Graflex.org

littlelou · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 17 Location: lakewood wa

i'll be shooting 4x5 handheld
with the leaf and focal plane shutters
i found a pacemaker speed graphic that
1) has an inferior lens (wollensak raptar)
2) with the shutter release plunger missing
i'd really like to buy the camera
provided i can get a better lens (maybe ektar)
with the plunger coupled to the shutter release button ?
i'll need the kalart side mounted rangefinder
calibrated as well since that's my primary focus
does anybody know who performs this type of work ?
is this fred lustig's area of expertise ?
should i call somebody else ?
i live in nyc
thanks in advance

t.r.sanford · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 9:06 am Post subject:

From what is the shutter release plunger missing?

The "Raptar" is not necessarily inferior to the "Ektar." The usual lens choices on "Pacemaker Speeds" were a 135mm. f:4.7 "Optar" (or "Raptar") or a 127mm. "Ektar." Both are wide for the format, the "Ektar" to the point at which it was widely believed (half a century back) that performance at the edges of the frame was being sacrificed.

It also was thought (with what accuracy I cannot say) that Kodak's cutting-edge production techniques insured closer conformity to design specifications than Wollensak's. That is only to say that the probability of getting a lemon was higher if you bought a "Raptar." I used a couple for decades, and there was nothing wrong with them that I could see.

Fred Lustig would be the man to see for repairs and calibration, and we hope he will be again as he regains his health. There was a recent optimistic post from someone who had visited him, but we have yet to hear that he is back in business.

It occurs to me that New York City, if anywhere, ought to have one or two camera repair facilities familiar with Graflex equipment in its precincts. One of these years, if I get energetic, I'll start asking around.

littlelou · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 17 Location: lakewood wa

t.r.-
thanks for feedback i appreciate your expertise.
the plunger assembly that was attached to the front left side of the original lens (when looking at the camera from the front) has obviously been removed from the lensboard.
my main question remains where to get that fixed
or totally replaced so the shutter release button on the side of the camera trips the shutter on the lens. i didn't know mr. lustig or that he was was ill. any idea if konny lang works on this model camera ?

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

I agree with TR.

Now about hte "shutter release plunger".

Do you mean the side body release? This is one feature of the camera that never really worked well for me. The button on the side of the body pulls a cable that runs to the front standard where there's a finger of various lengths that's supposed to trip the shutter.

The problem is the cable has too much friction so working the side release takes a bit of effort, then there's that finger that's a bit too flexible. Most of the time it will work but you can never predict exactly when it trips. Thus the shutter lag time is great. If you grew up with cheap auto focus cameras you may find this works well. I found it a good way to waste film. Further the finger gets in the way when you want to change lenses.

You'll be better off if you find a camera in good condition with the lens of your choice, and then tie a cheap shutter cable to the top of the handle on the left side. Certain Crown Specials had a special plastic bracket just above the hand for this purpose, but those cameras are hard to find.

littlelou · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 17 Location: lakewood wa

yes
i'm referring to the "side body release"
it needs to be operational for handheld work on the fly
i have to run out will check back later today
thanks again gang

t.r.sanford · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 2:06 pm Post subject:

People either love the side release, or they hate it. I worked for years and years with a "Century" and an "Anniversary Speed," neither of which had a body release, and I never missed it. But I use the one on my "Pacemaker" and find it very convenient.

I presently am harboring an abused 2¼x3¼ "Crown" that also lacks (among other things) the internal cable and front release assembly, so I know what Littlelou is up against. I could probably fabricate something that would work, but I would much rather not!

We really need good information about Fred Lustig's future plans.

littlelou · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 17 Location: lakewood wa

i called mr lustig today
he was extremely helpful
i have nothing but respect...