Graflex.org

[colin abercrombie]

I am trying to re-install the actuator arm for the side rangefinder on a Crown Graphic. I followed the instructions posted elsewhere on this site, but I can only get the rangefinder to focus to about 6 feet. Isn't the correct close focus 3 feet? The actuator arm hits the bed brace tracks preventing it from moving forward to focus closer. Simply moving the arm farther out on the rod coming through the body causes other alignment issues. Do I have it right (it focuses well to 6 feet) or am I missing something?

Thanks!

[troublemaker]

Sort of...maybe?
It is hard to say without having the camera in hand.
Probably not right though. The arm that couples the RF to the rails, is the hardest thing to set properly when recalibrating the Kalart.
Provided the Kalart is in good working order, and the lens you are intending to adjust it for is of focal length that is within the feasable working range of the finder, you should be able to getitright with a bit of help and patience.
The only thing I can derive from your comments is that the arm may be set too far forward, which is bad because when you run the rails back allthe way the RF mechanisms may be getting pushed beyond thier range etc...
Another thing to know is that the proper position of the arm in relation to the body is so that the arm will stop its outward movement when it touches the bed brace locking arm. The arm's contact point with the rails, the adjustable eccentric, should catch the arm when the rails are run back into it, and the coupling arm should find its seat in the groove of the eccentric properly of its own accord. Thus you should be able to run your rails out and back when ever and have the arm always back in its proper place no matter.
Now here's what I do when I replce an arm.
Run the rails out of the way so the arm will clear the eccentric. Take the camera outside and while looking through the RF, manipulate the arm inside and see if you are getting full range from just beyond infinity objects miles away. If not, you will bring the arm forward. Loosen thelock nut some and let the RF spring forward to its relaxed position. IT may help to bring the arm way up, re-snug the lock screw and manipultae the arm again while looking through the RF to familiarize yourself with the point where it goes beyond infinity. Then loosen the arm, and take it back down and withthe lock screw just loose enough to let it turn on the shaft, find the sweet spot where it will stop on the edge of the bed brace (chrome bed locking arm). Snug the arm there lightly and see if the coupling arm will seat on the eccentric when you bring the rails back into the body. Then mark the arm with a Sharpie so you have a reference. Then move the rials so that the eccentric is about 3/4" away from its contact point withthe arm. Loosen the arm. Then lift the arm so that it will move past the bed brace and make contact with the eccentric, and with the arm at the proper place on the shaft, or close, re-snug the lockscrew. Now, take the camera back outside and see if the RF will make infinity or beyond on objects far far away. If the arm stops before going to the back of the camera body, and way past infinity according to the mirrors, means you hit the limit of the internal limit of the Kalart; simply keep moving the arm as mentioned above until you get the arm so that you can push the arm just passed infinity.
Ideally you will end up with the eccentric set neutral and with RF making infinity with 1/16 to 1/8" forward adjustment from the most reward movement of the rails.
I have a couple camera bodies here taken apart if you want a couple photos to assist. It can take hours to refit a Kalart the way I like them. So be patient as it really is a back and forth rechecking resetting process.

[ This Message was edited by: troublemaker on 2006-12-25 22:00 ]

[colin abercrombie]

Thank you for the instructions!

Colin

[bertsaunders]

Colin,
Email me at
bsaunders1@bak.rr.com
I have instructions for adjusting the RF, and setting the arm!
Have a nice day........Bert