MPP Micro Technical Camera MK II - need help with rangefinder linkage

[steven_e007]

Hi,

I've an old battered MPP Mark III which I am trying to repair.

The range-finder seems to work well, but is not linked to the bed. There is an arm, ending in a small chrome bearing. There is a bracket coming out the the right hand side of the front standard (viewed from the ground glass) which is chromed, parallel to (and just above) the bed and has a 'V' shape cut into it, facing rearwards.

Whatever goes between this bracket and the bearing is missing.

On the MPP users site there is a lot of information about cams for the later models of cameras with instructions on how to make different shapes for different lenses - but nothing for the Mark III.

It actually states in one article:
"MicroTechnical Cameras Mk's IIR and III do not have Rangefinder Cam Plates."

Does anyone have any idea what should go between the arm and the bracket?

Thanks.

 

[paul_c5x4]

I have a couple of the MPP cameras, one with an intact/complete range finder fitted, the other stripped out. Give me a day or so to find an extension tube for the digisnapper, and I can photograph(sic) the gubbins for you.

The cam plates are attached to a small bracket on the right hand side of the bed about 1.25" from the hinge right next to the V groove - The groove is only there to act as a guide for the RF arm as the case is being closed up. On re-reading your post, I suspect that all you are missing is the cam plate (these are matched to individual lenses so are not interchangeable).

 

[steven_e007]

I have a couple of the MPP cameras, one with an intact/complete range finder fitted, the other stripped out. Give me a day or so to find an extension tube for the digisnapper, and I can photograph(sic) the gubbins for you.

.

Yes please, that would be great. There's quite a lot of information on the Net about the later cameras - but I couldn't find a single picture of a MK III that showed this linkage anywhere.
Thanks!

 

[paul_c5x4]

Please see attached:

Image 01: Cam plate and bracket loosely fitted to the bed track.
Image 02: Business end of the link arm and it's relationship to the cam plate.
Image 03: Cam plate and arm in situ on a Mk VII

If you need any further images, just let me know.

 

[steven_e007]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply and taking the trouble to post the pictures.

Unfortunately my camera has a different range-finder, I believe.

The later cameras the range-finder arm seems to move up and down, viewed from the range-finder side it rotates anti-clockwise as the camera bed moved back into the body

My range-finder, being on a MK III, is similar to (maybe the same) as a speed Graphic. The arm moves back and forth, it rotates clockwise as the camera moves back.

I'll attempt to post a picture:



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Click on the thumbnail and you'll see the chrome arm of the rangefinder just hanging free. On the front standard is a chrome bracket with the 'V' cut out - but nothing contacts the arm as the bed moves back...

 

[paul_c5x4]

My range-finder, being on a MK III, is similar to (maybe the same) as a speed Graphic. The arm moves back and forth, it rotates clockwise as the camera moves back.

I had a cursory look at the MPP users club site and it did occur to me (during the early hours) that I may have goofed. If the rangefinder on your camera is the Kalart design, perhaps these two might help:
http://www.speedgraphic.fr/Images/Speed PH-47/Fig 68.jpg
http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/aero/page2.html