Busch Pressman Repair

[lamda]

The front standard on my 4x5 Busch Pressman is a bit loose; the top of the standard can move about 2 mm. The looseness is in the lateral shift mechanism. Any hints on fixing it myself?

 

[darinwc]

I had this same problem with mine. If you remove the front standard and partially dissasemble it, you will find a pressure plate that pushes upward. I stacked some electrical tape over it, but it really needs something hard like a thin strip of nylon or teflon.

Start by removing the front standard from the rail. rack it forward and slide it off the back of the rail. Then remove the bellows by unscrewing the six screws on the back.
I dont quite remember the rest, but its an easy job.

 

[Curt]

Yes, the front standard is loose but when it is moved laterally it is tight. Raise the front up all the way. There is a screw visible in the center of the bottom of the standard. You can tighten it up and take the slack out so the front standard is rigid again. The screw is on top and over the fiber block. Take a standard screw driver and tighten it down a little and it will be like new.

 

[lamda]

I disassembled the bottom of the front standard as darinwc suggested, and found a stray piece of metal, box shaped, about 1.5 mm by 1.5 mm by 5 mm. I removed it and the standard now seems to work properly.

I did not see the screw described by Curt; perhaps I have a slightly different model than he does.

In any case, I'm now in the 4x5 game (I already have an Omega D-2V enlarger and a suitable 135 mm lens) so I just have to buy some film and 4x5 holders.

By the way, I picked up the camera at a flea market for $10.

 

[darinwc]

Greate buy lamda! The BP is a great camera to start out with. I took some great pics with mine. The only reason I moved up was that I got frustrated with how it handles wide-angle lenses.

 

[lamda]

Upon further examination, I found where the piece of metal goes. I rotated it so it wouldn't be proud of the surrounding metal and the standard still works fine. I think this little adventure is over.