Graflex.org

[wlewisiii]

Good Morning,

Despite searching the site, I've been unable to determine what focal length the RF on this Anniversery Speed Graphic. It is a Hugo Meyer and the model number appears to be 4C. Can anyone tell me more about this RF? It appears to be functional but it and the ground glass vehemently disagree with a 127/4.7 Ektar mounted.

If this is something already here, a pointer to it is fine.

Thank you in advance,

William
(edited for spelling)

[ This Message was edited by: wlewisiii on 2005-02-17 06:23 ]

[RichS]

[t.r.sanford]

If the lens and the rangefinder agree at infinity, but diverge thereafter, you could measure the distance that the track moves forward when you focus the rangefinder on something four feet away, then work back from that excursion to determine the focal length corresponding to it.

The formula can be found in the "Focal Encyclopedia of Photography" (and, no doubt in many other sources too). If you want to take the time to try this but don't have a copy handy, I can look it up for you.

[glennfromwy]

Hugo Meyer rangefinders were made to match a specific focal length lens and at most, will only have very minor adjustment capability. Maybe none. I've found that the easiest way to cope with them is to gently place it in the nearest trash receptacle and install a Kalart. By the way, if it's on a 4X5 camera, it's likely to be set for a 135mm lens.

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[wlewisiii]

Interesting information folks. It would, I suppose be more sensible to get a Kalart, however I do have a 135mm Optar in my parts pile. That shutter is really bad, I wonder if the elements would swap to the #2 Supermatic I have on there right now? At least then I could test the RF against a possibly correct FL.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

William

[Top]

I do know that a #5 Hugo meyer RF is for the 15cm (150mm) focal lenght. I'd think that the #4 would fit the 135mm, with the letter codes to specify different manafactures.
Following this logic, #3 would fit a 127, #2 a 105, and #1 100/101mm. All are common focal lenghts for various size Speed graphic cameras.
Just a theory, but sounds good so far......
Top

[glennfromwy]

It's doubtful that the elements would interchange but if you can get the Optar to stay open on "T", at least you can do a ground glass comparison to see if it's right. Good luck-----

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[wlewisiii]

After a bit of puttering today, I'd be willing to bet that the #4 is for 135mm. It's still a bit off, but within the range for an out of adjustment RF. I'll need to work on that more.

I believe this one came from the factory with a 135 rather than the 127 I got it with as looking through the 135 gives me an FOV that matches the viewfinder on the top of the camera. It'll be interesting to see how this all relates when I actually get to the point of being able to put film through it.

Thank you all for your hints, tips and suggestions. I greatly appreciate the assistance.

William

[tbob38]

I have a speed graphic with a Hugo #4 PG on it with a 127 Ektar. It's right on and I believe it to be all original.

[wlewisiii]

Much later, I've begun using the camera of late and earlier this evening decided that since I didn't think I could use the rangefinder, I'd remove it from the camera and save a little wieght. Imagine my surprise when, once off, it says undernieth "Anniversary Speed Graphic Model 4C 5 in or 127 mm"

So it really is the one for my 127mm lens, which then probably is the original lens for the camera...

I've printed the RF calibration instructions and will have at it in the morning. I just wanted to post this so that if anyone needs to know that the Hugo Meyer 4C is for a 127mm lens, they can find it from the search function.

Thanks again to everyone here.

William