I recently obtained a Crown Graphic camera. It is in good condition except for two minor issues. The first is a broken rangefinder mirror, but as there is already a good walkthrough on that repair, I am not concerned about that.

The other problem is that one of the rail hinges is missing a pin. Without the pin, the small metal piece that connects the two rail sections together hangs loose and can jam the focus movement if I'm not careful. I've taken a look at the pins and I'm not sure how to place a new pin such that it won't fall out easily. Does anyone have any experience repairing this part and might have some pointers?

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/servicemanual.pdf or http://www.southbristolviews.com/ graflex manuals link.

I no longer have a pacemaker and the copies of the service manuals I have don't have clear pictures of the yoke link and pin. It looks like the link fits into a slot and the pin holds it in place. This will be a press fit requiring a hydraulic press or similar and support spacers that prevent the yoke opening from collapsing when the pin is pressed in. The manual says not to remove the pin or link. I would find a piece of stainless steel rod that will just fit in the hole in the yoke and cut it slightly longer than the yoke opening. With the yoke removed from the bed position the link in place and put the new pin in place. Locking a pin punch into the jaws of a secure bench vise place the outer edge of the new pin over the center of the punch. Use a second pin punch and hammer to peen the ends of the new pin enough so that they will not slide out of the yoke. Be sure not to apply any pressure to the yoke as it may break. I would use punches twice the diameter of the pin or larger depending on what the yoke clearance will allow. The new pin length should be around 1/128 to 1/64 longer than the opening. If the pin extending from the side of the yoke will interfere with the front standard sliding along the yoke then cut the pin to yoke opening length and use a small center punch and pin punch to flair the ends of the pin into the yoke. Softer metals will work easier but will not be as rigid.

Thank you for the reply. I guess to properly replace the pin I am going to need to disassemble the bed of the camera. The service manual that you linked should be a great help. I will have to see if I can find some way to measure the size of pin stock I need, or I'll have to find some kind of assortment.

Also, you might want to keep a lookout on that great auction site. Complete bed rails are often offered for sale there. I repaired my bent rail with another purchased there. Not very expensive and certainly easier that manufacturing that pin.

hey harlekin

if your Crown is a 4x5 go to Canyonland Graphics on ebad #250590117199
I have got a lot of parts from him & never had any problems
BUT if your Crown is a 23 email me! as you don't find them very offen

now the only thing bad about change out the rails is on if yours has DATE CODES
on it! would be nice to keep the codes for your camera

banjo

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_15?url=search-alias%3Dindustrial&field-keywords=digital+caliper&sprefix=digital+caliper

I paid $20 for mine several years ago.

The Graphic is SAE measurements so take the rails or camera to a hobby shop that carries metal rods, model railroad or remote controlled models, and try the smaller sizes to find one that matches.