FED-2 Instruction manual
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POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
FED 2 RANGEFINDER ADJUSTMENT
It is highly unlikely that the rangefinder may be out of adjustment. You will only know if this is a
problem after you have put a film through the camera. You will be able to ascertain if it needs
adjustment
from
a
selection of photographs
taken at various distances
from infinity right down to
a metre or so. It is also
possible for the distance
scale on the lens to be
slightly out. From my
experiences it is going to
be unusual for a FED 2 to
be out of adjustment and
even if it is I would
recommend that you adjust
it only if it causing you
problems.
1. Rangefinder horizontal alignment
You can adjust the rangefinder horizontal alignment by removing the screw adjacent to the E on the
FED logo seen on the front of camera. Under this screw you will find access to a smaller diameter
screw. Set the lens to infinity and looking through the rangefinder turn the screw very gently using no
force whatsoever so that the two images line up.
2. Rangefinder vertical alignment
You can adjust the rangefinder vertical alignment by removing the circular knurled metal surround
on the rangefinder window adjacent to the letter F or flash socket. Rotate the brass inner ring not the
outer ring. There are two slots opposite each other that you can insert a pin into and turn. Do not use
any force.
I must point out that the rangefinder is only a guide and I cannot emphasize this enough, it is
probably not worth adjusting it even if it is out of adjustment. They are all slightly off; even
contemporary Leicas and Contax rangefinders are slightly out of adjustment at infinity or close up. The
best you can realistically hope for is that it is accurate from 5 metres to infinity or from 1 to 20 metres.
If you are willing to accept these limitations, then the good thing about a long 67 mm base rangefinder
is that it can be particularly accurate at focusing.
The other problem that you can have with rangefinders is that they can be seized up and need to be
freed with some lubricant. If you remove the lens you will see the rangefinder lever and shaft running
through from the lens chamber to the rangefinder chamber lever backwards and forwards. Apply a
small drop of oil to this shaft very carefully working the lever. Do not use any force and be careful not
to get oil everywhere.
