Graflex.org

Arnaud · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 10

Hello,

I just got one of these cameras with an Optar lens. It looks very clean but I can't understand it.

The Century has a Kalart rangefinder and groundglass. When the ground glass is in focus, the Kalart is not. When the Kalart is in focus, I can just about see an image. Which one is likely to be off? The Kalart?

I don't understand how to adjust the rangefinder. For instance - does it cope with a 101mm lens? Just say I use a 65mm lens - can it synchronise with that?

I wish I had an instruction manualfor the Kalart. I don't know how far to pull the lens bellows out and where to have it locked before shoocking.

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

Arnaud:

First let me start with the admonition that answers to most of your questions are available on the main Graflex.org site. For instance there is a Kalart Range Finder manual there which demonstrates how to adjust your rangefinder.

In cases such as this, the thing to trust is the ground glass. Assuming the lens standard is locked on the infinity stops previously set for that lens, it's the rangefinder that will need adjusting.

Chances are the rangefinder on the camera was originally set for a 101mm lens since that was the standard lens for this camera. This rangefinder does not have cams, so you would have to reset it [not an easy task since you must also change, or add another set of infinity stops] if you want to use a 65mm lens [yes, it can be used on this camera - but remember the focusing scale on the camera will need to be changed too if you intend to use it].

In use, once the bed is locked down, you pull the lens standard out to the infinity stops and lock it there. I suspect once you do that you'll find the rangefinder and ground glass [and focus scale] are all in agreement. Let's hope so.

Several useful manuals may be found here:
http://www.southbristolviews.com/ However, the one for your camera is not included. There are lots of sites where you can purchase the manual, e.g. John Craig's site.

Arnaud · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 10

I looked at the information. But there's too much. Too many new words. It's going to take me a long time just to understand it all.

Looks like my Century Graphic is missing a lot of bits! It has a Kalart rangefinder, but no focusing light. I don't have a graflok back on it. It has an Optar lens which has a lensboard (at least).

I don't know about this...

Arnaud · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 10

And it has no wire frame viewfinder either!!

Shall I ask the seller for a refund? It looks like mine has had all its bits stripped off ;(

Maybe I should have got one of the other 2x3" cameras?

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

You're looking at some major expenses if you want to make that camera usable. Unless it was an extraordinary bargain, I would return it for a refund.

These cameras are a handful, even when everything is there. You've really got to be knowledgable and experienced to get something meaningful out of one missing so many parts.

BTW, that light you mentioned is not standard equipment. It is called a Focuspot. It is most often added as an accessory.

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2005-07-27 19:57 ]