Graflex RB, bad idea to adjust curtain tension?

My RB series b 2x3 curtain is way slow, and I know it can be calibrated (I've seen the instructions). Would it be a bad idea to adjust it (thinking elderly brittle parts)? I've found a few combinations of settings that are repeatable for common speeds, so I'm fine using it as is, just wondering if it's better for the camera to be in adjustment or to be left alone and used as is.

have you given it a full lube job yet? do that before increasing tension. E.g. remove the curtain roller bearing caps, clean and lube those, check that it's running free and true and not canted to one side or binding, etc. Winding up the spring should be the last remedy to a slow shutter, not the first.

Ed Sawyer said:

have you given it a full lube job yet? do that before increasing tension. E.g. remove the curtain roller bearing caps, clean and lube those, check that it's running free and true and not canted to one side or binding, etc. Winding up the spring should be the last remedy to a slow shutter, not the first.

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+ 100.
The curtains may also be stiff. These are old cameras, be sure to pay attention to the spring itself, if it is coated with thickened oil the shutter will not time correctly.

Nope, I didn't even think about it. I've only used the camera a couple times since I got it this year, haven't had time to figure out how everything is put together. I think I downloaded a manual for it, I'll see if I can find some instruction on lubing it. Thanks for the advice. I originally didn't expect to use it more than occasionally for fun, but after seeing my test shots, wow... That ektar lens is ridiculously good.

When lubricating any old device, it's essential to remove all traces of the old lubricants from any surfaces to be lubricated. This will require a pretty complete disassembly. For your camera a good quality synthetic clock oil would be appropriate.

graflex.org has some good manuals on giving these an overhaul. They are fairly straightforward, I did a complete teardown and cleanup of a RB SuperD 4x5 not too long ago.

Make sure to clean them first. They tend to get strings (from the curtain cloth) and dust and gunk on the ends of the spindles and in the holes where they reside. Also clean the cloth with some lemon Pledge to get it nice and soft if it's feeling stiff. If it's really stiff, let it soak in the Pledge before wiping the excess off. After everything's good and clean, then lubricate the spindle and slots well. If that doesn't get you the speeds you want, then you can increase the tension of the spring. Save that step for last.

The springs will lose tension over time, so it's not unheard of to tighten them. And usually if you don't go crazy, they'll be alright. I mean, you do put a LOT of pressure on them when you cock the shutter to full speed anyway. So if it's about to break, then it's going to break anyway, and it needs to be replaced. But first clean and lube them. You want to use the minimum amount of tension to prolong the life of everything, which means getting rid of as much friction as possible. But when it's all said and done, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't have to put an extra turn or so on that spindle.

Christophoto said:

My RB series b 2x3 curtain is way slow, and I know it can be calibrated (I've seen the instructions). Would it be a bad idea to adjust it (thinking elderly brittle parts)? I've found a few combinations of settings that are repeatable for common speeds, so I'm fine using it as is, just wondering if it's better for the camera to be in adjustment or to be left alone and used as is.

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Mine is a 1947 Speed Graphic. I realize it's a different camera. It's probably close. I bought it on the bay for $150 and rebuilt it. It's pretty straight forward. You might curse a bit getting it set up perfect, but that's half the fun. Check out my photos of the teardown. Let us know how it goes. I used Nyoil and Synthetic lubricant grease. Grainger Item # 44N719 (SuperLube).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kb2qqm/albums/72157670106760984

Greg

Christophoto said:

My RB series b 2x3 curtain is way slow, and I know it can be calibrated (I've seen the instructions).

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What instructions are they? One person not associated with this site or Graflex.org has some shade tree "get it going" stuff up on his site.
There are no instructions posted on Graflex.org for doing a CLA on Graflex SLR shutters so I wrote some after conferring with a respected member that repaired them and fixing several myself.
Download, read, and follow these CLA instructions and you will get the camera functioning its best: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1sPJkp-MdghRkRId1EwT0dpNkk

Greg Heath said:

Mine is a 1947 Speed Graphic. I realize it's a different camera. It's probably close.

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Horse of a different breed and color.
http://www.graflex.org/manuals/45-Pacemaker-Speed-and-Crown-Graphic.pdf
for future reference.

hi christophoto

i have never taken mine completely apart
and i have made sure the spindle ends weren't gunked up
and adjusted the speed, it isn't as difficult as it seems.
if you take it completely apart, make photographs of every step and label ever
screw &c because you don't want to forget what goes where.

good luck !

john