Please advise how to safely remove tapered pin on shutter lever near wind key

On auto graflex. How do I support the camera before attempting to drive out pin with a hammer


Thanks d benedict

With the camera on its top place a block of wood between the mirror shaft at the H lever and the work surface. Use a 1/16 pin punch and hammer to drive the pin out. The older the camera the harder it is to get the pin out as they are usually fused to the mirror shaft. The mirror shaft is brass and the pin steel.

Best bet is to soak the pin penetrating oil for a day or two before attempting to remove it. Stubborn cases require the removal of the mirror shaft and sitting the H lever submersed in penetrating oil for several days.

To remove the mirror shaft release the spring tension and remove the mirror spring. Record the number of turns required to release the tension. Remember the position of the spring if it comes out of the cap as it will work one way only. Remove the three screws that hold the mirror frame to the mirror shaft. Carefully remove the top roller or mirror backing blackout cloth from the shaft. With a twisting motion pull the H lever and mirror shaft from the body. Installation is reverse of disassembly.