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dono111
Joined: 17 May 2021
Posts: 4
Location: Halifax
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 Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 4:38 pm Post subject: Sourcing a focusing panel |
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Hey everyone!
I'm trying to figure out the search term for a focusing panel... It might just be that.
Basically, I picked up a Crown Graphic that came with a functioning rangefinder (I think it's accurate based on eye testing against my M4P), and a rollback.
I want to be able to focus and shoot 4x5 (I know you can just stick the holder in there).
What am I looking for as a replacement part to find on the auction site? I *think* I've found one, basically I just need the part that inserts into the graflok and has a spring loaded area for a film holder, right? |
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Henry
Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 1644
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 5:47 pm Post subject: |
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| In my Century Graphic Parts Catalog, that part is called a "Focusing Frame." |
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45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
Location: Mid Peninsula, Ca.
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| Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 6:24 pm Post subject: |
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In both the side rangefinder and top rangefinder Pacemaker Graphic Service manual its called Frame Assembly-Focusing.
Focus panel or ground glass panel should get you the listings on ebay but one never knows how sellers will list it as many have no clue as to what they're selling.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU. |
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dono111
Joined: 17 May 2021
Posts: 4
Location: Halifax
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| Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 6:38 pm Post subject: |
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Haven't found any good examples. Patience I guess.
Are any other Graflok (like say a Toyo) focus frame any use? Or am I pretty much browsing for Graflex ones?
Testing the rangefinder now on a roll in the rollback. Yay 6x9. |
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Dan Fromm
Joined: 14 May 2001
Posts: 2144
Location: New Jersey
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| Posted: Wed May 19, 2021 1:00 pm Post subject: |
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| dono111 wrote: | | Are any other Graflok (like say a Toyo) focus frame any use? Or am I pretty much browsing for Graflex ones?. |
Sorry, no. Sorry, yes.
Think about buying a 4x5 film pack adapter (FPA) and converting it into focusing panel. Remove the back, put a piece of ground glass, ground side forwards, in the adapter that there you almost are.
I say almost because if you make a focusing panel this way the GG won't quite be in register with film in a film holder (roll film or sheet film). I don't have a 4x5 film pack to measure, you'll have to get one and use its front as a shim between the GG and FPA or measure the thickness of the metal gate and use brass shim stock of the right thickness. |
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dono111
Joined: 17 May 2021
Posts: 4
Location: Halifax
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| Posted: Wed May 19, 2021 2:35 pm Post subject: |
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| Dan Fromm wrote: | | dono111 wrote: | | Are any other Graflok (like say a Toyo) focus frame any use? Or am I pretty much browsing for Graflex ones?. |
Sorry, no. Sorry, yes.
Think about buying a 4x5 film pack adapter (FPA) and converting it into focusing panel. Remove the back, put a piece of ground glass, ground side forwards, in the adapter that there you almost are.
I say almost because if you make a focusing panel this way the GG won't quite be in register with film in a film holder (roll film or sheet film). I don't have a 4x5 film pack to measure, you'll have to get one and use its front as a shim between the GG and FPA or measure the thickness of the metal gate and use brass shim stock of the right thickness. |
Smart. I'm kicking myself for not paying attention that it didn't include one. |
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peter k
Joined: 26 Dec 2009
Posts: 207
Location: Sedona Az
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Henry
Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 1644
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Thu May 20, 2021 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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| It's not a Graflok back, though. |
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dono111
Joined: 17 May 2021
Posts: 4
Location: Halifax
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| Posted: Thu May 20, 2021 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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Hoping to not have to replace the graflok back I have, just need the focusing frame.
I've ordered another one in hopes it works, appears to be just the frame. |
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keshlam
Joined: 21 May 2021
Posts: 38
Location: Boston area
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| Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2021 2:25 am Post subject: Since I do have a film pack to measure... |
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... and a (cheap) micrometer...
The best I can get right now is that it's between .15 and .17 inches from the outside face of the film pack adapter to the surface of the film. This is based on my trying to read where the micrometer met its shadow without depressing the film back against the spring. And I suspect that's more precision than this combination normally held the film at, since the pack or the spring support behind the film might not fully seat.
Yeah, sacrificing a film pack's body and using the combination to mount the ground glass would probably be simpler, assuming you have a pack you're willing to sacrifice. And probably no less accurate. But I'm a bit reluctant to sacrifice the never-used film pack I've got in order to try this. If anyone has a spare 3x4 ("anna quahtah" -- I'm in the Bwahston area) film pack you're willing to part with, I'm willing to try that experiment.
Otherwise, McMaster-Carr has 0.16" "ultra-machineable" brass shim stock at a reasonable price. Close enough for the experiment. Now to get a measurement for the ground glass size.
(If I was gonna modify the adapter, I'll need measurement from inside it. If I'm making my own frame for the ground glass, this should be the right number. More or less.)
(Obvious observation: Ground side goes toward the camera.)
The hazard of getting an engineer interested in a stupid idea is that we'll go ahead and work out the full design before conceding that, yes, it was stupid.
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