Graflex.org

Roger Thoms · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:07 am Post subject: Kalart Rangefinder

I thought I saw an article or post on this site on replacing the mirror in the Kalart rangefinder. Now I can't find it. Any help would be appreciated.

Roger

bruiser · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:17 am Post subject:

Hi Roger,

While not specifically on mirror replacement the Kalart rangefinder manual is reproduced here: http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/kalart-manual.html

Cheers,
Bruce
http://graflex.coffsbiz.com

Roger Thoms · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:54 am Post subject:

Thanks for the info. I did a search on Google and found that manual along with the article I was looking for. It was the article by Ed Romney. http://graflex.org/articles/romney/rangefinder-mirrors.html

I have ordered my mirror and beam splitter material and will probably have more questions when I actually start the repair. I got my Speed Graphic about a month ago and finally when out shooting yesterday (Christmas). Had lots of fun, kept the camera on a tripod and used the ground glass for focusing. Tomorrow I'll process the film and see how I did. I do want to get the rangefinder working and do some hand held shooting.

Roger

45PSS · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:58 am Post subject:

yes you did, http://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?topic=1191&forum=1 is one of them. The edmunds link gives an opps so just put mirror in edmunds search box then select the 50% transmission mirror from the results. The new mirror may be plastic and not cut with a glass cutter, I have had both glass and plastic from edmunds in the past.

This sites search function, Rangefinder Mirror for the keyword and select all the terms to get 65 somewhat revelant posts. The same key word without all terms selected results in 909 results with this one on page 18 of the results:
http://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=275&highlight=rangefinder+mirror
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Roger Thoms · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:25 am Post subject:

I appreciate the tips on searching on this site. My searches were yielding results in the 909 results range. I'll also keep it in mind that the mirrors may be plastic. I found the mirror and beam splitter material on Edmunds without to much trouble. I also did a search on google for promotion codes for Edmund Scientific and found a one good for 12 percent off.

Roger

Roger Thoms · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:55 am Post subject:

OK, so I got my mirror and beam splitter. Now I'm trying to figure out what they are made of, they both appear to be glass, but I'm not sure. Any tips on determining what they are made out of.

Roger

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

Yeah, plastic scratches easily, and the harder glass is also heavier. They never sent me plastic; I ordered glass. I think the article you were looking for says the new replacement will be thinner and that was my experience.
I got the 50% glass. It worked really good on the ones I've repaired.
I wouldn't waste my time with plastic.

Roger Thoms · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 6:18 am Post subject:

45PSS mentioned that he has gotten both glass and plastic from Edmunds. I certainly wasn't excited about the possibility of getting a plastic mirror or beam splitter. I have looked very closely at the edges with my Optivisor and both the mirror and beam splitter certainly look like glass. I also tapped lightly on the edges with a my stainless steel letter opener and they both sound like glass. Probably just have to go for it, I guess if I use a glass cutter and it doesn't work then that will tell they are plastic.

Roger

Moskva 4 · Joined: 25 Dec 2009 Posts: 7 Location: France

Hello
I asked the price for a glass from Edmund 50mmx50mm.
It is 64 euros including taxes and shipping. It is very expensive in France
Herve

45PSS · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 9:03 am Post subject:

Go to OSH and get a Plexiglas knife, http://makezine.com/pub/tool/Plexiglass_cutter is similar to what they carry and should be around $3. The cutter is used by pulling the sharp point facing the handle in the direction of the cut. If the mirror is polycarbonate then a thin thread of the polycarbonate will come off and leave a grove in the mirror. Clamp or hold firmly a straight edge along the desired cut. Repeat the cut until the grove is 60% to 75% thru the thickness of the material then snap by placing the cut over the edge of a table and pressing down on the unsupported side while holding the other side firmly on the table. If the mirror is glass the knife will just skate and not cut. A regular utility knife will not work well.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.