Hellow

I have a Speed Graphic in quite good conditions, but have problem with Focal Plane Shutter.
Focal Plane Shutter works but on longer speeds very slowly and on T speed shutter shifts VERY slowly and not smothly. Probalby it is the problem with some kind of lubricatio. Pleas give me some advice hove to make it work properly. I woud like to do it my self rahter than to make someone done it for me.

greetings,
Marcin M.

Marcin M,
The problem with your <B>F</B>ocal <B>P</B>lane <B>S</B>hutter is that the luberication on the roller shafts has dried.

Solution: Go to http://www.southbristolviews.com/
and scroll down to and click on Graflex Manuals in the left plane. Now Download the pdf file Pacemaker service manual. This manual covers all Top Rangefinder pacmakers and can be used to service the Side Rangefinder pacemakers also (same camera body).

The FPS service instructions begin on Manual page 10.
1.Cycle shutter to full closed from "O" to relieve all tension on the curtain.
2. Remove the curtain roller supports on the left (from shooting position) side one at a time, wash out any old grease with isopropyl alcohol or degreaser that does not leave a residue or harm plastics. Clean the pin end of the roller shaft also. Repack the roller support with white lithium grease or lube with teflon based oil, use either sparingly, then reassemble. Repeat on other roller retainer.
3. With governor lever in the high position, remove the cover plate on the right side of the camera.
4. Clean and lube ends of rollers without removing anything else.
5. Do not get oil or grease in the governor assembly.
6. Lube other gears lightly.
7. Reassemble cover but only install part of the screws and test the shutter, install all the screws once the shutter consisently operates properly.

Correct operation/tension: With shutter at "O", trip shutter-result: shutter should close smoothly and latch with the top edge of the O slot 1/4 inch below the film gate.

8 . Adjust roller tension 1 turn at a time maximun per manual instructions until proper operation is achieved.

9.Do not over tension roller to compensate for other problems.

10. If curtain is dry, coat with Lemon Pledge and allow to soak for an hour then wipe off excess, do this to both sides and length of dryness.

11. Screw holes strip easily in the old wood of these cameras. To fix, coat a round tooth pick or other piece of wood that will fit into the hole with wood glue and insert into the srtiped hole. With a small nail make a start point in the new dowel center and install the screw once the cover is in place. Glue should be tacky and not completely dry when installing the screws.

Charles

_________________
Graflex Corp.was a <font color=white>(silent)</font> supporter of Rain Forest Devastation.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2006-06-15 19:21 ]</font>