Arca Swiss F - fix stiff front focus?

[jpeets]

HI!

I just picked up an F-line classic from Craigslist: camera, two lensboards, wide angle bellows, and reflex viewer for $500.

The camera is in VG+ condition overall, but the front focus is a bit stiff. Does anyone know how to adjust the friction? It isn't a problem with the rail, since the movement is still stiff on the other section of the rail, where the rear focus is smooth.

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions

Jaan

 

[eclarke]

The carrier is split like a clevis and if somebody tightened the knob while the carrier was off the rail it could have compressed the dovetail making it too tight on the rail. It's a little tricky to spread the dovetail without scratching or gouging it. Dont try to sand the inner race of the dovetail, it must remain flat....Evan Clarke

 

[StreetShooter]

Jaan,

Is this the kit that was listed on the Toronto CL?

Send it down to Precision Cameras and they'll make sure to repair it properly.

Cheers

 

[jpeets]

The carrier is split like a clevis and if somebody tightened the knob while the carrier was off the rail it could have compressed the dovetail making it too tight on the rail. It's a little tricky to spread the dovetail without scratching or gouging it. Dont try to sand the inner race of the dovetail, it must remain flat....Evan Clarke

Thanks!

It's really not bad enough to risk a home repair job. I likely won't use the front focus that much anyway.

Thanks for the advice!

Best regards,

Jaan

 

[jpeets]

Jaan,

Is this the kit that was listed on the Toronto CL?

Send it down to Precision Cameras and they'll make sure to repair it properly.

Cheers

It is. I am really pleased with the overall condition, and the stiffness is really only relative to the rear focus. It's a very nice camera. Now if I could find a nice digital back for a couple of hundred dollars (duck) .......

If it starts to bug me, I'll certainly go to the experts on this one. Thanks for pointing me in their direction.

Jaan

 

[resummerfield]

Just a quick comment.... are you sure the friction lock is fully released? There are two, concentric knobs on that focus control--the inner one is to set friction.

 

[StreetShooter]

It is. I am really pleased with the overall condition, and the stiffness is really only relative to the rear focus. It's a very nice camera. Now if I could find a nice digital back for a couple of hundred dollars (duck) .......

If it starts to bug me, I'll certainly go to the experts on this one. Thanks for pointing me in their direction.

Jaan

Jaan,

Have to say, "I gave that posting a thought too!"

Good buy!

Be careful with self-repairs... a friend of mine just purchased a 5x7 A/S camera and the previous owner (or, someone) tried to repair it at home (apparently.)

At the end of the day, it seized up in the field and had to be sent down to Precision Cameras. Long and short of it was that it ended up costing far more than it should have to repair the damage.

Btw, Precision Cameras is the authorized repair depot for Arca Swiss in the US.

Have fun with the new toy!

Cheers