Graflex.org

Discpad · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 5:36 am Post subject:

OK, I was asked to start a new thread for this... Is there an easy way to repair the flash contacts on a 135mm Graflex Optar lens shutter?

If it's an easy repair, that's one thing; but if involves complete disassembly with all the tiny springs, then I'll "pay the man" his $60 or so...

[I used to be a hearing aid dispenser, and also did some repairs; but I'm a bit chicken to do surgery on a lens shutter.]

45PSS · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 6:00 am Post subject:

There are many varriations or different ones used on the Optars over the years, serial numbers are not any help, we need details of the shutter.

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Discpad · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 6:17 am Post subject:

OK, I'm holding the lens assembly in my hand. There does not appear to be any markings for various flash sync settings, so I'm assuming X sync. There is a solenoid mounted on the lensboard for flash bulbs. In addition, marked on the front is:
(X) SYNCHROMATIC made by Wollensak

OK, I've now removed the lens from the board, and there's a pink paint dotnear the cable release socket, "11 FF stamped next to the flash bipin connector, and "M2" stamped by the aperture opening lever.

I just unscrewed the rear lens exposing the shutter and diaphram, and there are no additional markings.

Anything else?

45PSS · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 7:32 am Post subject:

OK, I'm not real familuar with the Supermatic shutter but it is synched for strob flash, (x).
Remove front and rear elements and store in a safe place.
Trip the shutter and set speed dial to its slowest speed setting, be it bulb (B) or time (T).
Remove top (front of lens) cover, it may be retained by two small screws or a cam/lock system or a center thread ring.
Lift off speed adjustment ring.
Trace copper leads from BI-Post to trip lever contacts. Clean contacts. Regap if needed, they should be .030 to .040. Maeby .025. Check copper strips at Bi-Post, loosen and re tighten the nuts, or clean and re attach.
Install speed adjustment ring, some lever pins and such may not directly align into slots, just rotate ring slightly to align or move levers to proper slots and return to position it was in prior to removal.
Reinstall front cover and secure.

Cock and trip shutter to test reassembly and then try the flash contacts.

NEVER COCK AND FIRE SHUTTER WITH COVER LOOSE OR OFF.

Oh, yea, when it's working put the lens cells back on and go shoot something nice.

_________________
While a picture may be worth a thousand words, a quality photograph is worth a million.

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2003-02-14 23:34 ]

Discpad · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 3:55 pm Post subject:

Well, it looks like I'm at an impasse: Although the rear lens element unscrewed nicely, the front element's threads appear to be frozen. There are no set screws locking the element in place. What I need is a 1½" spanner wrench, which I don't have. [I even tried putting a couple wood blocks in my vise to grip the lens element, and it didn't work... Gotta get that spanner, else if I use my 3 foot pipe wrench I'll scratch it to pieces!]

I have all sorts of tools, for everything form repairing hearing aids all the way up through large industrial machinery... But not a 1½" spanner wrench!

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2120 Location: New Jersey

Discpad · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 8:31 pm Post subject:

That's a Great Idea with the rubber pad... I'll give it a try first, since it's knurled for easy(!) removal.

If not, I'll have to pull out my triangular file and cut two grooves so a spanner wrench can fit.

Discpad · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 8:40 pm Post subject:

...Well, I walked outside with lens & lensboard in hand, pressed the knurled ring against a tire sidewall... And Voila!

;

clnfrd · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 11:47 pm Post subject:

If brakes are for pussies, then what are spanner wrenches for? Get a damp washcloth for a better grip...grip that front element with all you got...and twist it loose!!

Fred. Oops!! Didn't see that last post...you got it loose.

[ This Message was edited by: clnfrd on 2003-02-15 15:48 ]

Discpad · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2003 12:30 am Post subject:

Washcloths are for pussies!

clnfrd · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2003 3:06 am Post subject:

Touche'.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Guys,

I know this is the graphic helpboard
but it's not THAT kind of graphic!!!

Discpad, perhaps you could amend your
signiture line to 'brakes are for pussycats"

Sincerely,

The moderator.

Discpad · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2003 1:59 pm Post subject:

Well, I shoot auto races, not porno. Besides my sig actually came off the back of a t-shirt I saw at Volunteer Speedway.

But then again, you should see some of the other t-shirts that "pop up" at the tracks; though they were better in the `70's!

clnfrd · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2003 5:20 pm Post subject:

Yeah...somehow "Washcloths are for pussycats" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Discpad · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2003 6:45 pm Post subject:

Yeah, my half-Siamese cat Max doesn't like a warm washcloth... So No, "Washcloths are for pussycats" isn't too accurate!