Graflex.org

[djon43]

I've got a Century and three appropriate lenses, but of course only one works with the rangefinder.

The 85mm focuses very accurately, with rangefinder matching ground glass up to about 3'.

I envision buying one or two additional Centuries, ignoring probable Ektar/Optar, re-adjusting the rangefinder/s to work with my 135 and/or 250. Is this workable?

I'd like to use one or both of those lenses with rangefinder for their perspective, not for their telephoto effect.

Seems unlikely..should require a cam or similar...is there a replacable arm or other workaround?

It'd be OK if focus worked accurately only within a middle range for individual and couple portraits...need not work accurately for tight shots or medium-to-infinity...
Is there online info about Century rangefinder adjustment?

I'd rather not rely on focus scale

Note...that Graflex tube finder is actually very fine, better than the tubes in digicams and old Leicas

John in Albuquerque

[Top]

I don't think that the Kalart E RF mounted on the Centuries will handle the 250; the longest calibration data I can find is for a 6 3/8" lens.
Top

[djon43]

OK...maybe not 250...can it be adjusted for 135mm? (better portrait length than my 85mm)

Do you happen to have a link that describes adjustment process? Or is it just a matter of tinkering with the obvious adjustment bolt until I find something that works, Vs the ground glass?

Proposed methodology: To set for new focal length, with focusing rails racked all the way back I'd lock the front standard at the new focal length's infinity (found with ground glass). Then, using two pliars/vicegrips I'd adjust the rangefinder (obvious bolt in front, next to bellows assembly) so the rangefinder also showed infinity. Seem correct?

Hard to understand how that rangefinder can, without various cams or other compensating adjusters, work well from my 85mm to 6 3/8" (160mm). Will it? It's very accurate with my 85 at all distances, and that seems a non-standard focal length....

[Dan Fromm]

[Les]

The Kalart uses a double fulcrum system which is what you move by adjusting the two scaled sliders once you open the cover.

The rangefinder itself is identical between a 2x3 and a4x5 but the transmission arm that extends down is much longer on a 4x5 than a 2x3 so the range of lenses will be different. That said, I would think the 135 would work, and I'm certain that a 200mm telephoto would work. But be sure to read the link that Dan Fromm gave you before going in their with plier or vice grips (shudder) More than likely you'll need a dime, penny or nickel and a couple of nice jeweler's screwdrivers.

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[djon]

OK, how about a plumber's wrench? If I screw it up, there's always duct tape...

I guess I just heard the Word from the two best possible sources.

Dan, thanks for the links...I'll study them while playing with a junker 4X5 Kalart...

I gather you're optimistic about 135mm? ...just by adjusting, no parts ?

Again, my goal is to come up with an accurately rangefindered Century with a longer-than-"normal" lens to use for portraits.

I was looking at RB67s and realized that I could do the portraits I want less expensively with a second Century body and an existing lens. Graflex's tube viewfinder's a lot brighter than the RB's screen, for one thing, and two Centuries weigh less than one RB (I think), taking up less space with two lenses.





[ This Message was edited by: djon on 2005-10-17 11:01 ]