For Trade WTB/WTT: Need Century Graphic focusing rails

[fretlessdavis]

So, After all the caution, I managed to screw up my Century Graphic... slammed it shut without racking it back all the way. The rear track still lines up, but the hinges in the focusing rails snapped.

Looking for a thrashed out camera or someone with some parts that I an get a replacement from. Or, tips on repair, or barter for a repair service.

I would love to swap, if anyone is intereseted. I've got a 4x5 B&J Press Camera in rough but usable shape, a 135mm f/4.7 in great shape with a decent shutter, though B and T aren't working, and a Durst F30.

Looking forward to getting this fixed...

 

[shutterfinger]

What broke? the rail link(s), the link retaining pin(s), or the rail ends? Both sides? Both pins? All rail ends?

 

[fretlessdavis]

What broke? the rail link(s), the link retaining pin(s), or the rail ends? Both sides? Both pins? All rail ends?

Both rail links broke. From the looks of it, the retaining pins are there, but they look like they'd need replacing if they were popped out. The rails seem fine, and in good alignment still, actually. The rear rails move smoothly in and out, so I don't think those got bent at all.

 

[shutterfinger]

You could send the camera to me and I'll repair it for a modest/moderate fee or you can follow the instructions on pdf page 20 of http://www.graflex.org/manuals/45-Pacemaker-Speed-and-Crown-Graphic.pdf to remove the rails (yoke) and reinstall them. Download the manual and follow the instructions for "23" camera. Make a block from wood to fit the rail at the pin then use a pin punch and hammer to remove them. The pins should not be that tight. Make new links from sheet aluminum using the broken pieces as a template.
Tools needed: hammer, 1/16 pin punch, machinist scribe, hack saw, drill bit(s), smooth cut file.
I use 1/2 pine, popular, or oak for the support block when driving pins out with popular getting the most use.

 

[Jim Jones]

I have a rear yoke section complete with links from a Crown or Speed Graphic that looks like it should also fit a Century. You'll still have to remove and replace the pins in the front section to complete the repair. The yoke section is yours for free. That's the easiest way to solve problems on APUG. Just send me your mail address, and I'll try to get it in the mail Monday. If I ever need one of these in the future, there are a few Crowns or SGs around to cannibalize.