What to do when Crown Graphic RF isn't attached to lens board?

[PeterEavis]

Len,

Thanks for the further insights. On my probation officer, I just hope she doesn't read this forum.

- Peter

[PeterEavis]

Leigh,

I'll bear that in mind. The RF seems to be the real draw of this camera, so I really want it to work out. I want to lug this thing around and shoot without a tripod if need be.

Best,
Peter

[Leigh]

The Graphic cameras are neat.

I used a 4x5 (5x4 for our British cousins) in the early 1960's, when they were still seen
among press photographers, though not as common as a decade earlier.

They're great handheld if you have the flashgun attached. It makes a really good handle.

If you stay with the top-mounted rangefinder, the cams can be difficult to obtain.
There are instructions for making new ones on the Graflex forum www.graflex.org under FAQ.

I have the military LM-67 auto-collimator that was designed for calibrating the rangefinders.
It really simplifies the process, with dedicated targets at the proper distances.

- Leigh

[PeterEavis]

In 35mm and MF, I rarely shoot more than 2 focal lengths. I can't imagine it'll be much different for LF. So maybe the solution will be 2 Graphics with differently-calibrated, working RF's, and more problems with the probation officer.

[Leigh]

i just noticed the URL that I gave for the service manual is a Google link. My bad. Sorry.

Here's the right URL: http://www.southbristolviews.com/cgi...df&action=link

A number of Grflex manuals are available on that site: http://www.southbristolviews.com/
Scroll down to the Graflex link in the left-hand column.
There's also a Graflex buy/sell section.

- Leigh

[Leigh]

The Graphic that I used had only one lens. That was pretty common.

Press photographers didn't have any place to carry extra lenses, nor the time to change them.

- Leigh

[Leonard Robertson]

Len,

Thanks for the further insights. On my probation officer, I just hope she doesn't read this forum.

- Peter

I have 14 Graphics now of various sizes and ages (and I know of a couple of people with many more than that, so I'm not bad, really!). You could mention that to your PO and point out you only want two. However, she may be able to see the obvious that a second may lead to a third ("Need a Speed with the focal plane shutter so I can use cheap barrel mount lenses.") and so on. Probably best she doesn't know how Graphics can start just showing up like stray cats that you must provide a home for. You might end up forbidden to read this forum if she knows what undesirable people you are talking to!

Len

[PeterEavis]

14 - that is awesome and wholly understandable.