Hi all,

Cleaning up a Crown Graphic (side Kalart) that looks like someone played rugby with it. Decided to install a nice spring back that I have --- can anyone tell me what size screws to use to install it? There are 5 existing holes, my guess is a either a #2 or #3. The only sources I can find for wood screws that size only sell in 100 piece lots (via mail order) so I'd rather not just buy both...

Appreciate the help.

JT

If you have local access to a *good* hardware store (good meaning the kind with the parts drawers filled with goodies), you might find something there. If there were no other options, you could check out packaged (bubble pack) items such as very small hinges; buy the package, use the screws, save or toss the hinges. Good luck. (P.S. Can't recommend the RR hobby shop for wood screws, but you never know....)

Hi Henry,

I live in metro NYC and the rents have driven out most of the small hardware stores-- it's really amazing at how difficult it can be to find anything out of the ordinary.

That's a great idea regarding small hinges-- I'll check that out.

Thanks!

JT

JT, I googled around for "#2 flat head wood screw" and came up with this likely looking source: http://www.boltdepot.com/Catalog.aspx . Looks like they have no minimum quantities and their shipping doesn't seem way out of line (to me, anyway), so if all else fails....

Bingo!

Fantastic -- now I can order a few in different sizes and get it right. Gives me an opportunity to buy a few different types for another restoration project as well.

Thanks a million, Henry - this is exactly what I was looking for.

Best,

JT

The service manual list 3 different size screws for the back.
The 3 screws across the bottom of the back: #2 self taping 3/8 inch long, Crown; 1/2 inch long, Speed.
The two screws across the top: Same as the bottom screws for Crown for both Crown and Speed.
The screw center of the right hand side: #1 wood, flat head, 3/8 inch long.

Do a Google search for #1 wood screw and your zip code and another for #2 taping screw and your zip code, bet you find something in your area.

I think I may have a stash of #2 and/or #4 screws around here that I could part with. If you have not already ordered some just send a Private Message and I will dig out what I have and see if it will help you. I am in Mass so they could be there on Wednesday.

Best, Semi

Actually my better half commented that he thought the sizes looked a bit different-- I thought he was pulling my chain.

I had tried to find a copy of the service manual to no avail-- this is a huge help.

Thanks Semi-- I went ahead and ordered a bunch of different sizes, figured I could use an assortment to also freshen up the 5x7 B&J field camera that is dismantled on my workbench next to the sad-looking Crown. Appreciate the offer!

It will be nice to make some progress on the Crown, the shutter/lens are all tuned up and ready to go.

Thanks as always.

JT

http://www.southbristolviews.com/
Graflex manuals link, Top RF Pacemaker Service manual cover 99% of repairs on a side RF.
http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/TRFService.pdf

or order a reprint from http://www.craigcamera.com/.

Ah, I had skipped over that one assuming that there were significant differences between the side and top Rangefinder models.

Thanks!

JT