GRAFLEX XL Rangefinder adjustment?

[kram]

Does anyone have any information on how to do this😕

 

[oftheherd]

Have you done a google search? http://www.google.com/search?q=GRAF...8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=1I7ADFA_enUS436

Or check at Graflex.org for http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/kalart-adjustment.html on Kalart RF.

 

[kram]

Yep, done that but I am looking for one specifically for the XL.

 

[Mando-man]

Craigcamera.com here in the states has reproduction manuals for these. Try www.craigcamera.com/lit_newrep.htm (#90024) Kind of difficult for this novice to follow but it's a start for you. IMHO, despite it's bad reputation, a Graflex XL with an 80mm lens is a nice handling rig. Think Alpa w/rangefinder or Mamiya 7 w/ interchangeable film backs.

 

[kram]

Thanks Mando-man, I might follow that up. Just rechecked the range-finder on a far off street lamp. The horizontal, does not look that out at all, but the vertical alignment is a tad off.
Yes, I hanker after the Alpa 12 SWA, but the last one that came up secondhand (well over a year ago), had a 66x44mm back (not a 6x7 - 6x9cm which I want) and did not have shift. The reason why I purchased the camera was for the 80mm f2.8 lens, and the 6x9 back🙂

 

[kram]

With a heavy heart, i sold the Graflex XL. I hope other people enjoy their camera, but I could not get along with it, very stiff wind knob on the back and focusing was a pain.

 

[GaryLH]

Graflex made a lot of different roll film backs that will fit this camera. They also came in both a lever and knob style for film advance. I have two 6x6 (rh12) in knob style, one 6x7 (rh10) in lever style (this is one that camer w/ camera) and a one 6x9 (rh8) in knob style plus I have a horseman 6x9 in lever which fits the 2x3 grafloc rails on this camera as well. So far none of the knob styles I have for this camera have been that stiff.

What I love is about this setup is mid-roll format and film changing is possible. I ended up getting the xlrf w/ 80 f2.8 planar and a xlsw w/ the 47f8.

I do have a old folder that to me is stiffer then any of these roll film backs though 🙁

Gary

 

[kram]

Gary, I think my 6x9 back had improved sealing strips, next to the film aperature to prevent light leaks (there were no light leaks), and this could be contributing to the stiffness. The focus was very stiff as well. Otherwise it felt fairly light (although it was ~2kg) and I wanted to like it.

 

[sevo]

Mike Butkus might have the service manual, but it is not online at his site: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/graflex/graflex_service_parts/graflex_service_parts.htm

But overall, the Mamiya Press was the better implementation of the concept - there are a few issues on the XL that are bad by design and hard to improve by repairs.

 

[GaryLH]

Gary, I think my 6x9 back had improved sealing strips, next to the film aperature to prevent light leaks (there were no light leaks), and this could be contributing to the stiffness. The focus was very stiff as well. Otherwise it felt fairly light (although it was ~2kg) and I wanted to like it.

The focus is a bit stiff, but I am ok w/ it. I noticed KEH had a quick focus adapter ring for it.

Gary

 

[GaryLH]

Mike Butkus might have the service manual, but it is not online at his site: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/graflex/graflex_service_parts/graflex_service_parts.htm

But overall, the Mamiya Press was the better implementation of the concept - there are a few issues on the XL that are bad by design and hard to improve by repairs.

Out of curiosity can u provide so details about the known issues?

Thanks
Gary

 

[sevo]

The mount has a reputation for shedding lenses, the holders have planarity and spacing issues (plus leaks as the seals decay, but they share that with Mamiya holders) and the rangefinder tends to misalign or break as the coupling stiffens. The first and last appear to be due to a poor materials mix, all I ever handled had come loose or stiffened up somewhere or other.

 

[GaryLH]

Thanks for the info..,.
Gary