Shutter CLA or Swap

dabsond · Feb 28, 2025

I have a 4x5 speed graphic with the pictured lens and shutter. It is a 152mm f4.5 Ektar in a Graphic shutter. What are my options to send the shutter off for a cleaning as the slower speeds are running slow. Also I have a 127mm f4.7 in a Graphex shutter that is 100% functioning. It does not appear I can swap out the lenses to use the functioning shutter with the 152mm lens. Also, with the 152mm lens and shutter, what are my flash options. I see the bi-post flash sync however, there is no setting for bulb or electronic. Can I use it for electronic flash? Any help greatly appreciated.

BrianShaw · Feb 28, 2025

On the 152, the “(x)” on the shutter denotes c-synch for electronic strobe.

Do yourself a favor and just have your shutters overhauled rather than trying to swap them. You’ll probably get 20 years of good and reliable service by doing so. Any camera tech who will still work on LF shutters can do that job. There are many existing threads with suggestions on who to consider.

Doremus Scudder · Feb 28, 2025

I second the suggestion to get your shutter CLAd, and recommend Carol Flutot for the job.

Doremus

blee1996 · Feb 28, 2025

Since you have a Speed Graphic, there is the focal plane shutter. Maybe you can shoot with the focal plane shutter first, and see how much you like the 152/4.5 Ektar. If you like it enough, then you might consider get it serviced. These lenses are quite cheap on the used market, and the CLA cost might be much higher than a good working lens + shutter.

Sirius Glass · Feb 28, 2025

Doremus Scudder said:
I second the suggestion to get your shutter CLAd, and recommend Carol Flutot for the job.

Doremus

I agree. I have had superb work done by Carol. Once a lens has been serviced, it can be trusted as a known quality.

dabsond · Feb 28, 2025

blee1996 said:
Since you have a Speed Graphic, there is the focal plane shutter. Maybe you can shoot with the focal plane shutter first, and see how much you like the 152/4.5 Ektar. If you like it enough, then you might consider get it serviced. These lenses are quite cheap on the used market, and the CLA cost might be much higher than a good working lens + shutter.

I love the lens, I have had this for a few years now.

abruzzi · Feb 28, 2025

I'm not sure, but the Graphex shutter looks like a rebadged Compur, and the Graphic shutter looks like a rebadged Supermatic shutter. They don't use the same mounts for the lens elements, so yes, swapping elements is not an option unless you want to pay SK Grimes $400-$700 to build an adapter. ( https://skgrimes.com/lens-mounting-to-shutter/ )

As mentioned getting it CLAd is your best bet. I don't know current prices, but $150-$220 is what I saw a few years ago. Carol Flutot is very good, but last I heard shes got a fairly long waiting list. ( https://flutotscamerarepair.com/AboutUs.htm )

Zack's Camera Repair has been good ( https://zackscamerarepair.com/camera-repairs/ ). I'm sure there are a few others.

Dan Fromm · Feb 28, 2025

abruzzi said:
I'm not sure, but the Graphex shutter looks like a rebadged Compur, and the Graphic shutter looks like a rebadged Supermatic shutter. They don't use the same mounts for the lens elements, so yes, swapping elements is not an option unless you want to pay SK Grimes $400-$700 to build an adapter. ( https://skgrimes.com/lens-mounting-to-shutter/ )

As mentioned getting it CLAd is your best bet. I don't know current prices, but $150-$220 is what I saw a few years ago. Carol Flutot is very good, but last I heard shes got a fairly long waiting list. ( https://flutotscamerarepair.com/AboutUs.htm )

Zack's Camera Repair has been good ( https://zackscamerarepair.com/camera-repairs/ ). I'm sure there are a few others.

Graphex shutters are rebadged Rapax shutters.

Shutter CLA or Swap

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