Graflex.org

[R_J]

Does anyone use a viewing cam, coupled or uncoupled with a Schneider Super Angulon 47mm f5.6 lens?

I've left the infinity stops calibrated for a 105mm Kodak Ektar which I've found is beautifully sharp after polishing. Since I can mark 47mm infinity extensions on the front rails, the depth of field seems to be wide enough to cover most things if calibrated for 2 metres to infinity.

Any ideas for a viewing cam?


Regards,

[alecj]

I assume you're using the term "cam" in reference to the rangefinder. Sorry, RJ but the Century did not have the Graflex RF. The Kalart RF is adjusted for each lens. No cams for Century cameras.

If you're talking about the optical viewfinder, then No, there's no viewfinder for that lens adaptable to the Century unless you install a regular shoe and use an external viewfinder from another system.

I enjoyed using that lens with my Century. I focused and composed on the GG. Magnificant images.

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2005-08-18 14:49 ]

[Dan Fromm]

[R_J]

[I assume you're using the term "cam" in reference to the rangefinder.]

That's right. I see that this isn't possible now. Slowly I'm warming to using the Century Graflex.

Here's one improvised answer to my own question. A hotshoe glued onto the Century for a Voigtlander 15mm viewfinder approximates the field of view for the Schneider Super Angulon 47mm better than a Voigtlander 21mm viewfinder (borrowed from a 35mm camera).

Looking through the posts, Dave Parker's Satinsnow screens come up with high recommendations so I'll be pleased to see an image and then some on the groundglass. I see nothing other than the brightest light sources on my current glass.

Dan - thanks for the drain pipe idea. I have a few metres to start working with. Drain pipes also make excellent chambers for standing development of 35mm and 120mm film. Using a 47mm S.A. and 105mm Ektar is more than sufficient, however I'm tempted to try and get a 77.5mm Micronar lens onto the Graflex now.

Kind regards,

RJ

[Dan Fromm]

[45PSS]

R_J,
Remove the groundglass and fresnell (ektalite screen) if equiped and wash in warm water with dishwashing liquid. Dawn works well. Rub gently with finger tips only on both the groundglass and ektalite and follow the rings on the ektalite not across them. Rince with a few drops of Photoflo in the final rince and allow to air dry. Reassemble ektalite rings facing the rear of the camera then etched (frosted) side of groundglass facing ektalite rings/lens. You will see up to a 25% increase in brightness depending on how much buildup is present even if you have cleaned with windex or simular. The satin snow is the next step up.
Charles

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[R_J]

Thank you for your replies.

That's correct Dan. I've disassembled the front Micronar and it is welted into an oblong shutter unit which won't let me extract the lens elements. That's correct again - I love 6x6cm format and use a RH12 back on the Graflex sometimes.

I have a Copal 0 shutter however the aperture only goes down as far as f4.5....looking for ideas for f3.8.

About the finders - the 15mm works with the groundglass fine, because it is not a fresnel - I followed Charles' recommendation and the focussing is no more than a sheet of frosted glass. Consequently the light loss obscures the margins of the 15mm. It works much better than the 21mm viewfinder in this instance.

Thanks Charles - I've ordered a Satinsnow but I won't get to use it for sometime until I return to England again.

Kind regards,

RJ

[Dan Fromm]