Home Portrait Graflex 5x7...Cost To Restore For Use

n2mf · May 12, 2020

Trying to decide if I could afford and or justify the cost of having this baby restored for use. It doesn't seem like it's really that far off...everything like the levers and knobs are just basically tight from non use and lack of lubrication, shutter curtain isn't smooth cocking or operating, lens aperture is tight to adjust, etc. I don't currently have a large format camera and it's very enticing. It's cool, but I'm much more familiar with the 4x5 crowns and pacemakers...which I could get back into a lot easier (and less costly) than this. And maybe just pass this along to someone who is more capable and interested in this specific type of large format. Just looking for some thoughts and opinions .

Kino · May 12, 2020

What a beauty! That would be my preferred way to shoot 5x7! I had one on MUCH, MUCH worse shape several decades ago and regretfully sold it during a financial pinch.

I am "limited" now to a 9x12cm AVUS and a 3.25 x 4.25 Speed Graphic 43.

jtk · May 12, 2020

The only camera that would tempt me into studio portraiture with fillum.

jim10219 · May 12, 2020

Pass. Not because it wouldn't be a really cool camera to use. But because if you're worried about costs, don't buy an old camera that needs a lot of work. There are things you know that are wrong with it. And there are things you won't know until you get deeper into it. And on top of that, it's 5x7 film, which is expensive and hard to find. Not only that, but finding the proper film holders for it in good enough condition to use can be a real pain.

There's just too many ways for this to go sideways on you. You're better off buying a camera in good working condition now. And probably one in 4x5 instead of 5x7. A camera like this would be a great project for someone who likes working on cameras (and be okay with not getting their money back if they decide to sell it). But from the sound of it, you're more interested in shooting cameras. So I'd look for something that's ready to go right now, without any work.

That's just my experience. And I've repaired over 100 cameras in my life. I really enjoy doing that stuff. But even I would shy away from that one, unless it was dirt cheap, or I really just wanted to work on it for the fun of working on it. You could be right, and it could all be a bunch of easy fixes. Mostly just clean and relube. But it seems that every time I think a job will go that way, it takes a drastic turn for the worse. I'd much rather deal with a camera with one known broken part than a bunch of parts that kind of work.

Oren Grad · May 12, 2020

Pass.

I've owned a 5x7 Home Portrait, still have other Graflexes in 3.25x4.25, 4x5 and 5x7 formats. They're extremely cool cameras, but a Home Portrait in need of extensive repair is just about the last thing I'd recommend for someone who wants a convenient way to dip a toe into large format. On the one hand you're likely looking at a fair bit of hassle and/or expense to get it right, on the other when you do have it right you'll have a highly specialized tool with a very limited scope of utility.

shutterfinger · May 12, 2020

I can get it working for $200 to $400 + materials + shipping. I might be willing to buy it if the price is right.
The main problems are the tension spring is likely weak so if the shutter is cleaned and lubed it will not run table speeds but will be usable. The rubber coating on the shutter curtain dries out, swells, and sometimes cracks off. Rarely the curtain base material deteriorates to the point where it has to be replaced. The curtain can be recoated making it light tight. Making a new curtain is a pain. I have yet to make a new tension spring for a Graflex SLR but have heat treated a few of them and gained some increase in tension but not factory new operation.
The lesser problems are the bellows needing repair and more frequently the view hood splitting at the folds.
Post its serial number, located behind the view hood on the view hood door or the frame around the view opening, for its approximate date. Dates were listed order number not as they came off the assembly line.

n2mf · May 12, 2020

SN# 95438. I've done some basic light tight tests with a strong flashlight in the dark...bellows are light tight and so are some of the curtain sections I was able to test.

n2mf · May 12, 2020

I'm not new to large format...just this style of camera.

n2mf · May 12, 2020

It came with 10 film septums.

shutterfinger · May 12, 2020

95438 is in the middle of an order for 100 bodies posted in 1916-1919. Next order in was in 1920.
Download https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sPJkp-MdghRkRId1EwT0dpNkk/view?usp=sharing
It describes how to CLA the focal plane shutter in Graflex SLR's.
To free up the lens aperture remove the lens from the camera, unscrew the front and rear cells leaving the central portion of the barrel. The aperture ring will have a screw in it, remove the screw and slide the aperture ring off the barrel. You will now see a slot in the barrel that the aperture ring screw pin travels in. Spray a dregreaseing cleaner such as CRC QD Contact cleaner https://www.homedepot.com/p/CRC-11-oz-QD-Electronic-Cleaner-05103/205021975 into the slot then operate the aperture from side to side of the slot with a screwdriver pr the screw pin in the hole for the screw pin. Use 90% Isopropyl Alcohol if you don't have an aerosol degreaser. Once clean and free when dry wipe the aperture blades clean with a cotton swab (both sides) being careful not to bend them. When clean and dry apply extra fine powdered graphite https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hillman...wdered+graphite}:qu+smf:{ca,br}:smf+nf:{1}:nf to the slot and the aperture blades wiping off any excess. Apply to both sides of the aperture blades. Assembly is reverse of removal.

n2mf · May 12, 2020

Thank you shutterfinger.

n2mf · May 13, 2020

Lens question...The rear element on the lens with this camera has the outer edge etched/ground as shown. Is that for softness or some other effect for portraits? And, would that have been done when the lens was manufactured or a modification done later?

