Super Speed Graphic question...

[Carterofmars]

With bellows extended, I just for the first time noticed a flat metal plate that is located on the inside/top of the cabinet and it swings out. On it is printed in white letters: Made in Rochester NY USA.

Question: What the heck is that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ChrisN]

If it is the same as the earlier models, the plate covers the rangerfinder cam and mechanism. Watch the mechanism closely as you move the focus controls and you'll suss it out. 🙂

 

[kuzano]

For rangefinder use, and hand holding....

For rangefinder use, and hand holding....

A complete lens kit for the Super and Super Speed Graphic includes a lens mounted on the appropriate SG and SSG lens board and for each focal length, the appropriate rangefinder cam held in a clip on the back of the lens board.

A proper lens board contains a lens release lever (chrome) at the bottom left corner, looking from the front. That lever links inside the lens board to the plunger on the front of the lens board that trips the shutter. This is the connection that you trip with the red button on the upper right side (from the front) of the SG/SSG cameras. This button trips the solenoid in the front standard by running a current through the ribbon (foil) wiring that runs through the pleats in the bellows. It is very hard to find a bellows that will work properly in an SG/SSG camera, since no one will build a bellows with the ribbon foil circuit inside. The last one I had replaced was replaced with an excellent condition used SG/SSG bellows supplied and installed by Fred Lustig in Reno NV.

The cover you opened is where the rangefinder cam is inserted for each different focal length of lens.

A matched lens, lens board and appropriate cam are shown here:

Finding a lens, proper lens board and cam together is a real task. I have seen articles on the internet about making the cams, with specs. I also spoke with Fred about this, and I seem to recall that he may be able to make the cams. However, the lens board is also a very unique item with it's internal linkage from the solenoid in the front standard bottom, to the trip mechanism on the front of the board.

My SG has all the internal components of the rangefinder stripped out, limiting it to GG viewing (no handholding) and a somewhat lighter total package.

At this point in my life, I'm not likely to ever want to handhold 4X5... an assured waste of film. And, I don't need the ego trip any longer.

 

[Carterofmars]

For illustrative purposes; notice the flat metal plate I was describing.

 

[kuzano]

That is the cover enclosing the rangefinder cam

That is the cover enclosing the rangefinder cam

If you look up inside the area you revealed opening this cover, you may see a cam for the 135 Rodenstock lens, IF this is the lens that is original to the camera.

If you note the 105 cam clipped to the back of my lens board in the photo I posted, it will look similar to this. If no cam exists inside that area, the rangefinder is not operational. The cam is necessary. If it's not in the camera, check and see if it is clipped on the back of the lens board. If in neither place, and if you test the circuits and find the red button delivers power to the front standard, then you need to acquire the cam to handhold the camera for rangefinder use.

Testing the circuit is easy... put in fresh batteries and put the battery cover on (usually lost-hope you have one). Then press the red button. You should be able to hear the solenoid click in the front standard at the bottom of the lens board opening. The batteries are still available new. They are 22.5 volts, single pole at each end. You need two.

 

[gdi]

At this point in my life, I'm not likely to ever want to handhold 4X5... an assured waste of film. And, I don't need the ego trip any longer.

I like hand holding my Super, so if you are interested in selling your coupled board, or board and lens let me know! 😀

 

[Carterofmars]

Guys- thanks for the info.

 

[kuzano]

Well... I've been told the lens...

Well... I've been told the lens...

I like hand holding my Super, so if you are interested in selling your coupled board, or board and lens let me know! 😀

I've been told the lens will not cover 4X5, which makes me wonder why it's on a Super Graphic lens board. The lens is on a Synchro Compur shutter which seems to run near on time. Also makes me wonder why there is a SG cam with the board for 105mm.

So, the good news is, the board is an authentic SG lens board with the linkage for the SG. The shutter is good and runs smooth.

The lens is a Schneider Kreuznach Xenar 1:3/5/105mm.The SN on the lens is 7108880.

I might be willing to sell one or more of the pieces, But we should probably go off board and you may PM me to talk further. These pieces are all in great condition and work smoothly with good optics.