Graflex.org

rknewcomb · Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 9 Location: S.E. United States

To do some repairs and restoration I need to get the lower plate off of an early Speed Graphic - actually a couple of them. These are the ones with a separate curtain aperture plate and a curtain tension plate.
( Pre Pacemaker) It is the tension setting knob that I'm asking about.
Is it: grip the knob tightly and use a spanner to turn the slotted nut inside the knob?
Will a spanner work?
Is it a regular right hand thread?
Your experience and advice is appreciated!!
Robert Newcomb

rknewcomb · Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 9 Location: S.E. United States

No one has ever taken the tension knob off of a Speed Graphic or removed the lower curtain roller?
Help

DHF845 · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:01 am Post subject: Tension Knob/Lower shutter plate

Why REMOVE the lower plate? It will release spring tension in the lower roller. The lower roller is like a window blind, with an internal spring. Winding it back up is a royal pain.
Do what everyone at Graflex.org does-ask Bert Saunders for help. Bert has rebuilt every Graflex/Graphic ever made.
Determined to DIY? Loosen the 4 screws that hold the lower plate, clean under it, try not to release tension on main spring.
Did you check that auction site, for a repair manual or a parts list with an exploded shutter view for Speed Graphics? Rear shutter stayed the same from 1912 to '46. There should be something in print out there.
_________________
Got first Speed Graphic at 15 (1976).Other kids were using 35mm SLR's. I ran around with flashbulbs and sheet-film holders, I wanted to be Weegee (#2084).

rknewcomb · Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 9 Location: S.E. United States

I've restored a few Graflex SLR's over the years, including putting in new mirrors and curtains. And for one reason or another on some I have removed the lower plate, but they are different. Putting the spring tension back in a SLR is no big deal because I know how.
I do not have this experience on the Speeds.
I was looking for some help to hedge the bets against me tearing up something.
I emailed Bert.
thanks though.

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

It's been a while since I've taken one apart but one of the nuts is left hand thread and the other is right hand thread. I believe the inner lock nut is the left hand thread, but don't hold me to it. My memory used to work. Honest, it did.
Many of these get broken off by people who don't ask.
_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

DHF845 · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 8:58 pm Post subject:

You've re-wound lower roller tension springs on Graflex SLRs, and find it no big deal? Then the Speed Graphic won't pose any problems, it's very similar.
Glennfromwyoming is right about the nuts. Don't force anything, the shaft's only brass, it breaks easy.
For me it's a pain, since I'm only guestimating the correct amount of re-tensioning needed to get accurate speeds without the benfit of electronics.
Personally, I try to avoid it, but when I'm repairing a torn curtain, it's innevitable. Consequently, I've got a bunch of old Graflexes with working, but hopelessly innacurate, shutters.

_________________
Got first Speed Graphic at 15 (1976).Other kids were using 35mm SLR's. I ran around with flashbulbs and sheet-film holders, I wanted to be Weegee (#2084).

sevo · Joined: 18 Oct 2008 Posts: 34 Location: Germany

DHF845 · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 5:32 pm Post subject:

How much does an electronic shutter timer cost (or how much does it cost where you are)? I'll see if I can find one over here, if price fits my budget.

BTW, the three Graflex SLR's I do all my shooting with (2x3 RB Ser. B w/ Graflex 23 holder; National Graflex Ser. II; RB Ser. D w/Graflex 23 holder) have good, un-repaired shutters. They fire smoothly at all speeds.

Accurate? Don't know for sure. The exposures come out good, excellent negative density range. You've got me curious, though. If I can afford one of those gizmos, I'll try it.

_________________
Got first Speed Graphic at 15 (1976).Other kids were using 35mm SLR's. I ran around with flashbulbs and sheet-film holders, I wanted to be Weegee (#2084).

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

When re-assembling one f these shutters, if you give it 6 turns of initial tension you'll be very close. It actually takes more speed difference, one way or the other compared to ideal, to see a visible difference on the film than you might think. One of the nice things about roller blind shutters. A lot of the old Press photographers that worked the sports beat would crank it up a bit to be sure the 1000 speed was going to stop even the fastest action. I've gotten hold of a couple that made me think the thing was going to launch itself right out of the box.
Robert, did you get the knob off okay?
_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

sevo · Joined: 18 Oct 2008 Posts: 34 Location: Germany

tsgrimm · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 158 Location: SE Michigan

http://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=5345

Home Brew Shutter Speed Tester

rknewcomb · Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 9 Location: S.E. United States

Hi,
I haven't gotten the lower knob off yet. The tips on my spanner are too big to fit well into the slots in the knob. As soon as I get a smaller tip spanner I will try. Thank you for all the good help from all of you.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Robert newcomb

bertsaunders · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 4:53 am Post subject: removing lower curtain on Speed

Robert,
May be a bit late on this thread but.....have instructions for tensioning the older curtains with all details needed to remove and replace it!
bsaunders1@bak.rr.com
have a nice day.....Bert