Graflex.org

Jim23 · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2002 8:36 pm Post subject:

My Super Graphic focusing scale is off by a foot (appx. 3/16" of scale travel). Ground glass and RF are in perfect sync at all distances and at infinity (cam is tracking fine at all distances). I know where the hidden latch is that allows the plastic cover to be removed exposing the distance scale pointer. Is the proper procedure to set the scale simply by turning the pointer on its shaft? Or, lifting off the pointer and re-matching to correct distance? I sometimes rely on the pointer for quick shots at Infinity and this is annoying....

extraparts · Joined: 10 Feb 2002 Posts: 59 Location: texas

As I remember, there are adjustments for everyting under the sheet metal cover, just to the camera's left of the door where you change the cams.

Again as I remember. You will find a shaft with a split bushing on it. You loosen the split bushing, and turn an adjustment screw.

This is all from memory that is from what I did about 2 years ago. If I were you, I wouldn't listen to me.

Shakespeare said.."oft, trying to make better we mar what is well".

Neal

jpmose · Joined: 29 May 2001 Posts: 164 Location: Atlanta, GA

Jim,

For all I know the adjustment may be simple. But, before experimenting and pulling parts apart, I would do the following:

1) Call Fred Lustig in Reno, NV at 775-746-0111. Fred has the parts, repair equipment, technical expertise and sincere interest to assess your problem and provide you with the correct procedure. He could also adjust everything accurately...along with clean and lube which may be the way to go.

2) Send a private message to Bert Saunders on this Help Forum. You will have to look up his code name. I believe it is BERTSAUNDERS but not 100% sure. He restores Graflex's and could give you sound advice. Others probably could as well.

My only concern is damaging something and the part not being readily available to replace it. Don't get me wrong...it may be a simple adjustment...but walk with caution!. It should also be noted that repair manuals are available for Super Graphics, along with most Graflex products. Here are some sources:

http://www.manuals2go.com $8.99 for Super Graphic repair manual

http://www.edromney.com $26 for a Super Graphic repair manual, plus, I think it includes additional information.

http://www.craigcamera.com $15 for Super Graphic repair manual

If you check with Craig Camera and/or search Ebay you may find an original copy but this won't do anything more for you, unless you are a collector like me. Best of luck.

J. P. Mose

_________________
Best regards,

JP Mose

Rick from OZ · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:13 am Post subject:

Sorry, this is probably all a bit late looking at the date on the threads, but:

Did you check:
1. that your infinity stops (where you pull the lens out to on the rails) are correctly located for your lens' infinity focus ?
2. Your rangefinder (Super graphic rangefinder) has the correct rangefinder cam for the lens you are using. They are all different (see graflex.org site)

This may seem obvious to many, but it isn't to everyone, hence the questions.

PS: While Bert has a great wealth of top rangefinder info and so forth, I'm not sure how much he has had to do with Super / Super Speed Graphics. Bert, feel free to jump in here if I have it wrong !

. Rick

[ This Message was edited by: Rick from OZ on 2006-09-16 23:22 ]

RichS · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:43 am Post subject:

A very old thread, but for people who stumble on to it...

Do NOT fiddle with that split shaft adjustment on the Super. It is for the fine infinity setting for the rangefinder mirrors only and has nothing to do with the needle scale on the top. Grafles stated in their repair manual that this adjustment can only be performed at their factory!

That being said... I have adjusted the infinity setting on one of my Supers succesfully and it wasn't even that difficult. If someone was pressed to get a disfunctional Super RF working and had to make this adjustment, I would be more than happy to share my experience with it.

As far as the needle pointer on the top. It's so surprisingly simple you won't believe it. It just a friction fit of the needle on a post. If you undo the spring retainer inside the camera to remove the top plastic cover, you can easily remove or reset the needle's position on the shaft. It's delicate, but easy....

Jim23 · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:29 am Post subject:

I echo the prvious response - there are warnings in the service manual to NEVER loosen the screw on the traveling arm. If you do, the tension spring will immediately release and break the movable mirror right off the mounting....a sure costly repair.

Moving the pointer might be a better idea but please consult the service manual first or someone who can assess this risk....it seems like this shaft has small splines and moving the pointer may result in constant slippage. Perhaps removing and repositioning the pointer may be required. Can anyone qualified comment?

45PSS · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:57 am Post subject:

E. Rangefinder Infinity
Rangefinder infinity is determined through the use of a collimator and using theoretical infinity. Special optical equipement and gages are required for locating and alignment of the movable mirror. When these adjustments have been accomplished, the locking screw on the rangefinder arm is tightned to maintain this fixed infinity setting. This locking screw should not be looseded. See par. K for rangefinders requiring fixed infinity setting.
K. Rangefinder Housing Exchange
Whenever the fixed infinity setting of the rangefinder needs to be established, it is recommended that the rangefinder housing assembly be removed from the camera and returned to the nearest Graflex Service Department. An alternate factory reconditioned rangefinder housing assembly will be returned (nominal charge) with rangefinder infinity and lever adjustments accomplished and ready for installation. See Par. S.1.a thru j for removal of the rangefinder housing assembly.

G. Actuating Bracket Adjustment
Whenever the rangefinder housing has been removed from the camera or the actuating bracket is being replaced or repositioned, the following procedure should be followed:
1. Insert lens cam in cam slot in rangefinder tube assembly and move the yoke inward and outward several times to make sure lens cam is in position and functions properly.
2. Focus rangefinder on infinity target over 5000 ft. and rack the bed yoke inward until it is within 0.040 +-.010 inch from the yoke stop and lock the bed yoke in this position.

NOTE: It is important that 0.040 +-.010 dimemsion be maintained in order that all focusing may be accomplished with a foward movement of the bed yoke.

Slide the actuating bracket on the bed yoke until the formed down portion of actuating bracket engages the slide. Focus rangefinder on infinity target and simultaneously move actuating bracket on bed yoke until rangefinder focus is in coincidence with the infinity target. Secure actuating bracket in this position using two screws. If rangefinder housing has been removed, press new indicator in position on pinion shaft so that indicator will point to infinity (OO) location on focusing scale plate. Apply small amount of M373 Bond Master adhesive in cup portion of indicator to give added support.
3. Assemble the front standard complete, if removed, and proceed with lens and rangefinder synchronization (Par. H).

The above is exact quote of the reprint copy of the factory service manual from Craig Camera that I have.
Indicator is a pressure fit. It is very delicate and easily damaged. Disolve the old M373 Bond Master adhesive with denatured alcohol. Use caution to not get the denatured alcohol on other parts of the camera as it may cause damage to those parts. It can srtip the paint from the indicator also. Indicator is soft metal such as brass or aluminum and relitavley thin.

_________________
Graflex Corp.was a (silent) supporter of Rain Forest Devastation.

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2006-09-10 19:14 ]