Super Graphic Focus Panel Repair -- Please Help

[Old-N-Feeble]

I have a Super Graphic focus panel that needs one of the two chrome release levers installed. This is one of the two silver parts you press to release the panel from the back. The steel spring is in place. I've tried using flat blade screwdrivers to pry up the flat spring and can nearly get the chrome part in but it keeps snapping closed. I could try a miniature crow bar but I'm afraid I'll break the spring. I've seen a couple of those brittle springs broken. Is there an easier way? Would it be better to remove the spring, install the release lever, then re-install the spring?

ETA: Cross-posted on LFPF

 

[John Koehrer]

Can you pry it enough to insert something like a drivers license or other thin plastic? Then \, if the spring is accessible press on it and use the plastic as a bearing of sorts to guide it into place.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

I have to pry it out far enough to get the chromed release into the slot. That's pretty far and using two screwdrivers doesn't work for me. One of those tiny pry bars would probably work if I grind the end thin enough to slip under the spring but I'm worried that bending the spring that far will break it. They're apparently a bit brittle.

 

[shutterfinger]

The factory service manual

The frame is aluminum or magnesium. It is easily broken as I seen several on ebay. With the ground glass and fresnel removed I would use the large lip at the edge of the gg opening as my pivot point using the tip of a cabinet tip screwdriver 6 to 8 inches long just beyond where the lock arm will be under the spring.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Thanks, shutterfinger. That's precisely what I needed. I'll go buy a tiny crowbar tonight and grind the end thinner to facilitate easier insertion under the spring.

 

[mjork]

I just struggled with this myself a few days ago. In the end I came up with an easy way of doing this. I formed a small loop out of a cable tie. You could use any kind of wire or zip tie. Anything that's strong enough to handle some significant pull but also thin enough to get it in place easily.
Then I used a screw driver to lift up the black spring (part 10 in the diagram) just enough to slip the loop around its end.
That allowed me to lift this spring as far as necessary simply by pulling it up on the wire loop with a finger. At that point the chrome lever can be inserted easily.

 

[Sirius Glass]

On post your question on the www.graflex.org forum and someone who repairs Graphics can tell you.