Graflex.org

Bobby Ironsights · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 14

Hi, I've got myself what I considered to be a great deal on a crown graphic, with lens, case, flash, etc..etc...

But the rangefinder is in peices in a bag, and looks like it's been in the bag since Noah was a kid.

I've never seen a rangefinder attatched and in full working condition, so I've got no way to puzzle it out.

Does anyone know where I could get a link or pics to put it back together? Or some sort of repair/assembly manual.

The damn thing must have 20 teeny weeny screws, and freaks me out a little.

45PSS · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 10:44 pm Post subject:

On this site: home page>technical information>Kalart Rangefinder; search>Kalart rangefinder>select "all the terms">select "accessories help"> then search.
Off site: Google>advanced search>Kalart Rangefinder in all the terms box.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Bobby Ironsights · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 14

Well thanks 45PSS, I appreciate your reply!

Maybe I can return the favour. You see, there's a handy acronym for your condescending reply to my request for info.

"UTFSE" It means Use The F#$@(*& Sea-+
rch Engine.

Hopefully it will save you loads of typing time in the future.

Awesome!
Bobby.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

But if there is anyone else out there who knows where I might find the information I need I'd be grateful.

You see, I did actually search high and low before posting, I waded through 11 pages of google hits, and EVERY DARN ONE OF THEM was on how to adjust the Kalart Rangefinder, or how to grind a new cam for one of the top mounted ones.

I would have searched through more pages, but there are only 11 pages from Kalart Rangefinder.

Not a single hit on how to re-assemble/dis-assemble a rangefinder.

So I'm going buy an old beater off of ebay, disassemble it, and figure it out that way.

But....of Course, I'm more irritated by the wait, than the money, as I'm a Canadian and shipping takes forever.

Bobby.

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

That's not a bad way to figure it out actually.
Too bad your Kalart showed up in pieces.
The thing with manuals is they they can only offer limited information but have a definitive lack of hands on experience.
The manual will show a breakdown, parts identification, andsome useful how to info, but doesn't say put this part "A" on just like this and then lay part "B" down with Spring "C" just so. Then with a small needle, allign "A" with base plate while using your tail to hold the nearly invisible special fastener with a 1/32" jeweler's driver while starting the threads with your nose being careful not to cross thread.

I have a few Kalarts here awaiting various repairs and instalation as I refurbish cameras. It could be possible to email you some images of how the parts go together.
However, I am wondering why someone took yours apart since there is no reason to dissassemble it just to take it off the camera. Occasionally one shows up that doesn't want to work properly regardless of patient tinkering. One major issue with Kalart I have found to be problematic is the spring metal base plate the lower prism is mounted on is sometimes broken or nearly so.

Anyway, there is not much to these things. If you want half a dozen images. sendme a private message with your email and I'll be glad to do so. Make sure you leave a response on this thread telling to check my PM's or I'll probably miss it.

Then hopefully you have all the parts and can re-assemble the unit.

pv17vv · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 9:57 pm Post subject:

You can find some pics of the inside of a Kalart here :

http://www.xs4all.nl/~lommen9/parent.html

Click on " Technical Stuff " left.

Then click on " adjusting " right.

Scroll down the page to see pics.

Hope this helps.

45PSS · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 10:41 pm Post subject:

#90028. CraigCamera Reprint: KALART EQUIPMENT 58pp, fully illustrated. Includes installaion of Kalart rangefinders on a variety of cameras, as well as service and adjustment. Also includes service on the Kalart synchronizer flash. DOES NOT INCLUDE THE KALART CAMERA. Reprint from the original factory manual. $15.00

Previous post was merely to point you in the direction of known information and how to find it. Once you remove your head form your anus and clear that feces coated prespective you might be able to find a spirituralist that can resurrect the Kalart Company so they can supply you with detailed assembly information.
I am a good enough technican that within 5 minutes of using either mentioned search and reading the posted information I would have gathered enough information to fully assemble and adjust a kalart rangefinder without the catalog referenced above. I am willing to reassemble yours for $1000 and will increase the price by a 10 factor for every futher feces coated remark you care to post.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

"remove your head from your anus" ???
45PSS, Charles, or whoever you call yourself...
You should read the manual about how to act.
Maybe it would be a good idea for you to take a break from the boards for a while until you review some of the things you have been saying to people. You have taken far too many jabs at me personally over the last year and I have had absolutely enough of it whether directed at me or anyone else.
Just go away for a while as you are not helping anyone with your behavior and it is obviously getting worse.

45PSS · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 3:15 am Post subject:

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

Like I said, you might think about how you are responding to folks.

C. Henry · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:51 pm Post subject:

Everybody who has posted on this topic line should read and heed Proverbs 15:1!
Preferably in the original Hebrew but at least in some generally accepted translation for those unable to read the original.
I include myself in this having just read three versions of it.

C. Henry

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

Did they have Kalart rangefinders back then?

Bobby Ironsights · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 14

Well, I've purchased the scrap hulk of the crown graphic for a staggering 80 bucks!

GRRR!

And I've got a PDF of the manual for the Kalart Rangefinder, and unlike the Internet Vultures I won't charge 15 bucks for it, just drop me an email and I'll send it on its way to anyone else in need.

Bobby.

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

Send me a message about what parts you have left if you like.
There doesn't seem to be any vultures hanging around here. Everyone is pretty free with help and info. I've been mailed and emailed some helpfull stuff, and Rich at South Bristol had done a nice job posting manuals. I think that takes a fair amount time. There's another place on the web where the guy posts all sorts of camera manuals and only asks for helpfull donations. Sorry I don't remember the exact name this minute.

If you end up needing a part for the Kalart, I have a couple inopperatives here. And enough replacement half silvered mirror to share for the top fixed component of the Kalarts. When the silveringfades away it's hard to focus well.

Discpad · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 10:08 am Post subject:

I second the suggestion for Rich's scans of manuals at South Bristol Views -- Last night, I just downloaded a bunch myself!

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/graphicmanuals.html

robcruickshank · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 19 Location: toronto, canada

bumping an old thread, but I have some pictures of the inside of the kalart here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84221353@N00/sets/72157600071235983/
if it helps anyone.