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[mporter410]

Hello again,

My new Speed Graphic has tow sets of folding infinity stops. Being new to LF I am unsure how use them. I have read that they can be used with different lenses. I have also searched the net for info on setting them with no luck. Mine has a 152mm Ektar on it. I can obtain a sharp focus on close objects using the stops closest to the camera bed (if that helps). I must note that I have not taken any pictures with the camera yet.

Thanks, Mike

[ This Message was edited by: mporter410 on 2004-02-27 10:45 ]

[Les]

Infinity stops give a reference point for the rangefinder.

If you take a look at any monorail view camera you'll notice they don't have infinity stops, you simply mount the lens and rack the front standard until its in focus on the ground glass.

But the rangefinder needs to have the lens at a very specific point, and that point needs to be repeatable, or the rangefinder will always be off.

That point will be different for each focal lenght lens, and in reality, will be different for each lens, even if the focal lengths are the same, as each lens will be slightly different.

So to set the inf stops. F ind a tripod, a loupe and a bright object about 1/2 mile or more away. Loosen the stops and pull them out towards the end of the bed. Rack the rails back as far as they can go and lock it. Now focus the lens by pushing and pulling the standard. Make sure it didn't shift when you lock it down. Double check with the loupe. Once that's done, bring the stops up in front of the standard until they touch and lock them with their screws.

Ta Da! Inf stops set.

While every thing is there, set the inf lines on the focus scale. Focus scales change with focal lenght too, so it might not be correct, but you can tell by ground glass focusing on a close object -- say 6ft and then looking at the scale to see if it's right. you can make your own scale with two pieces of tape too.

[mporter410]

Thank you so much for all of the help!