Lubricating 4x5 Field Camera

MikeM1977 · Feb 10, 2007

The sliders on my Shen Hao 4x5 were getting a bit stiff. I put some very fine watch oil on my fingers and rubbed the friction points a bit. It seems to have helped, but still not as smooth as I would like because I'm reluctant to apply oil to places I can't reach with my finger tips.

I'm wondering if others find it necessary to lubricate the mechanics of a field camera, and what you use?

(And yes, I know the Shen Hao isn't the finest camera in the world, but it works for me)

David A. Goldfarb · Feb 10, 2007

For wood surfaces that contact each other try rubbing some beeswax or parafin wax on them, like you would use to lubricate a sticky wooden drawer.

noseoil · Feb 10, 2007

You can also use carnuba wax or a regular paste wax. The Shen Hao I use isn't too smooth, but it works well enough. tim

David A. Goldfarb · Feb 10, 2007

Tim, I would have thought from your handle that you would recommend another lubricant.

ragc · Feb 10, 2007

Man! Am I gonna get it now..!

What's wrong with 3 in 1 oil?

jovo · Feb 10, 2007

MikeM1977 said:
The sliders on my Shen Hao 4x5 were getting a bit stiff. I put some very fine watch oil on my fingers and rubbed the friction points a bit.

If by sliders you mean the geared track for focusing, I suggest leaving them as they are...a bit stiff and crunchy. Since there's no way to tighten down the focusing bed, that friction may discourage slippage when the camera is inclined significantly either up or down. I, too, was disposed to want to give it a lube, but thinking it through a bit more, I'll not do so.

If you are referring to the black stainless steel shafts that permit tilts, rise and fall, there are nylon bearings there that would probably be better lubed with wax as suggested above rather than oil in case the oil might degrade the nylon. (I don't know if it will, but, I'll err with caution till I'm sure.)

glbeas · Feb 10, 2007

ragc said:
Man! Am I gonna get it now..!

What's wrong with 3 in 1 oil?

It drips, runs or otherwise rubs off. A good furniture wax or car wax will usually do the trick if used sparingly. The idea is to use something that is not liquid and runny and will stay where you put it.
Otherwise 3 in 1 is a fine oil for small machines.

MikeM1977 · Feb 10, 2007

jovo said:
If by sliders you mean the geared track for focusing, I suggest leaving them as they are...a bit stiff and crunchy. Since there's no way to tighten down the focusing bed, that friction may discourage slippage when the camera is inclined significantly either up or down. I, too, was disposed to want to give it a lube, but thinking it through a bit more, I'll not do so.

If you are referring to the black stainless steel shafts that permit tilts, rise and fall, there are nylon bearings there that would probably be better lubed with wax as suggested above rather than oil in case the oil might degrade the nylon. (I don't know if it will, but, I'll err with caution till I'm sure.)

I'm referring to the black stainless sliders that move the lens closer/further from the film plane (indepedent of the focussing gears). I'll try to find some wax.

Unless I'm mistaken, on my Shen Hao the knob opposite the focus knob allows you to tighten it down to prevent focus shift.

John Koehrer · Feb 10, 2007

Iffn' you would like a small chunk of wax pm me & I'll mail a chunk to you you.

Kirk Gittings · Feb 10, 2007

Use a wax based bicycle chain lubricant like Pedro's Ice Wax. It is a very slick wax in suspended in a safe solvent which evaporates. It goes on very smooth and will last a couple of years. A small bottle will last a lifetime.

Lubricating 4x5 Field Camera

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