Graflex.org

gtmiller76 · Joined: 07 Aug 2013 Posts: 2

Hello all,

I am relatively new to the world of Graflex, but I am eager to get my mini Speed Graphic working again!

The camera has a Kodak Flash Supermatic shutter with the Ektar 101mm f4.5 lens. The shutter is gummed up and I'm willing and able to take the shutter apart to do the cleaning and lubrication, but I am in need of a service manual. If someone could please email me a copy or point me toward a copy that I can download, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!
-Greg

Henry · Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 4:10 pm Post subject:

Well, of course you could always buy one

http://www.photobooksonline.com/books/manual04KODCAM.html . Item #80086 on the list.

This site has many Graflex manuals for download, but I don't see any Kodak listing:

http://www.southbristolviews.com/

You might try contacting that site's owner at "rich@southbristolviews.com" to see whether he can help. He does post on this site as "richS".

I've had good luck with my Graphex shutters using the "Ronsonol flush" method. Remove front and rear lens elements and squirt lighter fluid into the works through the lens mount holes, especially around the circumference of the front where the gear train is located. Exercise the shutter through all of its settings, let innards dry thoroughly, and see whether this frees up the gummy action. If so, you may be able to avoid a tear-down.

Jim C. · Joined: 18 Feb 2011 Posts: 89

I'll second what Henry said, a flush with lighter fluid may be better than
doing full teardown. Besides, if it's slow, and working, better to do a flush
than doing a teardown and having it not working.
Parts are also hard to come by if you lose something.

William Hallett · Joined: 07 Jan 2012 Posts: 101

The US military service manual for the Anniversary contains detailed exploded views of a Supermatic plus step by step photos as one is dismantled and some service instructions. This is available for download at http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ - follow the Graflex link and choose "C3 Graflex Camera" (military name for the Anniversary). This may be an earlier version of the Supermatic than yours (without the flash synchronizer, I believe), but should still be helpful.
_________________
WilliamH

gtmiller76 · Joined: 07 Aug 2013 Posts: 2

Thanks everyone for your replies!

I think I may try the lighter fluid flush and see how that goes. However, I did manage to get the front cover off and there is a lot of gummy grease in there. It may take several flushes! Lol...

Thanks again,
-Greg

Henry · Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 9:10 pm Post subject:

Let us know the results of your efforts---and best of luck!