so any more. And, if you look closely at photo four you can see lots of excess glue on the wind lever. On the Mamiya 6/7, this glue can actually cause the wind lever to loosen as it can loosen the left hand thread wind lever screw when the lever is pushed to the rest position.
Final rant: please do not overtighten screws and retainers on these cameras. These parts are not head bolts on a gas engine that need 100 ft. lbs of torque to install. I say this because on this camera, several retainers were extremely tight and that is using the correct Mamiya tools for removal. Also, no red high strength lock sealer. Please?
