Help with Adjusting Kalart RF for Aero Ektar

[Frank Petronio]

I know it is heresay, but my Speed Graphic that I sent to SK Grimes to be married to an Aero Ektar (side mounted Kalart RF) came back with the $125 RF "adjustment" way off. The travelling arm was placed in front of the eccentric screw, which kept it from returning as you focus.

Of course the machining is excellent. But I'd like to have the RF working properly too. I've followed the instructions on Graflex.org and can't get the damn RF even focus at infinity without moving the eccentric screw out of the pre-drilled screws in the rear track. Which doesn't seem right to me.

Are there any experts out there? Anyone near Rochester, NY (where they made the darn things!)???

Thanks,
Frank

 

[MikeS]

Frank:

It sounds like you need to adjust the infinity stops if that's still possible (depending on how SK Grimes mounted the lens it might not be possible). If you can, rack the focus all the way back, then out about 1/8th of an inch, then lock the focus there. Now the fun begins, using a loupe, the ground glass, a very distant object, and LOTS of patience you need to get it focused at infinity when you lock down the front standard. I've found Linhof's are a lot easier to do this with, as with the Graphics there's lots of slop in the front standard when it's unlocked, so it will look like you've got it right on, then when you lock it, it goes out! Once you get this done, it should be easy to get the other distances to set right.

-Mike

 

[jjstafford]

I know it is heresay, but my Speed Graphic that I sent to SK Grimes to be married to an Aero Ektar (side mounted Kalart RF) came back with the $125 RF "adjustment" way off.

Unless Grimes, Inc. has has a sudden personality change, I'm sure they would appreciate it if you sent it back to them.