Grafex Optar 135mm Neads a CLA and Maybe a Repair Job (Not repair shop)

[Qebs]

Hello,
I have a Grafex Optar 135mm that needs a CLA and maybe a repair job.
I'm seeking someone that can do this from home to hopefully save me a few bucks, i.e. not looking for a repair shop to do this.
Does anybody know anyone?

Thanks so much
Be well
Best regards,
Kevin

 

[BrianShaw]

Which shutter is the Optar in? It was released in a couple of different shutters.

 

[Qebs]

Hello, it's a Graphex Shutter.
I'm considering buying the tools and learning how to perform a CLA.

 

[BrianShaw]

The Graphex shutter service manual is online, if you haven’t already found it. It’s a rather robust shutter but has a unique feature, a pendulum. That seems to get gummed up faster than the rest of the shutter. A full overhaul is always ideal but you might get by with an intermediate measure… flushing with lighter fluid. Some folks despise such a suggestion but it’s sometimes a reasonable preliminary action that keeps you going until a full solution is available.

What are your shutter’s symptoms?

 

[Qebs]

Hey Brian, thanks for the kind advice.
How does one flush? Do I separate the elements from the shutter and just dunk it?
The symptoms are comparing 1/10 and 1/25 seems like a large change, too large.
T works like bulb.
I still need to find a way with testing the shutter speeds without setting up some thing I read online.
People have used lasers and sensors to test shutter speeds.
Thanks again

 

[BrianShaw]

You absolutely need to remove both the front and rear lens elements from the shutter. Then you can remove the front cover and speed plate from the shutter. Flush gently and drain off the excess. I prefer squirting rather than dunking, with the shutter positioned so the excess easily flows out. Let dry thoroughly. Then reassemble in reverse order, making sure that the levers are properly placed in the slots on the speed plate.

Your shutter sounds gummed up. You can try this procedure and re-assess for imply and need for a full CLA.

Don’t get too hung up on speed testing. Clean up the shutter and listen to it. You will be able to hear if the speeds change proportionally. Then shoot a couple sheets of film and look at the negatives.