Hey y'all. I was wondering if anyone could help the village idiot get his rangefinder to match the focus? I have a Super Graphic with the 90mm Optar; and yes, it has the correct Super Graphic RF cam, (#4). However, no matter how I try, I cannot get the RF split-image, the focus, or the range scale pointer on the top to agree with one another. I have spent hours with a loup getting the infinity stops as perfect as possible for the image on the ground glass, but the image in the rangefinder, (the yellow square)is then way off. I can't back the infinity stops any farther back on the bed as I have alreasy moved that little silver triangular thingamajig that stops the metal ribbon as far back as it will go.

Help!!!

"I have alreasy moved that little silver triangular thingamajig that stops the metal ribbon as far back as it will go."

I would venture a guess that this is your problem. You should NOT have moved that. It is an integral part of the rangefinder and is set at a particular position just like any other part of the rangefinder. If can possibly see the original mark from the screw, try to get it back into it's original position!

As to the infinity stops. If you had to move the rangefinder arm/tab to get the stop in the right place, you probably doon't have the right infinty stop! For the 90mm, the left side stop (where that tab is) was only half as long as the other stop. This allowed it to get into position while the tab stayed where it belonged.

If you don't have the right stop, your option would be to only place the stop on the right side. This is slightly more hazardous with a Super because of the front swing, but it can be done just fine as long as you're careful with the front standard placement.

Do you have another lens and cam? If so, you can go through all the checks to make sure you have the tab in the right place.

Reference and to be quoted from the "GOOD BOOK" alais Super Graphic and Super Speed Graphic Service Instructions and Parts Catalog.

Prerequisite: Rangefinder assembly installed and calibrated by the "Factory" once upon a time in the distant past and not tampered with since. Lens and lens board with "matching" cam from the "factory".

Quote:

The Good Book, paragraph

E. Rangefinder Infinity
Rangefinder infinity is determined through the use of a collimator and using theoretical infinity. Special optical equipement and guages are required for locating and aligment of the moveable mirror. When these adjustments have been accomplished, the locking screw on the rangefinder arm is tightned to maintain this fixed infinity setting. <font color=red>This locking screw should not be loosened</font>.


F. Double Image Adjustment
1. Remove battery cover and batteries.
2. Remove clip and locate the lock spring on the roof of the battery compartment and swing toward rear of camera. This will release the focusing scale cover assembly.
3. Remove the exposure guide and exposure guide spring. When preforming this operation be carefull not to bend or twist the focusing scale indicator on the pinion shaft, otherwise it will be necessary to replace the indicator.
4. Remove the lens cam; this in turn will allow the focusing scale indicator to swing clear of the focusing scale plate.
5. Replace the lens cam in slot in rangefinder tube.
6. With a screwdriver, locate slot in adjusting screw (located under hole) in uncovered portion of the camera body. To raise image, turn adjusting screw counterclockwise. To lower image, turn adjusting screw clockwise.


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 the 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 bed yoke in this position.

<U>NOTE</U>: It is important that 0.040 +/- .010 dimension 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 enguages 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 on pinion shaft so that indicator will point inginity location on focusing scale plate. Apply small amount of M373 Bond Master adheasive 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).

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 form the camera and returned to the nearest Graflex Service Department.

Quote:

End of quote of the Good Book

Reassembly is reverse of disassembly.
_________________
Graflex Corp.was a supporter of Rain Forest Devastation.





<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2006-02-04 22:16 ]</font>

Which is my best response: "oops"; (quoting Homer Simpson) "Doh"; or "oh shi*t"?

"Doh" would be my choice

Don't worry. There's little you could do that can't be undone.

Do you have another lens with good cam that used to work on the camera?

If not, then you just have to follow the instructions for repositioning the bracket.

And if all else fails, there's Fred Lustig.

What did you move?
Actuating bracket, resetting a piece of cake.
Moveable mirror actuating arm, smash your fingers and thumbs with a hammer and anvil then call Fred.
3/16 crescent moon works fine as a test target when high in the late afternoon or early evening sky.