Sirius Glass · May 13, 2020

shutterfinger said:
I can get it working for $200 to $400 + materials + shipping. I might be willing to buy it if the price is right.
The main problems are the tension spring is likely weak so if the shutter is cleaned and lubed it will not run table speeds but will be usable. The rubber coating on the shutter curtain dries out, swells, and sometimes cracks off. Rarely the curtain base material deteriorates to the point where it has to be replaced. The curtain can be recoated making it light tight. Making a new curtain is a pain. I have yet to make a new tension spring for a Graflex SLR but have heat treated a few of them and gained some increase in tension but not factory new operation.
The lesser problems are the bellows needing repair and more frequently the view hood splitting at the folds.
Post its serial number, located behind the view hood on the view hood door or the frame around the view opening, for its approximate date. Dates were listed order number not as they came off the assembly line.

Shutterfinger had done great repair work on my Graflex Model D. I strongly recommend him.

Ron (Netherlands) · May 13, 2020

If a third party (commercially) has to restore it, it will be too expensive in economical terms. Therefore most of us who like the old ones, have learned to restore these cameras ourselves - very rewarding undertaking.
Please note that especially camera's with old MF or LF focal plane shutters are the hardest ones to restore.

Arthurwg · May 13, 2020

The great thing about the Home Portrait, of course, is that it has a revolving back that allows the camera to switch from horizontal to vertical format. These cameras are few and far between and much sought after. I had one but foolishly sold it. Now I have a 5x7 Press, which is only good for horizontal shots. I would buy this one. Someone will be able to fix it.

Arthurwg · May 13, 2020

You might try John Minnicks to do the restoration.

tomkatf · May 13, 2020

I'd think a 80+yr old rubberized fabric 5x7" focal plane shutter is going to be a problem...

shutterfinger · May 13, 2020

n2mf said:
Lens question...The rear element on the lens with this camera has the outer edge etched/ground as shown. Is that for softness or some other effect for portraits? And, would that have been done when the lens was manufactured or a modification done later?

That is a user modification for edge softness/distortion with the aperture wide open. Its likely dried out varnish or similar material. It will likely come off with Acetone. Remove the cell before using lacquer thinner as lacquer thinner will strip the finish off the barrel.

tomkatf said:
I'd think a 80+yr old rubberized fabric 5x7" focal plane shutter is going to be a problem...

I've come across some 100 year old curtains that were near new and some 40 year old curtains that were trash. It all depends on how the camera was stored/maintained over the years.

n2mf · May 13, 2020

Well, I think I've realized that I probably don't have the passion that's required to restore and use this camera. I've restored/rebuilt and used a few crown graphics...and I'm much more familiar and comfortable wearing that hat. I'll probably just sell this one to someone who will give it the attention and usage it deserves. It was fun to imagine for a while. It would have definitely been the oldest camera I would have ever used. I wish I could know and see the life and times it has seen.

Sirius Glass · May 13, 2020

Arthurwg said:
The great thing about the Home Portrait, of course, is that it has a revolving back that allows the camera to switch from horizontal to vertical format. These cameras are few and far between and much sought after. I had one but foolishly sold it. Now I have a 5x7 Press, which is only good for horizontal shots. I would buy this one. Someone will be able to fix it.

My Graflex Model D has a revolving back that the seller, a retired Graflex-Graphic repairman, added at my request an adapter so that Graphic backs and Grafmatic 45 backs could be used. So now both that camera and my Pacemaker Speed Graphic use the same set of film backs.

Thien · May 15, 2020

n2mf said:
Well, I think I've realized that I probably don't have the passion that's required to restore and use this camera. I've restored/rebuilt and used a few crown graphics...and I'm much more familiar and comfortable wearing that hat. I'll probably just sell this one to someone who will give it the attention and usage it deserves. It was fun to imagine for a while. It would have definitely been the oldest camera I would have ever used. I wish I could know and see the life and times it has seen.

I'm interested in buying and trying my chance at it if you're still selling. I have some Graflex cameras and love them. Sold all my medium format cameras and sticking with these vintage beasts for 2 years now. Please let me know your asking price or send me a message to my email at roetronxoay@gmail.com. Thank you!

Besk · May 15, 2020

I have a friend who has been looking for one for years. Let me know if you do want to sell.

AlwaysWideOpen · Jul 7, 2021

@ shutterfinger - I would
Like to get in touch about Graflex restoration, but I am new to the board and apparently can’t contact you. Can you send me some way to do that? Thanks!

bluechromis · Jul 7, 2021

My understanding is that though this camera has a focal plane shutter, it can use leaf shutter lenses. Since the focal plane shutter is apt to have problems if you were okay just using leaf shutters that might simplify restoration.

grat · Jul 7, 2021

bluechromis said:
My understanding is that though this camera has a focal plane shutter, it can use leaf shutter lenses. Since the focal plane shutter is apt to have problems if you were okay just using leaf shutters that might simplify restoration.

Why is the focal plane shutter likely to have problems? If it hasn't been well maintained, it might-- but the shutter in my 1932 RB Series B just needed some lubrication and tension adjustment. My Mini Speed from 1946 works like a champ, as does my slightly newer (1951) speed graphic.

My combat graphic, however, was stored in a damp environment, and needs a full CLA. Surprisingly, though, the shutter fabric itself is in good condition.

Home Portrait Graflex 5x7...Cost To Restore For Use

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