The invention relates to an actuator for a power fold mechanism of a rear view device for a vehicle, which is preferably for a motor vehicle. The actuator includes at least one actuator pin and at least one drive element arranged on the actuator pin to be rotatable at least partially around the actuator pin. At least one first shape memory alloy (SMA) element, in particular having the form of a SMA wire is connected to the at least one drive element. At least one retraction element is connected to the at least one first SMA element and biased by the retraction element.