Originally posted by unixrevolution I wouldn't be so quick to get rid of the rangefinder and viewfinder. I used my Super Graphic handheld about 75% of the time. When i traded it for a wood field camera, I had to get a Graflex handheld large format camera to scratch the itch
Then again, it's your camera, do what you want.
Thanks!
I took some pics of the beast before I did anything. I did remove the RF and optical finder. The Kalart did work, but after I got the flash bracket off, I just decided to off with it. I use MF folders a lot, and they have nothing but scale focus, and I get good shots by estimation or using a handheld RF.
I may keep the Kalart around, but at this time, I just don't see me using it.
The front shutter was an easy fix, pulled the lenses, ran naptha and graphite through it, fired it repeatedly and it got sweet and crisp. The shutter is ready, and waiting for the lensboard paint to cure.
The rear shutter, after I pulled the back, I dropped light sewing machine oil onto the roller bearings and exercised it some and it is sweet now also!!
The bearing surfaces of the graflok back and the GG were both rough and corroded. I used a brass brush and cleaned up all those bearing surfaces, then used a very thin coat of boot wax on those areas. The film holders run in and out very smooth and certain now.
I still need to do a fine clean on the GG, but otherwise, this is a shooter!
I have never loaded 4x5 film, and I wasted two new sheets of film and had to do a net search before I figured out how to do it. I tried loading the first sheet, and no matter how I tried, the film was just an 1/8" too long, and the dark slide would not close up. I turned on the light and looked and pushed and tweaked and did everything I could think of. The film would NOT fit!!
I turned out the light, (and I can hear people laughing at me in the gallery), tried another sheet on the other side, and it would NOT fit either.
Jumped online and watched a video, and they never actually said anything about flipping up the loading end to slide the film in. I was watching and watching and it finally dawned on me, that end flips up, (WHAT???)
No one ever mentions it, but there it is. LOL. Now i need to get my paper, for paper negs and I will be shooting a 4x5 Graflex Speed Graphic! Yay!