Please please, a Kalart video.

[daniel w.]

I've picked up a Crown Graphic with the Graphex 135/4.7 (and a Zeiss 135 6.8 too), but it would appear that the Kalart is way off, and as much as I'm trying to pick up from the (very) numerous sources, some using some mix of bitmap texts, scans, and textual descriptions - I just can't get the hang of it.

So, please. Somebody out there if you know of a video showing a workdown of the Kalart, (or of a pretty clearly understandable version - your recommendations appreciated) or if you could please, please, please put one together... pleeeaaaassseee.

[Leigh]

Are you using the right cam? The two lenses would take different cams.

- Leigh

[leighmarrin]

Are you using the right cam? The two lenses would take different cams.

If his Crown Graphic has the side-mounted Kalart rangefinder, it does not require a seperate cam, unlike the top-mounted Kalart used on later Crown Graphics.

OP, have you checked out graflex.org yet?

--From Another Leigh, in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[Leigh]

--From Another Leigh, in Santa Barbara, Calif.

What? There's an impostor on the left coast?

Oh... the shame of it all. I shall never live it down!

My screen name on another forum is The Real Leigh, for just this reason. An impostor registered before I did.


-Leigh

[Leigh]

If his Crown Graphic has the side-mounted Kalart rangefinder, it does not require a seperate cam...

Well, I just pulled out the Kalart RF manual, and in fact it makes no reference to cams, so it appears you're correct. My bad

The RF has three adjustments, one at infinity, one at 15 feet, and one at 4 feet.

The internal mechanism must interpolate for intermediate distances. Wow, a mechanical computer.

- Leigh

[daniel w.]

I should (admit) that I was being a braggart, I just want to calibrate for the 135/4.7 (leave the Zeiss to GG). I gave the Graflex.org instructions a read (I have a side-mounted Kalart). And I read it as (for just infinity)...

Step 1, Infinity. Using a dime, adjust the screw on the arm that rides the track (visible when extending the mechanism out). How / in what way? What should I be looking for? In my head it would go:
1: Extend bellows to reach screw,
2. wiggle (adjust)
3. retract it back to infinity, see if the images coincide
4. nope? Repeat step 1-3

[Leigh]

You should be able to make the infinity adjustment without moving the front standard by using a long thin screwdriver.

The manual says to focus on a flat surface, like a brick wall. I suggest at least 60 feet from the camera, although the manual doesn't specify.

My adjustment procedure would be:
1) Focus on the infinity target using a high-power magnifier on the ground glass. Once done, do not move the front standard.
2) Seat the screwdriver in the screw slot using your left hand, then move your eye to the rangefinder.
3) Adjust the rangefinder for image coincidence.

It should take less time than reading the above instructions.

I have the 48" (1200mm) military collimator that was designed specifically for setting this camera and the Kalart rangefinder.
It has calibrated targets at infinity, 15', 4', and one other distance that I don't recall. It's quite a beast.


- Leigh

[daniel w.]

Oh dear, confused again!

So, when I focus on infinity:

(A) Leave the track fully retracted, and (unlatch) and pull the standard to accurate GG infinity, lock it, and adjust the screw, and then move the infinity stops to match? Or,,,

(B) Pull the front standard to the infinity stops (not sure if they're accurate), with the track retracted, and adjust the screw?

Also, now I'm not sure which screw I should be looking for now, a bit more confused than before. Thank you for your patience!

[Leigh]

Sort of a combination of the two, as:
C)
1) Pull the front standard out to the infinity stops and lock it.
2) Focus on the infinity target using the GG and a magnifier.

I prefer to have the rack just slightly (~1/32") forward of the rear position when focused at infinity, to accommodate thermal changes.

If you're unable to focus at infinity with the standard at the stops, then the stops are off and will need to be reset, as in your option A. This is doubtful, unless they were set for a different focal length lens.

- Leigh

[daniel w.]

Got it, but now I'm not sure which screw I'm supposed to be looking for to adjust for infinity