Graflex.org

[Jeremy Moore]

"The Graflok focus panel has 2 rather powerful springs that keep the upper and lower arms of the focus panel tight against the camera back. The arms are pressed towards the back to remove the whole focus panel so that Graflok accessories (such as roll film holders) can be attached via the slide locks." Description of the part I am talking about quoted from Bob Fowler who said it better than I ever could.


I have 2 of these focus panels for 3 1/4 x 4 1/4, but one of them has very weak springs (they no longer have any spring). Does anyone know how to replace these springs and where to get replacements?

[troublemaker]

Hum? Perhaps the one with the bad spring tension sat for a while with a film holder under it, but i would venture to suggest simply getting some lube penetrant oil into the hinge point and see if that doesn't make a substantial improvement. No gaurantees here, but i have found this to offer a greatly improved mechanism along with making sure the catch arms are not bent and rubbing or causing poor allignment etc... as is sometimes the case. Hoever, if the arms need to be bent, be ever so careful not to crack and or break them. For cleaning and penetration i prefer WD-40 followed with a littel Tri-Flo for lubing, and cleaning all eccess afterwards giving time for it to seep out. The springs are in fact very strong, but i am amazed how much resistance old gunked up grease and dirt can jam things up...so good luck
Stephen

[disemjg]

Once in a blue moon the springs will crack, and lose all tension. Check for that if cleaning and lubricating does not do the trick.