Kalart rangefinder has a hole in it's head!

[Gatsby1923]

I just impulse bought a Baby Speed Graphic. Nice little camera but I want to use it like a 6x9 range finder. The range finder at one time had a focus-spot attachment on it, now it doesn't. Should I cover that opening with something and does that explain the almost total lack of contrast between the two images?

 

[Leigh B]

That's for the "Focuspot" accessory.

It's a little penlight that fit in the top and projects two light beams on the subject. Adjust focus until the two beams merge.

Or put a plastic plug in it to keep dust out.

Your lack of contrast may be due to a deteriorated semi-silvered mirror surface.

- Leigh

 

[Gatsby1923]

Your lack of contrast may be due to a deteriorated semi-silvered mirror surface.

Kind of what I was afraid of. I know it's an easy fix. I just don't want to have to do it.

 

[Sjixxxy]

Bunch of the Kalart's I've seen without the FocusSpot has a metal tab to block that hole attached via the screwhole while is open on your picture.

But a cheap report cover "gel" from any office supply store, or even the office section at Wal-greens and cut a piece to tape over the lower beamsplitter window. Will improve contrast a tad unless the beam splitter is totally shot.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I had a round plate with an ear for one screw made. Painted it black. Found a screw with the right thread and I was done.

No problems.