I have a vintage 4X5 Speed Graphic w/acc in its original gray fiber (?) kind of material carry case and have the original key for the lock. When I turn the key Through almost 360 degrees I here a clear click but the hasp doesn't disengage and swing up. Can anyone please help me open this thing with no or minimal damage??

thanks


APZ

If I remember right the hasp (top part) engages a hole in the latch (bottom part) where a sliding release allows the hasp to disengage.

The lock mechanism interferes with the sliding release.

Sometimes stresses and age take a toll on the hasp and it can be a problem to get it to release even when the latch is not locked.

Check the sliding mechanism/ button. If it moves roughly 1/8" then the latch is not locked and the hasp is hampered by misalignment. If that's the case then with one hand keep the button moved to the side and carefully pry on the hasp with a butter knife / putty knife / screw driver to help persuade it to open.

If the sliding button moves nor more that 1/16th of an inch then it's locked, try the key until the button can move more.

Thank you its open! I wasn't bright enough to know the button slides! Thanks again.


APZ