I understand that this model doesn't have interchangeable cams, but what is the limit of focal lengths that a Kalart can be adjusted to?

I have a Crown adjusted to a transplanted Press Xenar 3.8, but was looking to get another Crown with a 90mm lens if the rangefinder can be adjusted to focus it.

Is it possible to adjust a side rangefinder to a 90mm lens?

Would the bed be in the FOV of a 90?

Any advice appreciated. I was only able to find info on the cammed rangefinder.

*alternatively, where can I find or have made a cam for a 90?

First off, you'll have to drop the bed to use the 90 or it will get seen every time. Been there, done that.

You'll have to use the "backward stop" method of putting one stop on the rear rails on the right side, then pull the standard out, flip up the stop, push the standard back, then drop the bed.

MOst of the literature from Kalart usually talk about normal lenses only, but I was able to adjust a Kalart for an 80 WF on a 2x3 pacemaker, when the isntructions suggested it couldn't be done.

On the other hand,with the longer arm on a 4x5 camera, you'll certainly be at the limit of the Kalart's design.

As for 90mm cams, try the "usual suspects" ebay, Midwest camera exchange, Pacific rim, etc. there are links to camera retailers off of the Graflex home page.

Quote:

On 2006-03-11 05:09, Les wrote: <snip> You'll have to use the "backward stop" method of putting one stop on the rear rails on the right side, then pull the standard out, flip up the stop, push the standard back, then drop the bed. <snip>

Les, there's another way that uses the normal lens' bed stops. Mill a spacer that rides on the bed rails, butts up against the rear of the normal lens' stops. The spacer's cross section is an inverted top hat. The hat's crown rides between the rails, the brim rides on them, and the crown is a tight fit. Put the spacer in, pull the front standard out to it. If the spacer is the right thickness, the front standard will then be at the 90 mm lens' infinity position.

These spacers -- I have two, one from the guy in Reno, the other from SKGrimes -- have another use. When using a lens of any old focal length, using the spacer to position it eliminates unintended swings.

My 1966 Graflex catalog says the
Kalart is used for 80mm-150mm
lenses used on the Century Graphic.

Interesting. Kalart's own booklet gives instructions only in the range 101-105mm for 2x3. But others have reported here that it's possible to go beyond these limits.

I have a 2X3 Speed, on which I just put an 80mm f:2.8 Xenotar. I was able to accurately set up the rangefinder with room to spare. You mentioned cams. Kalart side mounted rangefinders do not use cams. It's all internal adjustments. Rather fiddly, but there is info on this site and folks here can help.