Graflex.org

Billy Canuck · Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 165 Location: Calgary AB Canada

The focusing on one of my 2x3 Crowns is a little too easy, and I'm afraid I'll move the front standard when I use the shutter release on the standard (I don't use the body release because it takes so much pressure that I might jar the camera). I've compared the focusing action to that on my other Graphic, which seems right -- just a bit tighter. Is there a way to adjust the tension on the focusing rail, and if there is, how difficult a job is it?
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Henry · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 9:11 pm Post subject:

On my Century there's a tension adjustment screw on one of the bed rails; I'm not sure about the Crown, though. Look on the bed rail near the focus knob for a slotted round screw head about 1/8" diameter.

bertsaunders · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 9:22 pm Post subject: adj focus action

Billy,
Most 2x3 models have a screw above or just behind the rt side focusing knob shaft...it applys friction the the shaft...not real effective, and some are really tiny screws...another thing that sometimes helps, is to re-tighten all of the rail holdown screws!
Have a nice day...........Bert

45PSS · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 10:16 pm Post subject:

The 2x3 Crown should have a yoke lock lever (graphic speak) on the right side close to the right focus knob.
See the Pacemaker Srevice Manual at http://www.southbristolviews.com/
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

bertsaunders · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 11:56 pm Post subject: bed lever lock on 2x3

Sorry to dissagree, but there is no lever lock on any of the 2x3 models...Mini/Speed or Crown...Century or the 3x4 models that I
have ever seen! I have (4) Mini Speeds, (2) Pace Speeds
(2) Mini Crowns (2) Century, and (1) 3x4 model in my collection!
Have a nice day........Bert

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

I've had some success with re-fastening the rails guides, as well as using the tension set screw, but ultimately complete dissassembly, cleaning and proper re-assembly and lube seems to offer the best results. But I wouldn't recommend it for anyone lacking mechanical proficiency and patience. I have at times been able to partially clean and lube the guides, rail grooves, and focussing rack gears for a quick fix. A small amount of light lube oil dropped into the focus knob axle helps as it is not possible to get in there with grease without taking the thing apart. Only use very small amounts so it doesn't migrate where you would not want it. One can loosen the rail guide screws and squeeze the rails in while re-tightening and hope they then tighten things up some that way. But sometimes the the countersink of the fasteners and barrel nuts just brings things back to where they were, or one might unwantingly take the front rails slightly out of allignment with the back rails in the body causing unwanted wear. And therein lies another problem. The rails and guides after long use do get sloppy. Also be careful to use a proper fitting screw driver on the rail mount screws. They are often painted brass, chipping and burring easily, and if not careful, can easily break. When I get an old Graphic and intend to dissassemble it, I place a drop of Triflo lube on the screws to soak down the threads, repeat next day if I think it necessary, and only then attempt them, and always with fingers crossed if the camera suffers corrosion.
In the mean time, just try adding resistance using the slotted set screw as mentioned above. It wouldn't hurt to get some lube on things, but the set screw pushes down on a small brass plate that provides even pressure on a set of bronze or brass spring plates on the focus axle and was meant for this purpose. simply tighten it some for the resistance you are comfortable with.

45PSS · Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 6:50 am Post subject:

Billy Canuck · Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 165 Location: Calgary AB Canada

Again, thanks! All it took was tightening the screw Bert mentioned about 1/8 of a turn. I wish all fixes were this easy.

bertsaunders · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:49 pm Post subject: bed lock

45pss,
I was mistaken about my 3x4, it does have the lever on the rail lock, it is an Anniversary model! Havent had it out in a while (run completely out of room to show all my working models, as a result...I have to wrap them up and hide them in the closit with the ones waiting for some help)!
Have a nice day........Bert

Gordon Cooper · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Bremerton, WA

I have no idea how this is supposed to work--pushing it as indicated in the manual does absolutely nothing. My camera is off at Fred Lustig's repair shop this month, so presumably if it is broken he will fix it. so how is it supposed to work?