crown graphic with problem

[6x6nFla]

Good evening to all
I just recieved a crown graphic. I discovered that I cannot return the focus rail to close the camera. Can anyone give me an idea what repairs might cost? I really think I'll just return it and look for another crown graphic without the headaches.
I really have found a wealth of information here.
Thanks to all

 

[Sirius Glass]

Check out www.graflex.org

They know their graflex'im!

Steve

 

[skyrick]

Good evening to all
I just recieved a crown graphic. I discovered that I cannot return the focus rail to close the camera. Can anyone give me an idea what repairs might cost? I really think I'll just return it and look for another crown graphic without the headaches.
I really have found a wealth of information here.
Thanks to all

If the bellows has been extended past the infinity stops, the rail can come off the guide inside the box. I just use a small trim screwdriver to lift it back into the guide .

 

[Fotoguy20d]

The rear rails are destroyed and will need to be replaced. It happens when you try to close up a Speed or Crown without properly racking the focus rails back properly before lifting the bed. If you can find a set of rails, they'll probably run you around $30 - the annoying thing about the replacement is you need to remove the front standard as a minimum and sometimes the bellows to get in there to remove the rails - they're only held in with two screws each.

Dan

 

[Ian Grant]

Rear rails can be hard to find it took me many months, but those need replacing. I eventually got some from the US about 3 years ago at a reasonable price, I'll try and remember where from, the guy breaks & sells Pacemaker graphics for parts.

When you change them it's important to get the shims right so the rails slide back smoothly. The screws are accessed from the base of the camera and it is possible to change the rails without removing the bellows.

Graflex.org is a great site but has a no trade/advertising for sale or wanted policy.

Ian

 

[Fotoguy20d]

Ian,

The screws are on the inside and thread blind into the feet on the bottom of the housing. You don't need to remove the bellows - it can be pushed far enough back to access the rear screws - but you do need to remove the front standard, which is not a big deal.

Dan

 

[Ian Grant]

Yes, you're right Dan, my mistake it's 3 years since I restored mine, I'd forgotten But yes it can be done with the bellows fitted but removed from the front standard.

Ian

 

[6x6nFla]

Thanks to all for your assistance. Iv'e decided to just return it and continue to look for a crown graphic in good working condition.
Again my thanks

 

[removed account4]

you can easily fix this by taking the old rails off and swapping them
left for right, so the damaged part is all the way in the back.
i did this for mine and it took less than 1/2 hour to do ...
then make sure the rails are all the way back when the camera
is to be closed ...