I just worked over the curtain on a Pacemaker 23 Speed; my reference suggested that the curtain be tensioned 15 full turns which seemed to be way too much. I set the camera up with six turns which provided plenty of snap. Is there a standard beginning number of turns for the preload? and does it vary by format?

WOW! 15 turns? Don't hand hold that one. It may fly out and poke your eye out. Joking, of course. If I remember (?) correctly, the initial tension for a Pacemaker 4X5 is 6 1/2 turns. It wouldn't surprise me if the 2X3 would be about the same. I personally think you're in the ballpark.

Pacemaker series-
Side RF manual states:
2x3 4 revolutions
3x4 5 revolutions
4x5 6 revolutions

Top RF manual states:
Tighten tension 5 to 8 turns.

More than specified look for binding in rollers or govenor.

Test:(top rf manual closely paraphrased not quoted, side manual copied to top manual without changes)
Wind and release full length of curtain several times. With curtain at "O" distance from top curtain strut bottom to top inside edge of case should be 1/4 inch; reset upper roller and main gear position as necessary until this measurement is obtained.
With curtain at "O" position and camera in either the horizonal or vertical position the curtain should close in a slow and smooth manner and latch in the closed position and the winding key should lock and not rotate. If movement is not smooth and curtain or key does not latch then increase tension in 1/2 turn incriments above the initial setting until proper operation is obtained.


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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2004-05-20 19:03 ]</font>