Posted by JP Mose on May 08, 2001 at 11:41:20:
Greetings:
I have a 135mm Optar and 270mm Tele Optar, both with
the 1000 shutter. The shutter on the 270mm is starting
to stick a little at slow shutter speeds. This
lens/shutter combo is particularly rare and I would
like to be able clean/maintain the shutter at minimum.
I know that it is next to impossible to get anyone to
work on these but they are part of the Graflex heritage
and I would love to keep them alive. I have been told
they have a special cam system which is unconventional.
Can anyone provide instructions for cleaning and
lubricating the shutter? The 135mm 1000 shutter was
restored by WD Service in 1980 and seems to work fine.
Seeing that it hasn't been maintained in 21 years,
does the lubrication dry up with age and need periodic
replacement (I know not to oil a shutter but they have
some form of lubricant...don't they?)? Thanks for your
help. JP