2x3 Graphmatic

[peter k.]

Just purchased a 2x3 Graphmatic with its 6 septums. Seller will take returns, so when we get it later this week want to check it out. So checking at the Graflex and Butkus site could only find the loading instructions but no parts breakdown.
So what is the best way to check if its light tight? Do you need to fill all 6 septums with film and just shoot them all, or... ?
Know there has to be some seals, at least one for dark slide, which most likely is felt, any others?
Also is there any other particulars that we may need to look out for with this unit?
thanks p.
Background; got it to use it on an regular RB67, and less likely the Crown Grapfic 2x3

 

[shutterfinger]

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/Grafmatic23Service.pdf

 

[peter k.]

Thank you very much... forgot about South Bristol View he has a lot of good stuff on that site, been there before.
Printed it out and looks like all we have is two seals, one on each side of the film chamber. Looked up utube info on it, will see what we got when we get it.
In researching, some seem to love the Grafmatic's, others hate them.

 

[peter k.]

The Graftmatic has a light leak, appears to be the dark slide, how hard is it to repair these?
Anybody taken one of these things apart, have knowledge of what is what?
The manual (refer post #2) is confusing, doesn't seem to be labeled correctly, or were just misunderstanding.

In the Parts List it labels what appears as a seal on page 3, #8 as "Cover- Graphic". [Say What?]
Page 3, #11, also looks like a seal, is labeled "Cutoff Assembly (1 dimple -2,234 lg.)" [Again Say What?]
Page 3, #12 looks like a seal and is labeled as such. "Seal- Light"
Page 3, #32 also looks like a seal and is labeled "Cutoff Assembly (2 dimples - 2,437 lg.)" [Another Say What?]
Page 3 #18 looks like a seal and is labeled again as such. "Seal - Counter"

Is part #32 the dark slide seal?
If so, then is #8 the top seal to the complete draw assembly, which seals against #9 "Cover Grafic"
Making #11 the bottom draw seal?
Now #12 is not flat where it is labeled, but is stapled in vertically right there, to seal the draw, when it is totally closed.

So, those with experience, Is it easy to disassemble, and replace these?
If so with regular felt? Or what?
Checked with the seller and we can return it, but would like to use it with the RB67.

Checked with Jon Goodman to see if he had a seal kit and instructions, but he does not.

 

[shutterfinger]

Manual page 7 (pdf page 9)
8 cutoff assembly, 3 dimples
11 cutoff assembly 1 dimple
12 seal light
18 seal- counter
32 cutoff assembly 2 dimples

Felt on spring steel for the cutoff assemblies, seal light likely felt glued directly to the metal frame.
The glue fails, the cutoff assemblies come off, felt dries out and does not seal properly.
Disassemble according to instructions and once the case halfs are separated the cutoff and seals should be apparent except for the counter seal which may require a plate removal.

 

[peter k.]

Ok 11 cutoff assembly is missing in action, shocked that there was not more fogging so will have to make one.
32 cutoff assembly: What is the best method to open the crimp up, to replace felt?

 

[shutterfinger]

What is the best method to open the crimp up, to replace felt?

Anything you can push into the seam and pry it open enough to remove the worn material with. Small slot screwdriver, wood chisel (1/2 inch or larger) miniature side cutters at an end to get opening the gap started.

 

[peter k.]

Got it! Thanks..
So in the directions 'Cutoff Assembly ' means seal.
For missing 11, since we had no brass curved 'pressure' fingers, took an exposed dead MF piece of sheet film, folded it in half and pressured it together as flat as possible. Cut it to the size needed, and taped it into its place. Then attached the sticky back felt to the part sprung up. .
Loaded one shot, and tested, developed and were light tight.

 

[shutterfinger]

Years ago a thread on Graflex.org had a grafmatic in which a spring that pushes the stack up to the top broke. That person cut a strip from a 2 liter soda bottle and glued it into place where the spring was. It worked perfectly.
You're learning.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Years ago a thread on Graflex.org had a grafmatic in which a spring that pushes the stack up to the top broke. That person cut a strip from a 2 liter soda bottle and glued it into place where the spring was. It worked perfectly.
You're learning.

I have a Grafmatic with one of those springs broken. Can you point me to the URL or tell me how to fix it with a soda bottle?

 

[shutterfinger]

When you go to Graflex.org help board https://graflex.org/helpboard/index.php
click on search https://graflex.org/helpboard/search.php and type grafmatic in the search box leaving all other options at default you 216 hits
then way down on page 4 the response to Graflite is all that I know about it.
https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=821

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thank you