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Shutter tension and curtain aperture repair.

 
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waynec



Joined: 08 Dec 2002
Posts: 26
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 3:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just picked up a later model F&S divisional model Auto Graflex that is in great condition but in need of shutter tension and curtain aperture repair. Both are essentially inoperable and hard to turn to different settings; No apparent tensioning on the shutter. Before I delve into taking this camera apart, does anyone have any tips on the procedure? Is it a case of removing the back and then removing the plates on the side of the camera. If the tension is set by an internal spring, what are the chances of a busted appartus? Thanks for your help.
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bertsaunders



Joined: 20 May 2001
Posts: 577
Location: Bakersfield California

PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have instructions for testing and tensioning the Graflex shutters!
email me direct at
bsaunders1@bak.rr.com
Bert
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waynec



Joined: 08 Dec 2002
Posts: 26
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

PostPosted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 2:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just thought I'd post my results using the info that Bert provided me; Thank You Bert!

I pulled the back off the camera to see just what was going on. The entire curtain had been rolled to the top and from previously playing with it, I had somehow without the curtain moving gotten the "T" for time exposure in the small window. It was basically stuck. There was no tension at all on the bottom roller and I had messed around with it till the window read "1". According to the info provided, I pulled off the bottom plate and rolled the curtain down so that the open slit appeared at the back. With a small slotted screwdriver stuck thru the bottom plate which was being held just above the camera body, I turned the tension adjustment CCW untill I felt a moderate resistance. I replaced the bottom plate, put back two screws and tested the operation. It took a couple of more times to get things right, mostly because the engaging gear on the bottom has to be in the right position or the tension will release and you have to wind again. Now all I have to figure out is if the shutter speeds are close to right.

Btw, my camera is the 3x4, a really nice size albeit the fact that film holders are few and far between and the cost of them is twice what I can get 4x5 holders for. Then add in the hassle of cutting film down. My camera came with a pack film back, and after looking at a few pictures of other cameras on Ebay with film holders attached, I surmise that the camera back (not the pack film back) takes the slotted holders as well as the pack film back. I have been able to figure a way to re-use the back parts and because of this use 4x5 holders even tho they stick out, so I'll actually be able to use all the 4x5 stuff available as well as items such as quickload holders and polaroid backs such as the 405 for LF cameras and the 545 series. I'll post pictures and text for others after I complete the project.
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