The Rangelite bulb in my 4x5 Graflex Graphic Top RF is burned out. The bulb has a flatter globe than a standard threaded flashlight bulb. Will a standard 2-cell (2.5-3v) screw-base flashlight bulb work in its place? Or was this a special purpose-built bulb for the Rangelite? If so, is this bulb available?

Part number 25794 2 1/4 volt 1/4 amp
This for the top rangefinder
The one I have has never need to be replace since new I would check to see if works it may be the battier compartment or switch
Parts list at http://www.butkus.org/chinon/other_manuals.htm

Good luck
Dave

Thanks for your reply. The lamp is indeed bad. I removed it from the RF and checked it with an ohm meter. Also, examining the lamp with a magnifier reveals an open filament.

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/servicemanual.pdf no request for fee for use.

I think this issue has been discussed on this board sometime with in the last 100 years or so. The Rangelite and Kalart Focuspot bulbs were either special made or hand selected flashlight bulbs for their filament placement.

A regular flashlight bulb will work in the socket but its filaments may not be projected correctly so you may have to try a few bulbs to get one that you can focus correctly with.

Check out a source like this one:

http://www.bulbtown.com/1_4_9_Volt_Light_Bulbs_s/764.htm

May be something below, but the site seems harder to navigate:

http://www.lightingsupply.com/

Try Radio Shack
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062388&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032232

A standard GE #14 (or its now-imported equivalent) 2.47v indicator lamp from the local hardware store worked great! I followed the previous post advice and bought three. One had a nice straight in-line filament and worked better than the other two.

Glad you found some. Better buy more; a very quick search on goog is not encouraging. See also: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Box-of-20-Antique-G-E-Mazda-14-lamp-bulbs-2-5v-30A-D-cells-/271342314036