Graflex.org

williammontalvo · Joined: 07 Jul 2002 Posts: 39 Location: Northeastern USA

Hello,
I have a Wollensack Grafex Full Synchromatic shutter from my Pacemaker Speed Graphic (Optar 135 lens). I have cleaned it in Naptha (Ronsonol) solvent. The shutter appears to set and operate on all speeds except 1/400. I am unable to move the ring to the 1/400 position. It goes as far as exactly 1/200, right to the mark, and stops. Obvoiusly, I don't want to force it. Does anyone know what the problem might be and what I can do about it?
Thanks,
Bill

clnfrd · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2002 11:07 pm Post subject:

I too have a Graphex shutter. Some additional spring-tension comes into play when adjusting shutter speed from 1/200th to 1/400th...but it shouldn't be so much resistance as to cause concern. I'd gently coax it, but not force it beyond a reasonable amount. It may need a little lubrication with extra fine graphite mixed in some Ronsonol and directed into the shutter's moving parts with an eye-dropper. Fred.

[ This Message was edited by: clnfrd on 2002-12-01 15:09 ]

williammontalvo · Joined: 07 Jul 2002 Posts: 39 Location: Northeastern USA

Thanks Fred,
I got it to set in the 1/400 setting but it did seem to take a lot of force. But the good news is nothing broke and it worked. I still have a problem with the release sticking in the bulb setting. I have to manually push up on the release to complete the bulb shutter process after set and release. Are you familiar with molydenum disulfide (MO2S - of course the "2" is a subscript)? It is a compound which is a black powder for lubrication which is small balls of this very hard substance 4 to 10 microns in diameter. I have used it successfully in several non-photo applcations where graphite is recommended. It is an excellent dry lubricant. The thing I don't like about graphite is that it is an abrasive. The down side of MO2S is that it is a proven carcinogen so you have to be pretty careful using it.
Regards,
Bill

clnfrd · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2002 1:47 am Post subject:

Not familiar with it. Extra fine graphite, mixed as a slurry with Ronsonol, seems to be the lubricant of choice by many on this forum, although I have used Tri-flow with teflon sparingly with success, also a recommendation from one of the guys here. Fred.

williammontalvo · Joined: 07 Jul 2002 Posts: 39 Location: Northeastern USA

Thanks for the help.
Bill