Hello:

Just got a used Crown Graphic 45 with Xenar 135/4.7 in Synchro Compur P shutter.

I read the FAQ, had a photocopied manual and studied both pretty thoroughly along the camera.

I still have some questions.

1) A spring is missing or broken in the shutter - someone hooked a spring onto the cocking lever and onto one of the upper screws that holds the upper lens board sliding lock plate. So the shutter works, but speeds don't seem right, and ther is too much tension to get to 1/500, which still works after removing this 'external' spring. So there must be a separate or additional spring for 1/500 (I think I've read that for other cameras). The question - if it costs more to repair the shutter than replace or substitute it, are there other shutters with same thread and depth to mate with the Schneider Xenar lens elements?

2) The 'rail' or plate that the bellows move back and forth on have two steel pieces in position - I'll guess those are the infinity stops, but can't see those details online or in the manual copy. Where is 'normal' position for the bellow to be - wherever it needs to be to focus on the ground glass?

3) There appears to be a shorter 'rail' plate in the back but it flops around like its disconnected. Where does it go/what is it used for?

4) There appears to be a shutter release on the body but it's disconnected - there might be cable between the body shutter button and the shutter lever that's missing - there is a manual shutter cable there now. Can someone confirm this?

5) Graphic rangefinder on top does not seem to be hooked up to the moving parts - can someone tell how to figure this out?

Thank you

Murray

Quote:

On 2003-03-24 11:01, Murray@uptowngallery.org wrote: Hello: Just got a used Crown Graphic 45 with Xenar 135/4.7 in Synchro Compur P shutter. I read the FAQ, had a photocopied manual and studied both pretty thoroughly along the camera. I still have some questions. 1) A spring is missing or broken in the shutter - someone hooked a spring onto the cocking lever and onto one of the upper screws that holds the upper lens board sliding lock plate. So the shutter works, but speeds don't seem right, and ther is too much tension to get to 1/500, which still works after removing this 'external' spring. So there must be a separate or additional spring for 1/500 (I think I've read that for other cameras). The question - if it costs more to repair the shutter than replace or substitute it, are there other shutters with same thread and depth to mate with the Schneider Xenar lens elements?

I'd send it to sk Grimes and let him give you an estimate. He may have other options

Quote:

2) The 'rail' or plate that the bellows move back and forth on have two steel pieces in position - I'll guess those are the infinity stops, but can't see those details online or in the manual copy. Where is 'normal' position for the bellow to be - wherever it needs to be to focus on the ground glass?

Yes. open the lens, focus on something at least 1/2 mile away with a loupe. Lock downthe lens in this position and bring the stops up to the front standard. This is where they should be. Oh and do all of this with the rails drawn as far back as possible.

Quote:

3) There appears to be a shorter 'rail' plate in the back but it flops around like its disconnected. Where does it go/what is it used for?

The bed rails are used to focus wide angle lenses. It should be as secure and smooth as the front rails. Something is bent, broke or missing.

Quote:

4) There appears to be a shutter release on the body but it's disconnected - there might be cable between the body shutter button and the shutter lever that's missing - there is a manual shutter cable there now. Can someone confirm this?

There is a cable that runs from the inside of the body at the body release lever around under the bellows and up to the front standard. A metal 'finger' then projected out and contacted the shutter trip lever. I've never found one of these to be smooth and precise.

Quote:

5) Graphic rangefinder on top does not seem to be hooked up to the moving parts - can someone tell how to figure this out?

There can be several problems. First when looking at the front of the camera, on the right interior side should be a tube that ends near the rails with a pin or plunger. The pin may be bent and jammed inside the tube. The fact that your interior rails are messed up may be a problem too. Becareful when you pull the cap off the tube as its filled with ball bearings and spacers. Lose one ball or spacer and it won't work.

The second culprit maybe the lack of a cam in the rangefinder.


Murray

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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2003-03-24 21:00 ]</font>

Murry, with that number of problems, I'd send that camera to Fred Lustig in Nevada. He's got ALL the parts to fix that camera and bring it back to life.

Nothing against Steve Grimes, but he just doesn't have the stock of Graphic parts that Fred does. And, Fred specializes in THESE cameras.

Just another opinion for you to ponder.

Hi Murray
I have the same camera and the 40 page repair manual is on my web site as well as this site.... somewhere? go to http://www.worldphoto.us and click "to the bottom of the page". Click the Graflex directory and you should find all you need to better understand your problems.... then ship it to Fred.
Harry

These old beast are so simple you can fix them yourself, even if you have thirteen thumbs.

Thanks for helpful suggestions.

I suspected there was a 'body rail' but didn't know the name for it.

The manual copy I have doesn't have a very good view of any details.

Does anyone know of a site that has any illustrations of the inner parts, like maybe an exploded view?

I have seen many such things for other cameras like the Argus C-3 and hoped to find similar for CG.

Thanks

Murray

Oops- just saw more replies, including an answer to my most recent question - never mind -

I am inclined to fix it myself, just not the Compur Shutter part - I know my limits.

Murray

I agree totally about the Compur shutter. If the version of the manual you have isn't clear enough then try this one:
http://hmartin.mysitespace.com/
or this one:
http://www.southbristolviews.com

(follow the graphic manual links)

Charles

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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2003-03-25 20:23 ]</font>