Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 23

Thread: Kalart repair question

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Posts
    203

    Kalart repair question

    I was trying to adjust the rangefinder on my crown graphic, and it appears that the screw I need to loosen is busted off. (See attached picture -- it's the one that says "To Loosen" with the arrow.) Any thoughts on how I can add a slot back to this tiny threaded rod? I tried supergluing something to it, but that immediately broke off. I also tried using a pencil eraser but it's on there pretty tight. I was contemplating trying to slot it with a dremel tool of some sort, but it's small enough so I doubt I could get a thin enough disk. Is this a replaceable part? Anyone have an old junker of a rangefinder they might want to part with? I know some people basically pull them off and throw them away, but I wanted to use it for some handheld street type photography. Thanks...


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Loganville , GA
    Posts
    14,409

    Re: Kalart repair question

    Know a Dentist?

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Posts
    203

    Re: Kalart repair question

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Salomon View Post
    Know a Dentist?
    Not one who would operate on my camera! But I'm not averse to buying some dental tools if there's something that might do the job....

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Greenbank, WA
    Posts
    2,605

    Re: Kalart repair question

    Even with the warning about its counterintuitive direction people break this off and strip the slot.

    One of mine was stripped like this. I grasped it with a small set of vice grips and adjusted it. It has been very stable since.

  5. #5
    Tin Can's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    22,387

    Re: Kalart repair question

    Just get another one, lot's of them around.
    Tin Can

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Posts
    203

    Re: Kalart repair question

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Moe View Post
    Just get another one, lot's of them around.
    got a junker? I looked on Ebay and I saw two, but neither are like mine and both are expensive. That's why I was trying to save this one. But I'll keep an eye out for a parts unit.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Loganville , GA
    Posts
    14,409

    Re: Kalart repair question

    Quote Originally Posted by Rael View Post
    Not one who would operate on my camera! But I'm not averse to buying some dental tools if there's something that might do the job....
    Then see a machinist.

  8. #8
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Winona, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,413

    Re: Kalart repair question

    That freaking screw-head is mangled on every Kalmart except NOS. Often it is caused by not relaxing the other adjustments. In evil mode I think Kalart built that part it to be broken.

    Okay, enough of the doom and gloom. I have a spare and if it just happens to be pristine, it is yours. Gads, I've made enough from those POSes to do a pay-ahead. Tomorrow when I'm at the bench I will check. Don't keep your hopes high. Yet.

    Oh BTW, the best screw drivers for many of these parts are precision 'gun' screwdrivers. They have the optimal width and depth. Here is a photo of my old set. I am not a gun person, but I appreciate good tools.

    You might have to use a locking needle-nose plier to remove it.

    .

  9. #9
    Rafael Garcia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Atlanta, GA, USA
    Posts
    330

    Re: Kalart repair question

    If it protrudes from the surface you can file the top as a hex or square bolt and then use pliers to turn it. My Speed Graphic's Kalart seems to be different...

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Posts
    203

    Re: Kalart repair question

    Quote Originally Posted by Jac@stafford.net View Post
    That freaking screw-head is mangled on every Kalmart except NOS. Often it is caused by not relaxing the other adjustments. In evil mode I think Kalart built that part it to be broken.

    Okay, enough of the doom and gloom. I have a spare and if it just happens to be pristine, it is yours. Gads, I've made enough from those POSes to do a pay-ahead. Tomorrow when I'm at the bench I will check. Don't keep your hopes high. Yet.

    Oh BTW, the best screw drivers for many of these parts are precision 'gun' screwdrivers. They have the optimal width and depth. Here is a photo of my old set. I am not a gun person, but I appreciate good tools.

    You might have to use a locking needle-nose plier to remove it.

    .
    That would be fantastic. I'll keep my hopes in neutral airspace for the time being. Thanks! I can't get a plier on it - it's literally flush with the surface and there's very little to grab, and if I grab it, I can't turn it because it's in a slot. Frustrating. I'm going to agree with your theory of evil. There seems to be so many more logical ways to design that adjustment....

Similar Threads

  1. Kalart rangefinder repair
    By Oren Grad in forum LF DIY (Do It Yourself)
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 19-Feb-2016, 19:22
  2. Kalart Rangefinder question
    By retnull in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 4-Oct-2012, 11:22
  3. Toyo repair question - Help!!!
    By dhgustaf@gmail.com in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 7-Aug-2011, 09:38
  4. speed graphic kalart question...hot to put back?
    By mcdoogla in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 26-Sep-2007, 05:58
  5. Kalart Rangefinder question
    By alan dale in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 17-Feb-2000, 16:40

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •