Graflex.org

campy · Joined: 23 Sep 2002 Posts: 51 Location: mass.

I have a crown graphic with a top rangefinder. When I focus thru rangefinder and then check the ground glass the image on the glass is not focused. Which is correct the rf or the glass? Shouldn't both be the same. Is there a procedure to correct that I should know?
Thanks

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

the image on the ground glass is the same image that will hit the film, so that's the one that counts.

Now Top Rangefinders used a cam to allow the moving mirror to imitate the focus of many lenses.

If your double image moves then you have A cam in there, It's just probably not mated for that lens. It also may be out of adjustment. There is a Graflex manual that will help you.

_________________
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bertsaunders · Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2002 3:53 am Post subject:

Ground glass is the sharpest possible method of focusing,(providing it is installed correctly) And if properly setup both should be "close" to the same...sounds as if you have the wrong RF cam for the lens you are using! Bert

campy · Joined: 23 Sep 2002 Posts: 51 Location: mass.

Thanks for responding.
Should I not bother with it? It seems to off only a little. Will depth of field correct it? I will mostly use the glass but I would like to take some candid shots of people.
Thanks

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

If it's consistantly off the same amount then the rangefinder needs adjusting. If its dead on an infinity and gets progressively worse then its the wrong cam.

Depth of field would certainly help, but unless you are using flash, candids of people are usually hand held, thus a fairly open lens to gain shutter speed, and a loss of depth of field.

When in doubt test. Easier on the nerves to thow out a fuzzy shot of the dead flowers in the back yard than the fuzzy shot of the flower girl at your best friends wedding.

larrys · Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 42 Location: SW Ohio

Howdy --
The top-mounted Graflex RF on my newly-acquired Speed was doing nothing. After hitting the manual, I spotted the tube that stopped a bit before the hinge with apparently no contents, no plunger, no bracket on the rail. What are my chances for finding the missing pieces? Should be an early-mid '50's
camera.
thanx,
-ls-

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

I'd call Fred Lustig in Reno NV (look him up in the white pages), he got most of the leftover parts