Graflex.org

Rider · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 14

I am new to Speed Graphics. My model is, I think, an early Pacemaker (Kalart rangefinder on the side).

The sole lens that I have mounted on a Speedgraphic at the moment is an Ysaron 127mm. In the future I plan to add a 220mm barrel lens--Wolensak Verito (in order to take advangtage of the Speedg Graphics shutter)--and a 360mm Tele-Xenar.

It seems that the infinity stops and rangefinder are calibrated for a somewhat longer lens than the 127mm. I reach infinity at 6-8 feet, and the rangefinder is pretty close to that.

Should I bother moving the infinity stops (and looking for a compatible scale) and recalibrating the rangefinder, or live with it as is?

Henry · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:48 pm Post subject:

Entirely up to you, of course, but if I were you I would calibrate the Kalart for the lens that you plan to use the most for hand-held work. If desired, you can add more infinity stops and scales for your other lenses.

I own, and use, five lenses with my Century (65, 101, 103, 135, 203). Camera left Rochester calibrated for the 103; I re-cal'd it for the 101, but I'm going to switch back to the 103 because it's in a self-cocking Century (Wolly) shutter, which is mighty convenient for hand-held work. Also, I just acquired a Graflite Jr. and I need a reliable "M" synch.

Finally, it seems to me that's it's somewhat of a waste to have a Kalart on the camera and not use it for anything!

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2148 Location: New Jersey

Opinions differ, so do shooting styles.

If you think you'll shoot handheld very much, and with only one lens, then take the trouble. You won't regret it.

If you think you're not going to shoot handheld, or with many lenses, there's no point wasting the time.

I'm in the second group, many others are in the first. Decide for yourself which approach suits you better.

Rider · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 14

In case I go ahead with the recalibration, I haven't been able to find instructions for calibrating this particular model.

Henry · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject:

Well, you came to the right place, pardner! Try this on:

http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/kalart-adjustment.html

Good luck. (editorial comment: a root canal is more pleasant, but the end result is worth the pain.)

Rider · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 14

Thank you all very much. I have a trip coming up in less than a week, so I might try to do this before I go.

David A. Goldfarb · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 142 Location: New York City

Even if you don't shoot handheld, the rangefinder can be handy for other uses, such as portraits or with any kind of moving subject, so you can check the focus with a filmholder ready to shoot in the back.

If you use more than one lens, and if you have focusing scales for all your lenses and one calibrated lens, you can use the rangefinder as an uncoupled rangefinder with the other lenses. Say you calibrate your rangefinder for 127mm, but you're shooting with a 360mm lens. You focus with the rangefinder, read the distance from the 127mm scale, and adjust the focus so that the pointer points to the same distance on the 360mm scale.

Rider · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 14

I am stumped by the first step. How to take off the rangefinder cover?

Should I take off the flash bracket first?

45PSS · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:31 am Post subject:

If the flash bracket covers the RF, Yes.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Rider · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 14

I haven't started and I have a plane to catch in 4 hours.

Throw in the towel for now?

45PSS · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:48 am Post subject:

do it when you get back.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.