Graflex.org

Grumpyfck · Joined: 10 Jul 2017 Posts: 7

Hi, I am Ashley from England. I am new to this site and new to Graflex. I am in need of a replacement spring or workable bottom roller for my rebuild of a Graflex b. Or, could I cut of the damaged 1/3rd and still have an effective spring? Hope someone can help , thank you xx

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

I would not cut out any part of the spring as it will render it unusable.
I untangled a spring in a 3x4 Auto a while back and got it to work.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/thirteenthumbs/zw2Kx5
Another option is to make a new spring using music wire the same diameter as the existing with the same number of turns.
http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html

Graflex may have made the spring on the roller shaft by the way its tapered and wound onto the roller shaft.
I have yet to attempt making a new tension spring but have rejuvenated one with the heating stage of the spring making tutorial link.

Grumpyfck · Joined: 10 Jul 2017 Posts: 7

Thank you, I may have to try the making of if I can't find a replacement, I lost bout 6/7 mm off the tip when it broke, I appreciate the info and help.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

Quote:

I lost bout 6/7 mm off the tip when it broke

I think with that much of the spring gone you're not going to get beyond tension 4 and 1/8 aperture.

Member willysmb is in France and does some excellent restoration work.
http://www.speedgraphic.fr/

Grumpyfck · Joined: 10 Jul 2017 Posts: 7

the loss of just 6mm off the tip would have that much effect? it was just the little bit that locates in the slot.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

I thought it was 6mm of coil. Reform the end and attach it, should just make 1/8 aperture on tension 6.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

I have added my Graflex Shutter Servicing and Capping Shutter Servicing to the group of Graflex related material on my google drive.
Free to download
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1sPJkp-Mdghc0JIYjdQZy05M2M?usp=sharing

Grumpyfck · Joined: 10 Jul 2017 Posts: 7

I set my spring and roller to Springmasters in birmingham to see if they could make one for me. They sent me a length of off the shelf spring if what looks identical diameter etc. I cut it to length, fitted it with some reservation as it lacked the taper. After some minor adjustments I think it is pretty damn close. I am about to film test so will keep you posted!

Grumpyfck · Joined: 10 Jul 2017 Posts: 7

I have now put through a test roll and the majority seem well exposed and fairly even. Given my lack of experience will these beasties I put the couple of strays down to my novice incompidence. A light leak was present but quickly rectified I hope with replacement felt between camera and 120 film back. I now just need to find a hood and nice filters. thanks for all the advice I am sure I will require more!

Grumpyfck · Joined: 10 Jul 2017 Posts: 7

Quick up date, I fitted the new spring and ran a test roll, wasn't too bad but my newness to graflex settings wasn't great. I ran a second roll as precisly as poss and it went pretty well. All a little under exposed so I have taken a half turn off and "0" drops in just nicely now. Focus was a tad in front so adjusted ground glass upward untill I was happy. round three ready.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

Congratulations on your success.
I surprised you found a spring that would fit and work.
Have you read https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=6105
I'm sure a supplier in your area has the materials needed to build the tester.

Grumpyfck · Joined: 10 Jul 2017 Posts: 7

I sent my old spring to a company in birmingham called Springmasters to see if they could custom make me one, they sent me a 1 meter length of off the shelf spring virtually identical. I cut a peice to size and modified the ends. I contacted them to say all good and how much and got the reply of great don't worry. I wish I knew how to add pictures to show you.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

To post pictures upload them to an image hosting site such as Flickr then link to them or embed them with the link provided by the hosting site.[/code]