Graflex.org Forum Index Graflex.org
Get help with your Graflex questions here
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Bag mag septum stuck halfway problem

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Graflex.org Forum Index -> Film Help
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Bosaiya



Joined: 19 Oct 2005
Posts: 23
Location: Seattle

PostPosted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:36 pm    Post subject: Bag mag septum stuck halfway problem Reply with quote

I did a search using a number of phrases but came up empty. If this has been discussed I'd love a pointer to the right answer.

I just received two 4x5 bag magazines and they both have the same issue: If I pull the handle to raise the septum only partway the septum gets stuck in between where it cannot be grasped nor pushed back down. By partway I mean enough that the bottom of the first septum raises and allows the next to slide forward, but not far enough that I can grasp the raised septum and retrieve it, nor can I push it back down. Looks like about an inch or so.

The only way to clear the jam that I can tell is to pull the back off (or remove the lens and go through the camera) and push the second septum back and then doing a little song-and-dance to get the first one to go back down (or pushed all the way up). That or unload all the septa. Neither of which is conducive to film conservation. If I pull it all the way out the way it was intended everything is fine, so I don't think there's any sort of mechanical problem with the magazines.

Is there a trick involved other than "If you're going to do something have the good sense not to do it halfway"?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
glennfromwy



Joined: 29 Nov 2001
Posts: 903
Location: S.W. Wyoming

PostPosted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think you have the answer. When you want to change the septum, pull it all the way back. If you stop in the middle of this operation, the next septum will be rising into place and you probably won't be able to push it back in. Check to make sure the septums are placed in the magazine facing the right direction. If they're backward it can cause jamming. Open end faces away from the bag. Make sure none of the septums are warped or bent, even a little. That can make them useless. Make sure the slide pulls back smoothly and all the way. It can be lubed with wax. No oil or grease. Some bags are lined with wool(?). Check that there are no snags or holes worn in the liner, if it has one. This will catch the corner of the septum and it won't pull back all the way. Good luck. I love these bag mags.
_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bosaiya



Joined: 19 Oct 2005
Posts: 23
Location: Seattle

PostPosted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The septa and bag are in great shape, so I guess it's just a matter of technique. I like them as well, but this is going to be the death of more than one piece of film - I can feel it.

Thanks!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Billy Canuck



Joined: 04 Apr 2006
Posts: 165
Location: Calgary AB Canada

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Bosaiya,
I found practice is the key. I had a lot of trouble with my first bag mag, so I sat down and practiced with 12 empty septa until I could change through all of them smoothly. No trouble after that.
There's a nice scan of the original bag mag manual on photo net which I found very useful:
http://photo.net/large-format-photography-forum/00Ibmj
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bosaiya



Joined: 19 Oct 2005
Posts: 23
Location: Seattle

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 3:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks, Billy. A member had emailed a copy. It can be comforting to know that the problem is no with oneself, it can also lead to more frustration at times. Fortunately forewarned is forearmed and I have yet to jam a holder with live film in it. Of course there's always a first time.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
45PSS



Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
Location: Mid Peninsula, Ca.

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 4:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

With limited internet access via my computer where the info is, I check PM's infrequently and post even less these days. At least for the next few months, the jpeg version is 82kb and the tiff version is 1.4gb., leave a pm with your email address and which version you would like and I'll eventually send it to you.
Charles
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Graflex.org Forum Index -> Film Help All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group