Knob for Cambo/Calumet 540 Series 4X5

js98367 · Apr 15, 2017

I was tightening a knob on my camera when the plastic just broke apart in my hand! I retrieved all the pieces and super-glued them back together to restore the knob, but I don't feel it is a durable fix. I could use epoxy to stabilize the walls around the embedded brass nut inside the knob, but I would prefer a strong long term replacement part.

Options I'm pursuing:

1. Does anyone know of a source of spare parts for this Calumet model?

2. I would have to determine the thread size and depth, and wonder if there a source of durable plastic knobs that could replace the OEM knob. Garden variety cabinet and drawer knobs available in hardware stores use a thin screw and will not fit. The thicker screw is necessary so that it will hold up under repeated tensioning.

3. I could use a bare nut and a box wrench in a pinch.

Thanks for any help,

John near Seattle

BrianShaw · Apr 15, 2017

As either a sort-term or long-term solution... most hardware stores have similar knobs that will replace or be an acceptable substitute. Bring the old knob with you to match the size.

But if you not using that movement, a nut and washer will satisfy the need too.

js98367 · Apr 15, 2017

BrianShaw said:
As either a sort-term or long-term solution... most hardware stores have similar knobs that will replace or be an acceptable substitute. Bring the old knob with you to match the size.

But if you not using that movement, a nut and washer will satisfy the need too.

Thanks, Brian.

I do use the shift movements, so I'd like the convenience of a knob. I also checked knobs at a regular hardware store and all they had were the thin screw variety for light duty drawer and cupboard applications. I will go to Lowes and Home Depot to see if they have knobs that will take the thicker screw dimensions that I can crank down on with confidence.

John near Seattle

BrianShaw · Apr 15, 2017

A lot of pressure really isn't needed... but you'll need something more substantial than a drawer know. I recall a cabinet full of these kind of knobs at my local OSH when I was replacing the locking knobs fro an Omega D2 enlarger. But Home Depot or Lowes are good bets too. If your city is like Los Angeles, you can go from one to the next in almost no time at all. Good luck.

and if for some reason you can't find one, another short-term solution is to put the good knob (assuming the other knob is still good) on the standard you generally shift and lock the other one down with a nut.

Dan Fromm · Apr 15, 2017

Ask Cambo. www.cambo.com

js98367 · Apr 15, 2017

BrianShaw said:
A lot of pressure really isn't needed... but you'll need something more substantial than a drawer know. I recall a cabinet full of these kind of knobs at my local OSH when I was replacing the locking knobs fro an Omega D2 enlarger. But Home Depot or Lowes are good bets too. If your city is like Los Angeles, you can go from one to the next in almost no time at all. Good luck.

and if for some reason you can't find one, another short-term solution is to put the good knob (assuming the other knob is still good) on the standard you generally shift and lock the other one down with a nut.

Headed to Lowes later this morning.

js98367 · Apr 15, 2017

Dan Fromm said:
Ask Cambo. www.cambo.com

I thought Cambo was out of business! I emailed them and sent my picture along.

js98367 · Apr 15, 2017

There are no drawer knobs in the continental United States that come with a 6mm x 1.0mm thread pitch.

As Ian C pointed out to me in a private message, the Cambo is a Dutch camera built on the metric system.

I decided to try to fortify the existing knobs and found a delightful solution that cost me 74¢ and some epoxy glue for plastic that I had on hand.

I found a plastic hose T-joint at Lowes. The ends of the T-joint fit perfectly over the fragile shaft of the knob. Like replacing both headlights in the car when one burns out, I decided to do both the front and rear standards.

I cut off two of the ends with a fine tooth hacksaw, sanded them down to a flush fit, generously glopped them with epoxy then assembled them with a twisting motion to evenly distribute the cement.

This addition has effectively increased the mass of the knob shaft by 100% and secured the new assembly to the main knob body.

A nice Saturday view camera repair project.

John near Seattle

js98367 · Apr 15, 2017

The beauty shot.

bdial · Apr 15, 2017

The home centers have a few metric knobs in the "special bolts" section of the hardware section. I bought a knob for my Cambo studio stand that is a very close match to its other factory knobs. I think I found it in Lowes.
Another source, should you want to find a replacement, is McMaster-Carr. They have lots and lots of knobs in metric and SAE threading.
I'd also be interested to know what sort of response you get from Cambo.

BrianShaw · Apr 15, 2017

Clever solution! If that doesn't work out you can try this US supplier:

https://www.zoro.com/kipp-star-grip-knob-m6-int-079-126-k-k0155206/i/G3467861/

https://www.zoro.com/kipp-star-knob-m6-int-098-157-stl-collar-k01532061/i/G0564602/

https://www.zoro.com/kipp-star-knob-m6-int-079-126-stl-collar-k0153206/i/G3499623/

The problem, of course, is the ratio of product cost to shipping!

BrianShaw · Apr 15, 2017

... or update the look...

http://catalog.knobsdirect.com/view...henolic-ball-knob-brass-insert-metric-threads

js98367 · Apr 15, 2017

Wow. These knob resources didn't show up in my search. Maybe for my birthday...

RalphLambrecht · Apr 17, 2017

js98367 said:
View attachment 177140 I was tightening a knob on my camera when the plastic just broke apart in my hand! I retrieved all the pieces and super-glued them back together to restore the knob, but I don't feel it is a durable fix. I could use epoxy to stabilize the walls around the embedded brass nut inside the knob, but I would prefer a strong long term replacement part.

Options I'm pursuing:

1. Does anyone know of a source of spare parts for this Calumet model?

2. I would have to determine the thread size and depth, and wonder if there a source of durable plastic knobs that could replace the OEM knob. Garden variety cabinet and drawer knobs available in hardware stores use a thin screw and will not fit. The thicker screw is necessary so that it will hold up under repeated tensioning.

3. I could use a bare nut and a box wrench in a pinch.

Thanks for any help,

John near Seattle

can'y you use a wing nut or contact Cambo in the Netherlands for a spare?

js98367 · Apr 17, 2017

RalphLambrecht said:
can'y you use a wing nut or contact Cambo in the Netherlands for a spare?

Thanks, Ralph. I actually did find a 6mmx1 metric wing nut at Lowes! Didn't buy it since I found another elegant solution for 74 cents described above. I did email Cambo on Saturday but haven't received a reply from them yet. Will report when an email comes my way so that other discontinued model Cambo owners like me in the group can see what kind of parts availability is currently available to them from the OEM.

John near Seattle

js98367 · Apr 18, 2017

Cambo responded quickly!

John,
Thanks for reaching out. My partners in The Netherlands have forwarded me your request for a new knob. I am checking my inventory now to make sure I have the right part. Once I confirm and have everything in hand I will have a salesman reach out to you to finish the transaction.
Thanks for your patience with this, sorry for the inconvenience.

Sincerely,

Blake Griffin
Channel Manager

http://www.cambousa.com
info@Cambousa.com

BrianShaw · Apr 18, 2017

Cool!

Knob for Cambo/Calumet 540 Series 4X5

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency