Oh what a blast, the projected rangefinder images work on my Crown Graphic!

[Vickko]

Oh what a blast, the projected rangefinder images work on my Crown Graphic!

Not quite like the red laser sight crosses like in action films, but near enough.

And the images align to the RF. Amazing little bit of technology.

 

[f16sunshine]

I've used mine a couple times (literally two times 😀 ). Within 20' it works alright at f8 or smaller opening with a flash.
I suppose that's what it was designed for after all.

 

[summar]

I like using the Focuspot outside in absolute darkness, gives a nice vintage direct-flash look. The Focuspot draws its power from a flashgun, so I put the old Graphic unit (3 D cells) on my Crown and on the opposite side attach a Vivitar 283 to a flash bracket. Here's the original ad for the Focuspot:
http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/kalart-focuspot.html

 

[Dwig]

I like using the Focuspot outside in absolute darkness, gives a nice vintage direct-flash look. The Focuspot draws its power from a flashgun, so I put the old Graphic unit (3 D cells) on my Crown and on the opposite side attach a Vivitar 283 to a flash bracket. Here's the original ad for the Focuspot:
http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/kalart-focuspot.html

Love the old ad.

BTW, the later Pacemaker series that had the top mounted RF also had a Focuspot lamp and used an internal battery rather than slaving off of the flash's battery.

 

[Particular]

My Linhof Technika IV has a screw in cap at the top of the RF where you can attach a focuspot like device. I'm not sure what device it was designed for as it is not compatible with the bayonet connection on the focuspot. I have rigged it up with a laser pointer, which works well, but I haven't used it for actual photography.

 

[Vickko]

I can do this with a Technika? Oh I have to find out more.

 

[Particular]

They removed the screw cap on the Technika V and later, but the IV and I think the III have it. I designed a connector for a little laser, but never really found I had a real use for it.

 

[Vickko]

hmmm, okay. Thanks for letting me know. My Tech V is still in the mail. I want to rig it up for handheld RF usage.

 

[Particular]

It also works if you would mount a laser behind the eyepiece. That way though you can't focus with your eye when the laser is mounted.

 

[nonuniform]

I use a little LED bike light to allow me to focus in less than ideal conditions, it also helps to adjust the model's pupils from saucers to something a little smaller.