Graflex.org

nelsjohn · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Wisconsin, USA

Greetings, This is my first posting. I recently purchased off eBay a Crown Graphic (J1B) with an Graflex Optar 135mm s/n920555. I seem to have problems getting an accurate focus. When using the rangefinder the two objects never completely align. They will get parallel to each other, but not totally overlap. Is this normal? If not what is the problem? I also don't seem to have the automatic parallax feature as I have noticed my negatives not being correctly aligned, particularly at very close distance. Lastly, how can I tell if I have the original lens and thus the correct stops? Thanks much for any help you can provide. Nels

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

"They will get parallel to each other, but not totally overlap. Is this normal? If not what is the problem?"

No, it isn't. Sounds like your rangefinder needs an alignment. There are illustrated instructions for this on the Graflex.org site if you want to try it yourself. Do a little research there.

"I also don't seem to have the automatic parallax feature as I have noticed my negatives not being correctly aligned, particularly at very close distance."

Sorry, but you've stumped me there. The only "parallax features" I know of are the adjustment on the optical viewfinder where you adjust it according to the measurement, in feet, from the film to the subject, and a similar adjustment on the wire finder. Those adjustments are NOT accurate, only an approximation. They are especially rough at close distances, so what you are seeing is common.

"Lastly, how can I tell if I have the original lens and thus the correct stops?"

Check the image on the ground glass with the measurement on the focus scale. That's about as close as you will get. I assume you mean by "correc stops" that the infinity stops are in the right place. The above test should confirm that.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

By Feb of 71 this should be a top rangefinder model and the rear sight of the viewfinder is a piece of flexible stainless with a hole in it. As the RF moves this hole moves too.
I'm guessing the cam in the RF is missing. Probably the best thing to do is find either an owner's manual or a Pacemaker repair manual, and look at the photos (check out http://www.southbristolviews.com for manuals) Without knowing what you are looking at, it's very hard to describe.

C. Henry · Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 1:46 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the Graflex.org Forums.
You will probably get more replies on your question if you post it on the "Speed Graphic Help" forum.

C. Henry

nelsjohn · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Wisconsin, USA

Many thanks to all that replied to my questions and need for help. You have confirmed my suspicions that there was something amiss with the camera. It has been sent in for repairs plus a good cleaning and lubricating to bring it up to a delightful condition once again. Thanks again. Nels