Hello, I just got my hands on a nearly perfect Speed Graphic 23
Serial #448826
Side mount Kalart- very good
105 Ektar- excellent in Flash Supermatic-ok
with polished, felt lined cap!
I can not find anything wrong, it didn't even show up dusty, and only the slightest bit of that built in Graphic odor.
Even the Leather Strap is like new, and even squeaks. This thing belongs in a glass case.
I believe the focal plane shutter is fine. It appears to work "snappy" and as best i can tell, at the correct speeds, but i am only familliar with lens shutters.
Question: Should the Front/Back trip for the two shutters, on the side, be, how can i say this, sort of firm, or reasonably resistant, in other words, not very easy to slide. It clicks in nicely. However, I do not want to break it.
I checked the info here on the site, and doesn't explain "Trip" is. I am new to this, forgive me or I will make "trouble".
Anyway, It does say store camera in with the spring relaxed, but also says in the "T" possition. I am assuming that I should relax the spring and then wind it just to where it makes the first click and holds the shutter curtain open but with almost no tension. I am not sure about this. I wouldn't care if it were a junker, but i think this is about as new as one will find.
thanks for looking
steve

T closed would probally be best for long term storage, I leave my 4x5 speed on the first click "open" so that I don't expose a leaf shutter shot on the curtain.
One should "push in" on the front/rear selector switch.
Charles

Mucho Gracias,
Do I need to know what "Trip" is for? I do not have the manual yet for the Speed.

Got some test photos back from the Century and Crown. Century stuff was very nice, and very sharp to my untrained eye with a trioptar, though I thought the Schneider had better contrast, even though it was scratchy glass. Both seemed to perform better than the 135 Optar on 4x5 sheet which is a very clean lens. Camera could have moved more on medium weight tripod using body release, but one was focussed and sharp. However, none compared to the sharper images that came from a beat up RolleicordIII with a xenar and fungus in it? (Mind you I am not suggesting I prefer the Rollei, but the user name does say Troublemaker.) So I am anxious to see what the Ektar will produce, but beat up tired schneiders were noticeably bettter exposures than were the supiorior looking glasses. Got a Schneider Angulon 90mm on the way, and intend to use on Crown and Century.
Take care,
Steve

Ok, no I am not really that lost, just tired. Trip means trip right? To trip T closed etc...

It appears focul plane shutter is indeed working properly, so will test over next few days. Sure does jump the camera. Kicks like my Enfields. Ok, no, It doesn't bruise my shoulder as bad...

good night

Quote:

On 2003-12-04 19:51, troublemaker wrote: Hello, I just got my hands on a nearly perfect Speed Graphic 23 Serial #448826

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