I'm in possession of a Crown Graphic Special which was last used over 30 years ago. It has had batteries in the top mounted Graphlex range finder over this time period. When I opened the battery compartment corrosion was rampant. I cleaned it as best I could with electrical contact cleaner using a cotten swab and a toothbrush. However, the "spring action" of the positive contacts has disappeared and pressing the red button doesn't push the batteries far enough for them to make contact.

If I remove the two screws on the top of the rangefinder can I get inside to see if I can bend those contacts to the proper position or am I likely to get myself in trouble trying to do that? I'm assuming I'm not the first to run into this problem, has anyone out there a standard solution? Could a good camera repair shop handle this or is it likely I will have to purchase a new rangefinder?... and if I do have to get a new one.. are they available on line?

Any and all help greatly appreciated!!

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I'm in possession of a Crown Graphic Special which was last used over 30 years ago. It has had batteries in the top mounted Graflex range finder over this time period. When I opened the battery compartment corrosion was rampant. I cleaned it as best I could with electrical contact cleaner using a cotten swab and a toothbrush.

You're on the right track.

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If I remove the two screws on the top of the rangefinder can I get inside to see if I can bend those contacts to the proper position or am I likely to get myself in trouble trying to do that?

Bending things will get you into trouble every time.
Removing the two screws and lifting the top RF cover up will give you access to the battery comaprtment, range light, and RF mirrors.
Household baking soda works well to nuterlize battery acid. To use: wet area with water, sprinkle with baking soda, when chemical action has (bubling) has ended wash with clean water. Prime and paint metal. I'll let you decide if you want to put water on the top of your camera or not but the cover would be easy and not cause a problem.
Once you have the rest of the corrosion removed then reform the battery contacts as needed to get the rangelite to work. Be sure to check the bulb.
You can go to another members web site and down load a copy, in pdf format, of a Top Rangefinder Service manual for reference. Just look for the graflex manuals links at http://www.southbristolviews.com/ .
Charles

Charles

Thanks for the tip on where to get the manual! I've downloaded it and will study it before attempting to fix the thing myself.

Ted-

Hi,

Check out http://www.carlvogt.com

Under Hobbies you will see a 4x5 top rangefinder with diagrams and dimensions for replacing corroded metal battery box parts.

Carl used to be a regular here, but he has dropped off the radar screen as of late.

Recently, someone on eBay was auctioning/selling some replacement battery box parts for a top rangefinder. You might keep an eye out there.

Thanks TS! That's a great tip and I've saved the URL in my Favorites list.
I solved the problem by cleaning things with water and soda as recommended by Charles, but at some point in the future I may decide to make and install some new strips.

Ted-