Graflex.org

[thesilverbandit]

I've got a speed graphic and the focal plane shutter drags a bit at the slower speeds. I've been told I could dip a toothpick in baby oil and insert it in the "lube points" on handle side of the body. I didn't try it because I'm not sure about the corrosive properties or viscosity of baby oil. I saw the info about molybdenum disulfide powder and it sounds great but not being sure about the inner workings of that mechanism I didn't try that either. I would like to hear from someone who has done this on what lubricant is best and how to do it.

[Henry]

.... I'm not sure about the corrosive properties or viscosity of baby oil.


Depends on the age of the baby.

[bertsaunders]

Best way to lube is to remove the back, NOTE: Usually (6) screws....and then apply lightweight automotive grease with a toothpick at the bushing ends of the rolls!
Work the curtain several times to get the grease into the bushings, and apply again!
Toothpick is used to keep from getting grease all over everything....a little bit will go a long ways! Bert

[glennfromwy]

I use the toothpick method to apply sewing machine oil. Remove the back and apply a small drop of oil to all the roller axles. The bottom curtain roller is a bit difficult to get at on the right side. Don't forget the two rollers at the top and bottom of the opening, behind the curtain. They are often jammed. The Pacemakers don't have these. If you have an Anniversary or earlier model, the curtain roller bushings on the left side can be oiled through a hole in the bushing on the side of the camera. All left & right views are looking at the back of the camera in this case. Exersize the shutter well after a lube job.

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[bertsaunders]

I do not recommend oil, it tends to migrate onto everything, and will not last as long as grease! Grease was the choice of the manufacturers, because it stayed put, and lasted a long time! Bert