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Rejuvenating A Speed Graphic Focal Plane Shutter

 
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Scoop



Joined: 01 Oct 2001
Posts: 11

PostPosted: Sun Dec 09, 2001 9:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In order to use some barrel lenses on my Pacemaker Speed Graphic I required a functioning focal plane shutter. The shutter on this camera was pretty anemic at the slow speeds, barely moving at 1/30th.

I removed the back and put a drop of clock oil on each of the sleeve bearings at the end of the curtain rollers. This has no noticeable effect.

What did work was to loosen the little lock screw securing the star nut on the bottom roller shaft and increase the tension on the spring - that is, I wound it up some. I did this several times until there was no longer any apparent increase in the speed of the curtain travel.

The shutter sounds right now and a series of test shots I took at Sandy Hook today seem to be right on the money. It was nice to have the fast speeds today; I was shooting with a 15" lens from an observation platform the wind was really buffeting the camera (me too, for that matter).

If anyone is interested in trying this, you must remove the japanned metal cover on the rangefinder side of the camera to find the tension adjustment. Be sure to hold the star nut in place when loosening the locking screw or the shutter will unwind itself very quickly. You can rewind it easily enough, you'll just feel silly. There is a slot in the center of the star nut to accomodate a small screwdriver for winding the spring.
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bertsaunders



Joined: 20 May 2001
Posts: 577
Location: Bakersfield California

PostPosted: Sun Dec 09, 2001 10:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have instructions for all the various models---The star that was mentioned is only on the governor type Pace models! And it can get real spicy when every thing is put back in the wrong place, and the tension spring unwinds just as you have everything set perfect!! Need model and size--2x3--4x5--D model ect and I will be happy to send instr. Bert
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Scoop



Joined: 01 Oct 2001
Posts: 11

PostPosted: Sun Dec 09, 2001 11:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I appreciate your advice Bert.

The camera is a 4x5 Pacemaker Speed Graphic, Serial Number #455250.
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