Rangefinder Swap on Speed Graphics?

[peter k.]

This may well be a ridiculous question, as I have only done only two rangefinder adjustments, and have no idea, if taking one off the camera and putting it back on, would require a readjustment. The case of the rangefinder is held on by four screws, which locks it in a set placement. So it seems like it should work.

Background:
I am considering purchasing a Ektar 101mm F4.5 Graflex lens for a baby speed, but I'm leaving shortly to do some volunteer work in Texas, several states away, and will be gone awhile, and will not be able to develop any film.
So my thought was, to put it instead on an Anniversary 3x4 (Spring Back) instead, with its roll film back attached, run some test shots, send it off to be developed & scanned, and see the results to decide if I want to keep the lens or not.
But to do this, I would have to change the rangefinder, as it needs to be adjusted to this different lens.

The swapping idea comes into effect, because I just so happen to have an extra rangefinder, that I came with a disassembled 4x5 several years ago. So is it possible to take the one rangefinder off that is adjusted for 127mm and put on this 'spare' rangefinder and adjust it for this new 101mm lens? It would seem that if carefully stored the rangefinder for the 127mm, could be put back on again, and function correctly without readjustment. Is this correct?

Ha.. if I decided to keep the lens, and was crazy enough, I could still use both lenses, and swap the rangefinders at the same time if I wanted to.

 

[shutterfinger]

Its akin to changing an infants diaper, a PIA, especially when they're stinky beyond belief. your "baby" terminology needs a diaper change.
The only difference in Kalart rangefinders between formats is the actuating arm, 2x3 the shortest, 4x5 the longest.
Switch the RF body from one format to another with the same lens be prepared to recalibrate the RF. Getting the next format's arm in the exact position as the previous format was and having it operate the main body the same is a stretch.

 

[peter k.]

Ah.. of course, forgot about the actuating arm, makes sense, well will just forget about it ..
I rather not send off sheet film to be processed, another PIA, but more doable, but expensive.

 

[Sirius Glass]

You might want to post your questions on this at www.graflex.org/helpdesk/ The website does not get a lot of action, but there are more people there with that kind of experience.

 

[peter k.]

Yes that is very true, in fact it was the first forum about photography that I became a member of. In this case its an idea that will not work, so there is no need to continue.
BTW Shutterfinger is a member there, and has made numerous replies using his experience, under a different handle.