Graflex.org

[kvanderlaag]

Hello, everyone,

I've recently purchased a Century Graphic 23 from a fellow I know on another forum for a quite reasonable price, given that the thing still works. On that note, even though it works, it does so at the expense of...well, what one might call all the little 'extras' -- You know. Viewfinder, wire finder, Kalart, handle...

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that the easiest way to find most of these parts is by finding a beater camera I can cannibalize (though I did manage to find a Kalart through Equinox.) I could almost undoubtedly live without the wire finder, and probably the handle, but I think the optical viewfinder is going to be an undeniable need. (It's just got the 103mm f/4.5 Graftar on it.) Is anyone here aware of a place I might find just this part? It's not a huge issue, I'd just rather find the part I need instead of having to take up an entire camera that someone else could use to find it.

I suppose I'm just glad it came with the spring-loaded groundglass back!

On a less important note, since the Century is missing all of these parts, there's no screws or anything that they look like they were attached with -- is there any particular measurement or threading of screws that I'm going to need when I get, say, the Kalart? I think instructions for adjusting the rangefinder coupling to match the lens were pretty simple (though it appears to have been made easier by the fact that the lens is already set up properly, and just the rangefinder needs to be matched to it) but I've been looking at the way the camera's set up, and I'm not positive I can figure out how it even couples, so don't hold me to that, I may be back!

The mounting screws are really worrying me, though.

Thanks!
-Keegan

[Henry]

I'll go out on my own limb and state that you'll likely find that mounting holes are already present on your Century---at least, they were in mine for the optical finder on top, and I daresay you'll find them on the side for the Kalart. Feel around the leatherette, or better yet, peer inside the case with a flashlight for holes coming through on the inside. These holes were cast into the Mahoganite case at time of manufacture.

I'm a bit puzzled that yours lacks the wire frame finder; it must have been removed, because it came standard on the Century. Do you have the spring-loaded peepsite that swivels up from the topside back of the case?

This next opinion is controversial and you'll doubtless get several different "takes" on the matter, but frankly I have found the optical finder to be of very limited value. I went to the trouble and expense (about $35US) of purchasing one from a dealer in w. PA who is no longer in business (Stephen Shuart), and easily affixed its special mounting plate on top, using the aforementioned pre-cast holes and the little extra-cost collection of hardware. But I don't use the finder at all, since I rarely hand-hold the camera (preferring tripod and ground glass focussing), but when I do I find that the wire frame finder (a/k/a "sports finder") is quite sufficient and a lot more fun, like the press photogs of old.

OTOH, the Kalart is quite indispensible in certain situations, e.g., low-light where the ground glass image would be too dim, and it's good that you will be getting one ready to install. A source for screws and other parts is Fred Lustig in NV; you'll have to phone him with your list (775-746-0111) as he doesn't have email.

Good luck!





[ This Message was edited by: Henry on 2006-06-02 13:26 ]

[kvanderlaag]

Thanks, Henry!

My Century does have the holes aforementioned -- I wasn't sure if they went through all the way, before, but now I've seen that they do, so yes, I feel rather silly now, though I'm no longer entirely sure just how things mount through them. This is a bit of an awkward experience because it's my first Graphic (that was probably apparent) and I don't know anyone around here who still uses them, let alone knows how to fix them. As a result, I'm probably going to end up asking a lot of stupid questions.

The wire finder does appear to have been removed (the previous owner used it only on a tripod with groundglass anyways) but I'd definitely settle for one of those, too, only that I imagine masking it for 6x6 is a little harder than masking the optical viewfinder? Correct me if I'm wrong. The rangefinder is crucial either way, though, I agree. (My other camera is a Leica, so I'm all about the rangefinder.)

Thank you also for the reference to a source of mounting hardware, though I'm slightly worried with having to phone in a list of what I need, since I don't even know what I need!

Maybe this is the worst idea ever, but I'm quite eager to try the Century out for street shooting, as it is fairly lightweight, and an absolute blast to shoot! I don't have any real problems focusing with the groundglass on a tripod, and I've already started doing so, but it'd be nice to have this thing completed just for versatility.

[45PSS]

kvanderlaag,
the only stupid question is the one that is not ask and results in personel injury or equipement damage.

_________________
Graflex Corp.was a (silent) supporter of Rain Forest Devastation.

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2006-06-02 19:46 ]

[Henry]

When your Kalart arrives you can call Fred and describe what you've got; he should be able to fill in the blanks and get you what is needed (provided he has them in his stock).

For the optical finder you will need the right mask for 6x6. The mask is piece of stamped metal with the appropriately-sized opening, which is inserted into a slot at the front of the finder. Graflex made many of these in all sizes for different focal lengths/formats, and each has a number stamped on it. There's a list of these masks somewhere on this site; try the "Search" feature on this page and on the site's home page.

For 6x6 with the sports finder you could rig up something simple such as a couple of pieces of string of proper length, tied on so as to frame a square (they would go slack when the finder is collapsed). Or just mark the frame with "permanent" marker and project a square in the mind's eye from those indices.