Graflex.org

[fromans77]

Hello all. I've been cleaning and tinkering with my new/old Speed Graphic. I used a solvent to remove all of the dirt and old lubricant from the base, front standard, and pinion system. I was amazed at how much smoother everything operated. According to the service manual though, I now have to reapply lubricant onto the very parts I just cleaned!!! My question is what to use? The manual suggests two products, Lubriplate and #SG4455... not terribly helpful. Another repair reference suggests a light silicone lubricant but then adds that nothing specific should be attempted prior to consulting an expert... I guess that is you all!

So, what should I use? Also, how do I apply it on the yoke assembly (the railing that is moved in order to focus)without recreating the nasty mess that I just spent the evening removing? Thanks in advance for the wisdom!

Scott

[Les]

I use white lithium grease. It does wonders for the yoke and pinion, and I feel so much calmer afterwards.

[Henry]

But Les, what do you use on the camera?

[bertsaunders]

I use light weight automotive bearing grease on all of my repairs and collection cameras...on all moving parts, usually the >>bushings<< on the shutter release side of the camera are all that needs lube on the hardware, a wad pressed into the small hole with the thumb will usually take care of that, the gears behind the aperture hardware assembly are tough enough to go without until it needs to be removed for problems...most repairs I make are for fellows that removed this assy and re-assembled something wrong, so dont recommend that it be removed until absolutely necessary!! A little grease goes a long ways, so I apply with a toothpick....then activate to spread...wipe excess! Yoke gear and rack, and at the points that it slides in the rails, can be lubed with the lensbd extended, and at the hinge(on rail sliding points only)...get enough grease on the gear and it will spread to the working part of the rack on the underside of the yoke!
Have a nice day.....Bert