C1 do One Redo One... a queston springs to mine

[Curt]

On my Calumet C1 8x10 the springs are so tight, how tight are they?, they are so tight that the bale screetches and doesn't open the back wide enough for insertion of a holder without a lot of effort.

It's all stock without any modifications that are apparent or obvious. The springs are bolted to the metal with two screws, pretty simple attachment. The bale and all parts are in original condition.

Why are the springs so tight?

Curt, the guy who should be in ULF by now.

 

[Shawn Dougherty]

Sounds like both C1s I've owned... My first was an aluminum model and my current C1 is a perfect magnesium model and it pretty much does the same thing. You have to open the bale the whole way to fit the film holder in. I'm thinking of putting some lube on the big springs to at least eliminate the screetching.

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

I don't know why they're tight, but it sounds like my all original aluminum example as well. Interestingly, the 4x5 reducing back bale has those little wheels on the ends of the bale arms, making it much smoother and quieter to open and close. Nice touch.

Ken

 

[Curt]

The first thing I need to do is put some small wheels on the bale ends like the 4x5 model, I have one of those too. I tried to put some washers under the springs but he screws are just long enough to work with only the thickness of the springs. I might have to get some longer screws and shim the springs out with some washers. I got three small washers under but that back plate was still very stiff. it takes a lot of backing off to reduce the extreme pressure.

Looks like another project for me.

Thanks everyone,
Curt