Posted by JP Mose on May 08, 2001 at 14:46:50:
In Reply to: Super Speed Graphic posted by Mark Francis on August 04, 2000 at 12:44:15:: I have a Super Speed Graphic in the original box with the
original "twist to set the shutter" 1000
: lens. It seems in excellent shape. I have been told that the lens
is very unreliable and the camera not much better. I have also been
told that this design disaster led to the downfall of Graflex Co.
How accurate is this information?
Mark,
You've heard the old saying "better late than
never!" I have been out of the loop on Graflex
for a while but I ran across your message. As you
will note I just posted a question about 1000
shutter maintenance. I have always had a soft spot
for this shutter and have both versions of it - the
135mm and 270mm (the 270mm tele-Optar is nearly
impossible to find!). However, these shutters did
not stand for the heavy duty use that Graphics were
used to. Like the other posting stated, cock it
slowly. I am writing to give another word of
advise. If you use the open/close feature on the
bottom and open it, don't change the shutter speed
or attempt to cock the shutter while it is open.
CLOSE THE LEVER FIRST!!!!!!
Also, if you open the shutter by setting it to "O"
and releasing the shutter, ONLY close it by turning
the shutter speed ring to "B" and NEVER try to cock
shutter or operate the open/close lever while it
is open on the "O" setting
. This may seem like common sense but many people
have jammed the shutter or actually sliced the
shutter blades when doing so. There was a design
change around 1962--one of the shutter blades
bends outward on the tip. This change was
implemented to help prevent the blades from
jamming (which happened to mine in the late 70's.
I had it rebuilt and the new style blade was
added). Another weakness in the shutter are
plastic cams which eventually wear out or crack
with age. So far this hasn't happen to mine.
I only exercise mine and use them on occasion.
I invested in a Symmar S and use that for normal
focal length. The optics of the Symmar S are better than the
Optar anyway. Feel free to email me if you have
any further questions. Take care. JP Mose