Rodenstock Clarovid II

[alexvaras]

Hi all,

Another long waited camera, not with the lens I wish but I'm working on alternatives already.
Here is Clarovid II, this example was made in 1935, Trinar-Anastigmar 3.9 105mm.
Only a couple of micro holes on the bellows due age, I will check overtime I put a roll on it. Rangefinder ok, shutter correct, lens as well, only mini-cleaning scratches.
I think this camera has its own how-to-shoot, both persons I contacted on flickr about the camera agreed on the same issue I saw on my test roll, film flatness (or not as sharp as it should), Im already thinking how to find out where the problem is and how to fix it.

At the moment here are the pictures I took last week, not my best but something to start with.


Firefighters tools.


Autumn path #1.


Autumn path #2.


Autumn path #3.


Ms Svetlana.


Mr Nico - the boy.

And here its the camera.

Thank you for watching

[Julio1fer]

Another old folder I had never heard about. The lens seems quite capable.

Film flatness is a general problem with 6x9 folders. I do not know if the cause of out-of-focus areas on the left-hand side of #3 is flatness but it could well be. That side is in the right side of the camera when the picture is taken. A useful practical rule is to wind after opening bellows and just before shooting, to make sure that the film has tension. Another idea is to make sure that the springs that keep the spools tight are doing their job.

I am sure that you will find and correct the issue!

[PFMcFarland]

I know a chap in the Netherlands that owns one of these. It was Rodenstock's limited foray into camera making. Good thing they never quit making lenses. From the looks of your example, Alex, I'd say it didn't get much use. That should mean there is plenty of life left in that shutter. My favorite of course is Mr. Nico on the moose.

PF

[alexvaras]

Julio, yes I do a small winding after open or before shoot.
This camera holds the film flat but not absolutely flat as the Inos II does, there is an small gap(0.24mm) at the back than you can push, happening on the right side precisely.
Bigger issues are found here.

First this three bellows holders are some 0.xx mm above the shutter plate, left is 0.25mm and two other about 0.09mm.
Second, the shutter plate doesn't stay parallel to the film, I measured the three next to bellows holders points to the film plane (with film loaded) and there is a difference about 0.40mm (left side higher) so I added two quarter shims to te right side and I put the shutter back.
All these things could be the reason of the problem, my Inos II had the same issue and I solved this way.
Tomorrow I will adjust the rangefinder to be sure that goes equivalent and I will do another test roll shooting twice (one pressing the back door) the same subjects.
If I see the problem persist I might remove the bellows holders to have a more accurate measurement to the film plane. Im this case the bellows will be holded by the shutter retaining ring.

[alexvaras]

Phil, if you are talking about Hans, I'm already talking with him about this.

[Julio1fer]

Hope you can fix the issue, Alex. Probably Rodenstock mounted a worthy lens in a camera of their own brand.

[PFMcFarland]

Phil, if you are talking about Hans, I'm already talking with him about this.

Yes indeed, the great Mr. Kerensky. He and I have collaborated many a time on messed up cameras.

There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to get a folding camera film plane aligned with the lens. Sometimes more than one issue crops up, or fixing one introduces another. You just have to keep chasing them until it all comes together. Possibly you could grind down the tabs, then paint them black again.

PF

[alexvaras]

Grinding the tabs is better than cut them, one needs to be repositioned coz its doing an small arc (left one).
Thank you Phil.

[alexvaras]

So I did it, the tabs were reduced to the shutter plate and I added shims as I thought they were necessary, here are three photos.
I dont say anything, please compare with the others and let me know (I can't be objective now)







Waiting comments...
Thanks!!

[PFMcFarland]

Looks good corner-to-corner, Alex. Plus exposures, and compositions.

PF