Graflex.org

[Susan]

Hi, I just read that I have the Kalart side mounted rangefinder. My problem is that I can't open it all the way and when I tried to close it, it wouldn't close. It was giving to me by a close friend. Does anyone know where I can go to read on it. Thanks, Natalie

[glennfromwy]

I can't really speculate on why the camera won't open all the way other than to think maybe you aren't pulling the door down enough for the latches to catch. As for closing, that's where you need to be very careful. Be sure to rack the focus rails all the way back. Before trying to close the door, be sure the standard is moved all the way back on the rail. If you try to close the camera without making these simple moves, you can and likely will break the short rear rail guides and/or the rail hinge. Believe me, that is something you don't want to do. I have found some of these cameras that don't want to close right if you lock the standard. I always leave mine loose if the lock lever doesn't interfere with the door when closing. Check the focus rail to see if it has moved forward and is hitting the top of the door opening. If so, lower the door and move the rail back with the focus knob(s) and see if that helps. That's about as much as I can offer without more details. Above all, don't force anything.
_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[Susan]

Thank you so much Glenn, I appreciate the time you took to answer my question. You are right, I caught myself forcing it to close. but i didn't do any damage. I will be careful from now on.