Originally Posted by
Kevin Crisp
If in working condition, and nearly all of them are even after all these years, the side-mount Kalart can be calibrated to one lens (and one only) and be quite accurate from 4' to infinity. Just follow the old Graphic instructions and don't cut corners. Pay particular attention to the instruction about the height of the target (guy with the hat). When you're done, follow the procedure a second time and then verify it with the ground glass. Unless you really bang the camera around they stay in calibration, but check it every now and then. There is one adjusting screw with a clearly labeled reverse thread on it, and even with the instruction right there on the thing it is counter-intuitive and people strip the screw and that is trouble.
A proper bed scale for your focal length can be handy too for candids. That way you don't lose the moment while fiddling with the camera while pointing it at the subject. You can pre-focus for distance, then frame it up and take the picture. If you can estimate distances (and can live with stopping down a little) the bed scale is really useful. There hasn't been a viewfinder made that is as sharp and clear as the sports-finder / hoop...
I've also preferred the Crown due to the smaller size and weight. Hopefully you can get the in-body release to work with whatever shutter you are using. This can take some work on modern shutters because the horizontal lever needs to be a little longer than for the original standard lenses, but it can be done. That way you don't have to fumble with a cable release.
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