Focusing a Crown Graphic - help

[Johnmcd]

Just picked a up Crown Graphic in great condition and I hope this isn't a silly question but...

When focusing using the ground glass at the rear, how do I set the lens to remain open?

The rangefinder on top works fine and this is how I will use it but I have no experience at all with this type of camera and all the 'how to's' I've read seem to take for granted that the lens is open.

It's actually a birthday present for my significant other but I'm the one who has to teach her how to use it. Have a couple of boxes of HP5 and FP4 to try out and a Yankee developing tank. Can't wait!

Any help, greatly appreciated.

Cheers - John

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Now that's a very nice gift,

Depends on which shutter you have on the front of the camera some have a 'keep-open' button. With others you'll have to use the Time-setting. Be sure the focal plane shutter is open as well; 0 at indicator....if this particular camera has one that is.I'm not a 100% up to speed on Crown Graphics 😉

 

[ChrisN]

Hi John - what lens have you got?

On the Kodak Ektar lens there's a silver push button on top, clockwise from the cocking lever. Press that in while releasing the shutter - that should hold it open. Cock the shutter again to release. Don't forget to open the aperture. 🙂

 

[Johnmcd]

Thanks for the quick replies.

It doesn't have a rear shutter, so no dramas there.

The lens is a Scheider Kreuznach Xenar 135/4.7 with a Syncho Compur-P shutter. Doesn't appear to be an obvious button or lever to keep open.

John

 

[Keith]

John ... I don't know if this info applies to your shutter but I'll post the pic anyway in case it's the same.

 

[Johnmcd]

Hi Keith,

Thanks mate. It's exactly the same.

Cheers,

John

 

[Johnmcd]

The new baby in our camera family!