adapt FocusSpot to Super Graphic?

[David Haardt]

Hello folks,

I just read the Technika IV instructions and I wonder whether one could adapt th e FocusSpot attachment to a Super Graphic... Would be interesting. I just wonder how one could achieve rangefinder coupling.

Best regards,

[Wayne Crider]

My Super Graphic, not the Speed model, has a rangefinder. It just needs to be cammed to the lens in use. Is your's broken, or don't you have one?

[J. P. Mose]

David,

I just happened to see your question...better late than never!

I own a Pacemaker Speed Graphic with the top mount rangefinder (has night focusing), a Super Speed Graphic and a Linhof Super Technica V. I think it would be nearly impossible to adapt this to a Super Graphic. First and foremost, the rangefinder is housed inside of the body, with electric shutter release button to the right side of the range finder. You'd have to drill a hole to pass the light through (assuming the rangefinder design would even project the light in a similar fashion to ones that accommodate this device), which is basically how the FocusSpot works on the Super Technika IV or any camera with a side mounted rangefinder such as a Kalart or Hugo Meyer. The Technica range finder is external to the body of the camera on the left side. On the top of the rangefinder housing, there's a small cover that swings out of the way so the FocusSpot can be attached. The FocusSpot was powered by the batteries in the flash (flash bulbs were commonly used at the time and typically powered by "D" batteries). Earlier Speed/Crown Graphics or any camera with a side mounted Kalart or Hugo Meyer rangefinder had this same cover that swung out to accommodate the focusSpot).

In 1955, Graflex redesigned the 4 X 5 Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Pacemaker Crown Graphic with a new top mounted rangefinder which featured removable cams to match lenses from approximately 90mm to 360mm; automatic parallex adjustment as the camera is focused; and a BUILT IN LIGHT SYSTEM FOR NIGHT FOCUSING. The rangefinder housing holds two AA batteries to power the light. With its own power, one can night focus without depending on the flash for a power source (maybe because photographers were starting to use electronic flash by the mid 1950's commonly referred to as "Speedlite" at the time). When the Super Graphic was introduced in 1958, it didn't have this feature, probably because the rangefinder housed two batteries for tripping the electronic shutter release. Hence, there wasn't enough room for everything.

In summary, it would be more practical to go out and buy a second camera that accommodates this device. 30 years ago, I do recall using this feature on Chrismas Eve to focus on carolers on the dark snowy evening in New York. It's one of those interesting devices that contribute to my love for collecting classic cameras!

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have further questions.

Best regards,

J. P. Mose