Graflex.org

400d · Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Location: Newark, NJ

I have 2 lenses, Graflex Optar 90mm f6.8 and a Wollensak Raptar 135mm f4.7.

When at T speed, the Optar lens's shutter doesn't remain open after I released the shutter, the shutter closes right away, as if it's at 1/50s. I can keep the shutter open, if I hold the shutter cocking lever down, release the shutter, and the shutter will stay open, and the second click with close the shutter.

My Raptar lens has a similar problem, but it only happens occasionally. But the Optar lens happens every time.

I disassembled the Optar lens, and can't find the problem, the gears look fine to me...

Is there anyway to fix it?

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

this is a common problem with Rapax and Graphex shutters. The springs for the Bulb and Time stop levers are probably not installed properly, at least this was the case on three of mine. While the levers may appear to work if positioned incorrectly, if they are not, the release will not catch properly and the shutter will snap closed (go through) as you have described. I had to eventually, and carefully, dissassemble a working shutter and see where things went. Also,if there is old gummed up grease between the two levers, this may be hanging them up. If you stare at the thing long enough the proper instalation of the springs may come to you (as they have little notches on the levers, and the other end lives against the body I believe). IF you clean the levers, they tend to work best dry or with only the tiniest amount of light lube at the axis pin.
According to the manual, it says this problem can also be caused by bent levers, or overtightening of the screw, so check them for flatness etc... they can also wear a littel at the contact point with the release, but this is probably not the problem. I sometimes apply a tiny amount of grease with a needle there depending on wear and how well the they catch the release. I have not yet found any photos that show the proper instal of the springs, or I would direct you there. Check the links pages here for Wolf's site (http://presscameras.graywolfphoto.com/), there is some Graphex shutter lube and parts info there, about as much as you will find anywhere.
Stephen
(P.S. for Dann and Rich: Could you check my post response and make sure I haven't convinced anyone we are talking about Psycho-Compurs...?)

[ This Message was edited by: troublemaker on 2005-04-17 18:36 ]

[ This Message was edited by: troublemaker on 2005-04-17 18:41 ]

[ This Message was edited by: troublemaker on 2005-04-17 18:43 ]

RichS · Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:21 am Post subject:

Hey, don't pull me into a shutter repair...

Your diagnosis and description sound right to me, but I'm not even sure if I ever opened a Grafex shutter?

However, I do have the Graphex shutter repair manual and could be convince to do a PDF of it for my site with the rest of them. It might not be a small one at 30 pages though and I don't think I have enough energy left to do it tonight. For some odd reason, my scanner is not near my keyboard and I have to get out of my chair and walk 10 feet to work the scanner. DOesn't sound like much, but 30 times after a hrd weekend is a lot

I'll get it on the site as soon as I can. It does have a nice blow-up of that spring area...

RichS · Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 3:22 am Post subject:

wor, that was fun... Sorry I was wrong. It's 40 pages

Anyways... The Graphex shutter service manual for type 1, 2 and 3 shutters is now on the site. See:

http://www.southbristolviews.com

under Graflex Manuals.

Enjoy, and be _careful_ when you open up a shutter!

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

I will check it out as I did go back through the manual copy Glenn sent me. While there is a photo image of the spring area, my copy is muddled beyond recognition but i never needed it so overlooked it. My mistake.
I did Ektars and Graphex both side by side with working shutters and it really made a big difference in the learning curve. I am convined after doing a bunch of these things that the real culprit tends to be incorrect re-assembly by poorly trained chimpanzees who were rejected from the space program back in the fifties.
Stephen

400d · Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Location: Newark, NJ

I cleaned the old lub with some cleaner call "Goo Gone". And it does a good job on that, leave no stain. However, I can't turn the shutter setting now because the lub is gone. So, I think the shutter problem may caused by the aging of lub. I will get some lub soon and will let you guys know it turn out.

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

Make sure you do not overtighten the lock ring retainer over the name plate ! Try loosening, the set ring should turn even without lube. Also make sure the T And B levers are in the slot, and not jammed underneath the set ring ! To instal the ring, turn to widest oepning of slot, and you may have to coax them in, then turn to a faster setting and it should go on easily. You should be able to check T and B settings and other speeds without the faceplate on by just holding the set ring in place. Smear a very small amount of grease at the contact points of the set ring, but only use a very small amount. Less is always better with the shutters. Not Less our fearless leader, but less meaning not very much... (how many times can you say less in one sentence?)
regards,
Stephen