FP shutter help

[EASmithV]

Ok, so I usually use the shutter in my lens, but recently I've been playing with enlarger lenses on my speed graphic. However, I've noticed... While speeds 30 and 50 always work perfectly, when I crank it up to 125, 250, 500 and 1000, the knob gets progressively more stiff, and when I fire the shutter, it sluggishly, slowly slides across at about 1/4 of a second... When I do this a bunch of times, it sometimes gets faster and seems to work properly, but then the same problem happens again. It's almost like it needs oil, but you can't just silicon spray it, can you?

 

[cblurton]

I suggest you logon to http://www.graflex.org/. Check the forums. There is a lot of information about servicing focal plane shutters. If you are lucky, Bert may see your message. He is expert in these things. You might also want to download a manual at http://www.southbristolviews.com/ (scroll down on left panel to near the bottom).

 

[EASmithV]

Problem solved. I took the back off again and discovered what my tunnel vision had missed. The FP shutter was seated and wound slightly off to the side, so eventually it crept over and was rubbing on the side of the frame in the housing, binding and slowing it down.

 

[EASmithV]

Thanks for the service manual though. Very good thing to have ;-)