Graflex.org

mattmcginley · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Posts: 2 Location: San Francisco

I just purchased a super speed graphic and need some tips. This is hard to admit, I cant figure out how to cock and fire the shutter. I also want to know what the 2 levers are for near the bottom of the lens. One is "O" and "C" which I am just smart enough to figure is open and closed. What does "M" and "Y" stand for? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

t.r.sanford · Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2003 7:57 am Post subject:

I'm sure the "Super" users out there will give you a more detailed answer -- I recall that the 1/1000 second shutter, supplied only with the "Super Speed," was made with a novel built-in lenshood that you rotated to cock the shutter. This was unique, so far as I know, and I couldn't figure it out when I first looked at it, either!

I would expect the markings you describe to be "M" and "X" (rather than "Y"). if so, the little lever is used to set the type of flash synchronization. The "M" setting (for "Medium peak" flashbulbs) closed the contacts 30 milliseconds before the shutter blades opened all the way, allowing the bulb to burn up to peak intensity while the shutter was opening. "X" closed the contacts when the blades were fully open, and was used for electronic flash.

sobahguy · Joined: 09 Oct 2001 Posts: 173 Location: Massachusetts

Hi Matt,
To begin with, when I got my Super Speed the first thing I did (actually before the camera even arrived) was order the manual from John Craig. All of these questions were answered there and for only like $12.00 you can't make a wiser decision. Another good source of info is an 11th edition of Graphic Graflex Photography. The 11th ed includes the new-at-that-time (1958) Supers.
The "O" & "C" just refer to "OPEN" & "CLOSED" Use the "O" to focus on ground glass but make sure to switch it to "C" before inserting the filmholder.
You might do well to use the "Search" function of this helpboard to search for terms like "super speed graphic" and also for "Graflex 1000 shutter" you will find many posts regarding this camera and shutter.
The Graflex 1000 has proven to be a problematic shutter and I have a nearly $400.00 repair bill and bag of practically microscopic small gears and springs (that Fred Lustig replaced) to prove it.
In order to avoid problems, I suggest that you should BABY that shutter. Operate it in Super Slow Motion. Turn the shutter speed dial and aperture pointer SLOWLY. Always cock the shutter by turning the ribbed lens hood clockwise SLOWLY. (FYI by turning the cocking hood counter-clockwise it should unscrew from the shutter body to expose a recess into which you can drop in Series VI filters and then screw the hood back on.) Never trip the shutter with the switch in the "O" (open) position. And unless you absolutely need the faster speed, don't fire the shutter at 1/1000th second. I realize that the fast speeds may have been deciding factors for going with this particular camera, but the shutters just haven't aged well. They were a complete departure from the focal plane shutters that were available in the earlier Speed Graphics, they were kinda experimental & temperamental even back then. This is not to say that they can't work well & the later Rodenstock Optar lenses that went into them were very sharp, atleast mine is.
Don't let the tricky shutter deter you. Treat it gently and you should be ok. I have a complete kit that works great. I shoot with mostly flashbulbs using "M" sync, but I believe that Paramount can make up a custom sync cord for electronic flash to the flash outlet on the right side of the camera.
Good luck with it.

[ This Message was edited by: sobahguy on 2003-12-23 03:33 ]

mattmcginley · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Posts: 2 Location: San Francisco

Hey thanks for all the advice, it's a lot of good advice that it sounds like I really need to know. I will be getting those manuals...but I really needed to know that stuff now so in case the shutter wasn't working at all I can send it back in the next week. It seems to be working good and I'm gonna put some film through it this weekend to make sure.
many thanks.

45PSS · Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2003 2:09 am Post subject:

That caution is: DO NOT COCK the shutter with it in the "O" position.

Rule of thumb: Shutter works smooth as slik in all aspects=use it normally without worry; Shutter is slightly to moderately rough when cocking or switching speeds=treat it carefully and have it serviced As Soon As Possible.
Charles

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