Hello all
I am in the process of restoring a post 1955 Speed Graphic. I have access to the repair manual which is incredibly helpful.
When I got the Speed Graphic in the post from the US (I am in the UK) the focal plane shutter only worked on the faster speeds, and would hang on the slow speeds. On review of the repair manual, my best guess at the time was that the governor complete (see attached image) needed a clean.
I have taken the shutter assembly apart (thank god it's a simple mechanism) and the wooden cog has completely seized. I have tried to clean it using (using a toothbrush) with various proven cleaning methods: naptha/lighter fluid, Isoprop (99%) alcohol, trying oiling it using watch oil, lithium grease and also graphite as stated in the repair manual itself, but it barely moves. The rest of the assembly moves just fine.
This is a camera that I'd like to keep as the Xenar (which is in amazing condition) came with a matching RF cam, the RF is 100% accurate everything else is ok.
I am content to use the focal plane shutter on the high speeds only, but it would be very nice to get the slow speeds working again. I am running out of ideas to get the cog moving again, the only non-destructive idea I have is using a sonic cleaner and using a bath of isoprop alcohol. I would rather not send the camera out for a CLA as I would think it would require sending it over to the US.
Has anyone else encountered this issue?
I am in the process of restoring a post 1955 Speed Graphic. I have access to the repair manual which is incredibly helpful.
When I got the Speed Graphic in the post from the US (I am in the UK) the focal plane shutter only worked on the faster speeds, and would hang on the slow speeds. On review of the repair manual, my best guess at the time was that the governor complete (see attached image) needed a clean.
I have taken the shutter assembly apart (thank god it's a simple mechanism) and the wooden cog has completely seized. I have tried to clean it using (using a toothbrush) with various proven cleaning methods: naptha/lighter fluid, Isoprop (99%) alcohol, trying oiling it using watch oil, lithium grease and also graphite as stated in the repair manual itself, but it barely moves. The rest of the assembly moves just fine.
This is a camera that I'd like to keep as the Xenar (which is in amazing condition) came with a matching RF cam, the RF is 100% accurate everything else is ok.
I am content to use the focal plane shutter on the high speeds only, but it would be very nice to get the slow speeds working again. I am running out of ideas to get the cog moving again, the only non-destructive idea I have is using a sonic cleaner and using a bath of isoprop alcohol. I would rather not send the camera out for a CLA as I would think it would require sending it over to the US.
Has anyone else encountered this issue?
