1A Graflex spool spring for focal plane shutter repair

[Fragomeni]

I have a 1A Graflex, early model with the lattice spring supported viewing hood. Very unique and likely camera that I’d ideally like to use. I’m also well acquainted to disassembly and repair of these old Graflex cameras (although I haven’t repaired this model before). I’ve gotten into the camera to see what it looks like in there and everything is in pretty good shape overall. One of the main issues though is that the spring within the left focal plane shutter spool only works at the highest tension. At any lower tension, the spring/spool doesn’t have the strength to move the focal plane shutter. Does anyone know if these spring loaded spools can be opened and the spring replaced or recharged?

 

[shutterfinger]

I have one awaiting repair but it will be a while before I get to it.
http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html
The ends of the spool likely unscrew from the center barrel of the spool or are pinned.

 

[Fragomeni]

I’ve taken out the focal plane shutter spool and cannot figure out how to open it up. I’ve tried sticking a spanner in the two holes on the top and bottom but it won’t budge. Any ideas how to open this?

 

[Sirius Glass]

Could be be a single machined metal piece with a band of some material coated on the cylindrical part? If so you do not want to apply force to it.

 

[shutterfinger]

Its a brass tube, .025 to .035 inch thick. The ends are stuck. Grip the tube about 1/3 the length of the tube from the bottom end with a pair of slip joint pliers using the curved section of the pliers. Insert a spanner wrench into the holes on the bottom end. While holding the tube from turning unscrew the end cap. It may take 100 foot pounds of torque to break it loose. Once loose unscrew and release the spring from the cap. Repeat the process for the gear end cap. The spring will be attached to the shaft and the gear is made onto the shaft.
Do not deform the tube! I've had plier marks on some but never changed the roundness of the tube.

 

[Fragomeni]

I'll have to find a better spanner that'll work with those holes and give it another try.

This camera really appears to have been designed to not have parts ever come off. I wanted to remove the bellow hood to reglue its layers and freshen up the leather. There's no real way to remove them though. The leather is wrapped around and glued to pieces of metal that were then riveted together AFTER the hood was put in place. The only way to remove the bellows would be to break rivets. This thing may just end up going right back together the way it was.

 

[shutterfinger]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1747882934...rentrq:18bbee0617e0a12b7c91c465fff2e732|iid:1