Graflex 1A won’t open

Nick Dvoracek · Dec 20, 2018

Hi. I'm cataloging a Graflex 1A for the Oshkosh Public Museum. I can't get the front open. When, as stated in the manual ( http://www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pdf/graflex_1-a.pdf) I press lever X, it seems to release a latch in the center, the front pops open about a millimeter, and then won't budge. If it makes any difference, the mirror looks up in the viewfinder with the lever in the forward position and won't move. Any tips?

Kino · Dec 20, 2018

Maybe the front lens standard rail has extended upward beyond the edge of the opening of the dropping front.

Try to rotate the knurled ring with the flat of your finger. Since I don't know if the geared shaft (pinion?) of the lens standard focus rail is over or under the rack, you should try it both directions and see if the front then falls open.

My guess is that you would have to place your finger on the bottom of the knurled ring and try to roll it upward...

Nick Dvoracek · Dec 20, 2018

Kino said:
Maybe the front lens standard rail has extended upward beyond the edge of the opening of the dropping front.

Try to rotate the knurled ring with the flat of your finger. Since I don't know if the geared shaft (pinion?) of the lens standard focus rail is over or under the rack, you should try it both directions and see if the front then falls open.

My guess is that you would have to place your finger on the bottom of the knurled ring and try to roll it upward...

Thanks a lot. That makes sense. I can see two bits of steel inside that are in the right place to be the focusing rails. I wasn’t supposed to go in again until the New Year, but I think I might run over tomorrow.

Graflex 1A won’t open

Nick Dvoracek

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