Graflex.org

John W · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Seattle, WA

Hi all,

I'm now the proud parent of a new(-to-me) Super Graphic. A first-pass inspection of the camera suggests that it's generally in great shape, except for one matter. I'm not seeing any double-image in the rangefinder. As such, I'm looking for troubleshooting suggestions.

The RF needle moves as the lens is racked in and out. The RF cam is installed and looks fine. That's about as far as I've gotten. I'm beginning to wonder whether the mirror has desilvered.

Thanks,
John

BrianShaw · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 71 Location: Los Angeles, CA

Double check that the cam is correctly inserted and working. Also double check that neither of the rangefinder windows are obstructed. Also, do you have a battery door in place?

John W · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Seattle, WA

Thanks for the suggestions. As it happens, the first things I checked were the RF windows and whether the cam was present and enagaing the RF mechanism correctly; all of those appear to be fine. However, the battery door wassn't installed -- I wasn't aware that might be an issue. Unfortunately, putting in batteries and the door doesn't seem to help much.

BrianShaw · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 71 Location: Los Angeles, CA

You must be frustrated. Have you tried covering the left-side viewfinder/rangefinder window to see if there is any image at all from the right-side of the rangefinder?

John W · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Seattle, WA

Grand idea. Covering the left RF window (as facing the front of the camera) shows only a dim, smudgy partial patch of light -- but no image. And after a bit more inspection, there's a small rattling that comes from the top of the camera as it's tilted back and forth. Fun!

At this point, I'm going to have to open it up to get a look at the RF, assess the damage, and see what can be done for it. I note a seller on eBay who has reprints of the Super Graphic's service manual; I haven't found a copy online thus far. Between that and graflex.org's page on RF repair, hopefully I'll be able to get the RF into shape again.

BrianShaw · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 71 Location: Los Angeles, CA

Hmmm, "something rattling" doesn't sound very good. If I recall the Super Graphic manual is one of the few manyals not yet on-line somewhere. I seem to recall buying a hardcopy a long time ago. You'll find it interesting... and usefull if you need to open the camera up.

Rick from OZ · Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 11:14 am Post subject:

John,

Not sure if the link will work, but regular contributor "45PSS" posted a full rangefinder calibration step by step - last accessed 28MAR2007
http://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=4647

Hope it helps,
Rick from OZ