Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping you might be able to help me.

I've been trying to find instructions on how to calibrate this Kalart rangefinder but all I can find is for modern or early rf's not the one I have.


As you can see it has top and rear external adjustment screws


I focused to infinity using the ground glass, set the infinity stops and set the rangefinder to infinity as well.


But now I can't figure out how to adjust the rf to other distances like 15-20' or 4-5' without undoing the infinity.

Bonus pic... This is the connecting arm


Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

ps... I used the search feature and I've spent several hours hunting the web and ...nothing about this particular model.

Cheers!
Ron

You must have missed
https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6684
AND
https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6693

45PSS wrote:

You must have missed https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6684 AND https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6693

Thanks 45PSS, I didn't miss them. Unfortunately that model is different from the one on my camera, it is the early model with the adjustment slides for 4 and 15' on the outside and the synchronizing arm attaches at the top of the rangefinder unlike mine which attaches at the bottom. I appreciate the help though.

Cheers!
Ron

I don't recall ever seeing one that has the operating arm on the bottom.
The easliest model had the arm on the outside of the camera body.
My Pre Anniversary does not have a side RF.
Its possible someone modified the one on yoir camera. All Kalart RF I've seen operate/calibrate similar, once you're familiar with them other versions are easy to figure out.

The Graflex serial number is on the bottom side of the camera top, handle side.

https://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/kalartmain/index.html

Infinity shifts as you adjust the other distances so you have to work through the secquence a few times to get it correct. A dirty, sticky RF is a PITA to adjust, a clean, smooth movement one is a breeze.

45PSS wrote:

I don't recall ever seeing one that has the operating arm on the bottom. The easliest model had the arm on the outside of the camera body. My Pre Anniversary does not have a side RF. Its possible someone modified the one on yoir camera. All Kalart RF I've seen operate/calibrate similar, once you're familiar with them other versions are easy to figure out. The Graflex serial number is on the bottom side of the camera top, handle side. https://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/kalartmain/index.html Infinity shifts as you adjust the other distances so you have to work through the secquence a few times to get it correct. A dirty, sticky RF is a PITA to adjust, a clean, smooth movement one is a breeze.

Thank 45!

I'll give that a try. I've also got another 3x4 with the Kalart described in the link above so I may disassemble it to get familiar with the workings like you said.

Thanks for the help!!!
Ron

Quote:

I don't recall ever seeing one that has the operating arm on the bottom.

Have one in a box of cheap rangefinders I purchased on ebay. I had forgotten about it and came across it looking for something else.
Very similar to a Type F.
Kalart bottom actuator rangefinder:
https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6886

45PSS wrote:

Quote: I don't recall ever seeing one that has the operating arm on the bottom. Have one in a box of cheap rangefinders I purchased on ebay. I had forgotten about it and came across it looking for something else. Very similar to a Type F. Kalart bottom actuator rangefinder: https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6886

Thanks for all the advice 45,

I just developed my first roll (I was using the "23" graphic, 120 roll back) and the rangefinder seems to be accurate. Now I just need to work on framing

Dali Clock by Ron, on Flickr