Graflex Speed Graphic CLA UK

tomharrison · Feb 10, 2015

Hi All

Could anyone recommend a UK company / individual that would be able to service the focal plane shutter on a Graflex Speed Graphic? I've acquired a beautiful example that looks like it's lived in a case all of it's life, but it could definitely do with a CLA.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

Many thanks
Tom

Ian Grant · Feb 10, 2015

It's quite easy to service yourself, I've restored two Speed Graphic shutters. a pre-Anniversary and a Pacemaker. The service manual is available online.

Ian

WayneStevenson · Feb 10, 2015

Yes, these cameras aren't complicated. There is really no need for lube in the mechanisms as there is very little moving parts. Only one main moving part and that's the tension spring.

The service manual gives a great description on adjusting tension for proper shutter speeds.

However, that only helps you if you're not shy about opening up your camera. Heh.

R.Gould · Feb 10, 2015

I have used Newton and Ellis a number of times without complaint, great workmanship and good people to talk to, I can't think of any camera they can't repairhttp://newtonellis.co.uk

pentaxuser · Feb 10, 2015

R.Gould said:
I have used Newton and Ellis a number of times without complaint, great workmanship and good people to talk to, I can't think of any camera they can't repairhttp://newtonellis.co.uk

A very professional, competent company. Just be prepared to pay professional prices, Tom

pentaxuser

pdeeh · Feb 10, 2015

pentaxuser said:
Just be prepared to pay professional prices,

true, but probably true of most if not all the trustworthy camera engineers in the UK

Black on White in Bristol are also excellent, and I think have a particular interest in LF gear.

As far as DIY goes, when someone like Ian says it's "easy", you have to remember he has restored dozens of cameras, shutters and whatnot over the years - it might not be so easy for someone else

mhcfires · Feb 10, 2015

pdeeh said:
true, but probably true of most if not all the trustworthy camera engineers in the UK

Black on White in Bristol are also excellent, and I think have a particular interest in LF gear.

As far as DIY goes, when someone like Ian says it's "easy", you have to remember he has restored dozens of cameras, shutters and whatnot over the years - it might not be so easy for someone else

When I had to repair the FP curtain on my first Graflex I had no one to help me, but I had a few on line instructions and went from there. It's not that hard, you just have to be careful and not force anything to the point of breaking it.

m

shutterfinger · Feb 10, 2015

There is really no need for lube in the mechanisms as there is very little moving parts. Only one main moving part and that's the tension spring.

OH REALLY!

With no or dried out lubrication on the curtain rollers and their bushings the roller shafts and bushing become elliptical, wear quickly, the shutter becomes harder to wind, the front/rear selector on Pacemaker speeds becomes hard to impossible to operate, causes the tension spring to weaken, and causes the shutter to run slow.

If your objective is to kill the shutter go ahead and run it dry, you will succeed.

Tom, tell me which version of Speed Graphic you have and I'll direct you to the correct service manual. It may be useful to the repair shop also. The Speed Graphic has been around since 1912 so if you don't know or cannot figure out which version you have post its serial number. See: http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/graphic-models.html
The serial number is located on the bottom side of the camera top from 1912 through 1946 and on a plate riveted to the bed from 1947 to end of production.

WayneStevenson · Feb 11, 2015

Fair enough. Heh. The service manual does recommend a graphite lubricant for the shutter governor, and an oil lubricant for the shutter bearings and master gear.

As a casual user of these cameras (I own two of them, and use mine half a dozen times a month), I'm comfortable operating mine without lubricant.

Compare that to the use and abuse they were designed for on a daily basis as a press photographer...... Yeah if I used mine daily for multiple shoots, I'd make sure I'd lubricate it as often as the manufacturer recommends.

But I'm only in my third year of shooting with mine so only time will tell I suppose. Perhaps it's too early to be dispensing my advice on the service schedule.

Chris Livsey · Feb 12, 2015

pentaxuser said:
A very professional, competent company. Just be prepared to pay professional prices, Tom

pentaxuser

I have no reason to doubt the quality of their work but I have still to experience it as they, after 12months, have still not returned my Nikon SP and S3 sent in for shutter capping and a viewfinder clean. I am on first name terms with them and are charming to talk to but getting my cameras back is another story!!!

Graflex Speed Graphic CLA UK

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