kalart versus Hugo Meyer Rangefinder on 4x5 Speed Graphic

[spoolman]

I have a side mounted Hugo Meyer Rangefinder on my 4x5 Speed Graphic. It is missing the lower mirror and glass cover. How difficult is it to get repaired?. Which is better overall, Kalart or Hugo Meyer?.

Thanks,

Doug

 

[shutterfinger]

You need another serviceable rangefinder. The lower mirror is actually a prism. See: http://www.graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6319 Copy the pictures to your computer for future use as the image hosting site is no longer free and I am not willing to pay for image hosting.

Both makes in good working order are very good and as precise as their calibration. Hugo Meyer were made for one focal length only and have enough adjustment to compensate for production variations of lens. I have an Anniversary Speed with a HMRF marked for 127mm and it just adjust for a 135mm Zenar with an infinity focus point of roughly133mm from the film plane.
Kalart rangefinders are adjustable for focal lengths from 101mm to 162mm. See: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/kalart_1.html

 

[Sirius Glass]

You need another serviceable rangefinder. The lower mirror is actually a prism. See: http://www.graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6319 Copy the pictures to your computer for future use as the image hosting site is no longer free and I am not willing to pay for image hosting.

Both makes in good working order are very good and as precise as their calibration. Hugo Meyer were made for one focal length only and have enough adjustment to compensate for production variations of lens. I have an Anniversary Speed with a HMRF marked for 127mm and it just adjust for a 135mm Zenar with an infinity focus point of roughly133mm from the film plane.
Kalart rangefinders are adjustable for focal lengths from 101mm to 162mm. See: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/kalart_1.html

For information, adjustments and repairs of Graflex or Graphics, www.graflex.org is the go to place. APUG is not bad either.

 

[spoolman]

kalart versus Hugo Meyer Rangefinder on 4x5 Speed Graphi

Thank you both for your suggestions and help.

Doug

 

[snapguy]

Great info

This is great info, guys. I am putting together a FrankenGraphc (from spare parts) and bought a Crown Graphic without a lens or lensboard. I now have board and lens but I wonder if my new 135mm Graphic Optar will focus correctly using my side-mounted Kalart. I can't test it yet, as I have other hopefully smaller issues to deal with first. The good news is that the camera is in fabulous condition although it is from the 1950s. Just call me "Casey Crime Photographer." I remember Casey as a radio drama. BEFORE it was on TeeVee.