Using a press camera for wet plate ?

[BrianShaw]

When you focus, do you see the flash distance/GN scale needle move? If not, check the focusing cam and the sliding mechanism on the rear left side of the bed rails.

 

[Yaeli]

Hello everyone,

So, I managed to remove the ground glass. There was no Ektalite or fresnel attached to it, as you can see in the picture. I suppose that explains the extra dimness...
I cleaned it with a bit of soap and water, left it to dry then put it back in. No change. It's still as dark.
I am a little bit worried because, from what I read, the Ektalite is supposed to be there and its absence might throw the focus off because it's not the same thickness. I'm not sure.
I will send an email to the store, see what they have to say about that.
Thank you all for your advice and help !

When you focus, do you see the flash distance/GN scale needle move? If not, check the focusing cam and the sliding mechanism on the rear left side of the bed rails.

No, the scale does not move. There doesn't seem to be a cam installed underneath, as it should be if I'm not mistaken (see pics).
There are two whatchamacallit taped underneath the focusing rails. I wonder if those are not the cams in question...

 

[BrianShaw]

Those “whatchamacallits” are cams. You can install any one of them to verify if the rangefinder is functional. But installing the right one for the lens might take a bit more investigation.

What are the numbers on the cams?

I’ve seen Graflex Ektalites on eBay every once in a while. Will be worth investigating and investing.

 

[Yaeli]

What are the numbers on the cams?

I’ve seen Graflex Ektalites on eBay every once in a while. Will be worth investigating and ininvesting.

Thank you for the information !
I have not checked the numbers on the cams. The store is taking the camera back for now, so I sent it without un-taping the cams.