Chapter 7 of "Instruction Manual for RB Super Graflex &c"
Graflex Cameras are sturdily constructed, but like all fine equipment they should be handled with consideration. To preserve the neat appearance and increase the life of your camera, the leather may be cleaned with an occasional application of saddle soap or other good leather preservative. If kept in its carrying case when not in use it will be protected from dust, dirt and accidental blows,
The efficient life of any shutter will be greatly lengthened if all tension is released when the camera is not in use. In the case of the Graflex focal-plane shutter, operate levers M and P until the curtain and tension are run down. Never oil a shutter.
For best results the lens of your camera should be regularly cleaned. Use a soft, well-washed linen handkerchief, a camel's-hair brush, or lens tissue. First. blow off the dust (a camel's-hair brush or small rubber ear syringe is recommended) and then wipe without using pressure. To remove fingermarks or moisture, breathe upon the surface, and wipe. Always wipe lightly, and with a circular movement. Never use acids or any common household solvent for cleaning lenses. Lens cleaners supplied by lens manufacturers may be used if the instructions accom panying them are carefully followed. If the inner surfaces require cleaning, the utmost care should be observed to remove the lens elements one by one; clean and replace each before others are taken out. When replacing these elements screw them securely in place but do not use excessive pressure.
Graflex cameras of recent manufacture are equipped with a great aid to perfect focusing--the Graflex First-Surface Mirror. This mirror differs from ordinary mirrors in that the reflecting coating is on its front surface rather than on the back. This gives a much brighter image on the ground glass and eliminates the "double images" and undesirable reflections sometimes found troublesome when focusing on a strongly-highlighted subject.
The coating used for this special mirror is a highly-reflective aluminum compound which retains ifs brilliance in the absence of a protective coating. In order to insure maximum benefit from its use, care must be exercised in cleaning to guard against scratches from dirt or other foreign matter. Loose dust may be removed by brushing with a tuft of clean cotton saturated with water. Any marks left by the drying liquid may be removed by condensing breath moisture upon the mirror and rubbing with dry cotton. The mirror should not remain wet for any prolonged period as water is likely to leave an acid or alkaline deposit which may slowly attack it.
The under side of the ground glass can be cleaned by removing the lens and inserting through this opening a wadded, soft, lint-free cloth attached to a pencil or small stick,
The top surface of the ground glass will require cleaning more often than the mirror, Release the focusing hood by pressure on the small spring-clip holding the front of the hood frame. This will permit the hood to be folded back far enough so that a damp chamois can be wiped across the glass. Caution: Do not remove the ground gloss from the camera.
[The following information is provided for historical value only. As Graflex is no longer in business, service is available only from individuals and companies which make a business of supporting these cameras. See the Parts and Books, Where to Get sections of the Speed Graphic FAQ, and the related Graflex News Article.]
The Graflex Service Departments are equipped to inspect, clean, adjust and service all Graflex products, and to fit accessories and special lenses to Graflex and Speed Graphic cameras. All corres pondence pertaining thereto should be addressed to the Service Department nearest you.
The Graflex Technical Department is anxious to help you get the
most out of your Graflex-made equipment. Do not hesitate to write about
any photographic problems you may have. When negatives are involved, be
sure to send in the negatives with complete information concerning equipment,
exposure, processing, and all other relevant data.
The Serial Number on your Registration Card is also stamped into the underside of the top door of your Graflex, just behind the top of the focusing hood. The numbers on the lens and the shutter-speed plate are not the serial number of the camera. Be sure to give the serial number of your Graflex in all correspondence concerning it.
The Registration Card supplied with your GRAFLEX when it left the factory should be filled out completely and accurately and returned to us promptly for the registration of your camera and lens. If you did not receive the registration card, write us today for another. For your own files, we urge you to enter herewith the serial number of your camera and identifying data pertaining to your lens.
Camera No. . . . . . . . . . . . Lens No. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
Lens Make. . . . . f/ . . . . . .Focal Length. . . . . . . . . . . . .
.