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[gonzo1976]

Hi all!

I'm new to the world of Speed Graphics, and I just picked up a 4x5 Pacemaker Speed Graphic built (judging by the serial number) sometime around 1947.

It's real nice, but there are a couple of seemingly related problems.

First, the selector slide is stuck in the "Front" position. I've read on here that some force needs to be applied to get it into the other positions, but I don't think that applies here. It's just won't move for the most part.

Second, the body release won't trigger the front shutter. I press it and nothing happens. The cable release won't move at all. Actually, the lever assembly and the screw wood on the inside of the body (which links to the cable release) won't move either.

Otherwise, the focal plane shutter works fine.

Any ideas on what the problem could be?

Your help is appreciated.

[troublemaker]

Someone may have improperly assembled the side plate covering the Focal plane shutter works. The cover plate can be removed easily without a worry. The plate inside underneath that controls the Focal plane shutter. A little understanding and mechanical inclination would make it no worries.
But let me add this. The sliding shutter selector switch requires that it be pushed down and then up. It locks itself so it wont just slide up out of the front position. After years of sitting or lack of maintenance, the slide selector does need to be lubed. This can be done by using a small screwdriver or anything to get a little light grease under the slide button.
Try these easier things first.
As far as the front body release cable, any number of things can be going on there. Once the cable gets kinked it is doubtful it could ever run smoothly again without causing camera shake. In fact, a lot of us don't use the body release at all because of this. I have only a couple that are butter smooth and useful. I don't like using them on any of the 23 series cameras and simply trip the shutter up front or use a cable release. Because the body release is an original part of the Pacemaker series I like to have them inplace and working whenever possible, but still don't use them but rarely.
To service them I lube all moving parts and wipe away excess lightoil, and then wipe down the entire springrolled casing from the body to the front standard mount with a Q-tip soaked in WD-40 (a couple times). Then I drip a little lightoil, or tri-flo down the threaded rod that sticks straight up at the front standard, and also lube the body release button.
All this helps if the cable is good, and has not been crimped.
Also make sure the actuator bar and shutter release lever paddle are all straight, properly adjusted, and move easily. If the little slide bar at the front is bent or any of that hangs up it makes it difficult for the cable to move freely. Everything has to be in perfect order for the release cable to work. Very little slack, no binding in any part, and no kninks or broken areas in the spring wrapped cable housing.
As far as the selector slider switch again back on the side panel, someone may have misintalled the focalplane shutter side plate and jammed the switch. Maybe? Hard to say without having the camera in hand.

[45PSS]

Push down on the selector switch and make sure it is fully in the Front position then try the body relaease again to see if it wiggles the cable any. If the cable or spring is loose at the body connection it will not work. To shift from the Front or Rear position to the other PUSH IN on the slide then UP or DOWN. To break things use brute force or get a bigger hammer.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[troublemaker]

And a torch. Nothing like heat to loosen things up !

[gonzo1976]

Hammer. Torch. Got it.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try those tips in the next few hours, I hope.

The cable looks to be in pretty good shape. But the lever assembly near the body release is positioned toward the rear of the camera. It seems like the lever assembly is supposed to move forward and backward, but it appears stuck in the back position.