Synchro-compur shutter question

[Moopheus]

I just got my new Graflex. It came with a Schneider Xenar lens in a synchro-compur shutter. On cursury examination, everything looks clean and in good condition, if perhaps a bit stiff from not being used in who knows how long. However, I am having some difficulty with the shutter, and I don't know if I'm doing something wrong, or if there's a problem with the shutter. I looked at an old instruction manual for the shutter that was available as a pdf, and it seems like I should be able to just set the speed and f stop, pull the cocking lever over, then release the shutter. But the shutter release does not move; it's stuck. Also, when I pull the cocking lever over, it springs back to the starting position. Is that normal? I also notice that when the cocking lever moves back, the shutter opens.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Sounds like it needs a CLA. Things are sticking inside from disuse.

 

[David H. Bebbington]

You should be able to do what you expect. If you can't, the shutter needs a CLA (cleaning. lubrication and adjustment), since it obviously won't lock when you wind it. I presume your camera is a Speed Graphic/Crown Graphic rather than a Graflex single-lens reflex?

Regards,

David

 

[Moopheus]

I presume your camera is a Speed Graphic/Crown Graphic rather than a Graflex single-lens reflex?

Regards,

David

Yeah, a "Pacemaker" Speed graphic. Otherwise it seems to be good, and the lens itself looks clear. But obviously I can't really give it a good test without a working shutter (it looks like the focal plane shutter is working, though I have no way to test accuracy).

I'm guessing that either Carol Flutot or SK Grimes are my best bet for getting it fixed?

 

[Ole]

I would send it off to Carol right away.

and if the focal plane shutter is reasonably light-proof and works at all, it's quite likely to be good.

 

[Moopheus]

Thanks for confirming what I suspected. I figured I should ask before I really f'd it up. Of course, the seller claimed that a "graflex buff" at a local camera shop checked this out and said the shutter was "working perfectly." I believe that this is what is known as a "lie." But if Ms. Flutot can get this shutter working again, I still won't have overpaid for it, so alright. We move on. Yeah, I should know better than to buy from a dealer who doesn't know what he's selling, but temptation lurks...

 

[Ian Grant]

A stupid question, but the little button that allows you to open the lens for preview, it sounds like its in the open position, pushed in. Have you checked it ?

See the photo HERE its the button at the top of the image.

Ian

 

[Moopheus]

I don't have that--it's the self-timer version, which doesn't have a preview button.

 

[Ian Grant]

OK all mine had the preview button.

It might be worth getting someone more familiar with that type of shutter to have a quick look before you send it of for repair.

Ian

 

[Ole]

I don't have that--it's the self-timer version, which doesn't have a preview button.

The ones with the small obnoxious preview button also have a self-timer...

are you absolutely certain there's not a small rectangular metal bit right next to the self-timer lever? It's got a raised lip on one side. If the rest is flush with the bodu the preview is on (or in). Lift the tab/lip straight out from the body of the shutter to close.

 

[Moopheus]

There's definitely not a preview button. By setting it to B and holding it open with the cocking lever, I was able to get an image on the ground glass.

So I went down to Calumet to get one of those little wrenches to take the retaining ring off so I can remove the shutter, but it does not want to turn. At all. This is getting pretty annoying.

 

[Moopheus]

To follow up, I just got word from Carol at Flutot's that the shutter looks fixable. Which is a relief; I was dreading the possibility of having to buy another shutter and/or lens. It would have blown my budget for film and some of the other accessories I wanted. At some point I'll probably want more lenses, but this should get me out and shooting with it.