eric_m4

Hello all, I was wondering if there were any wooden field cameras that have a rotating back that just spins around and does not have to be removed to change from landscape to portrait mode. I know it's heavier but I rarely go further than a mile or so from my car so weight is not a problem.

No, the problem seems to have been the small dab of grease on the rollers. The little spring buttons on both rails work fine. once I wiped the grease off the rollers it worked much better.

Hi Tom, When I used to load my holders in a bathroom I used to turn on the hot water and the humidity would keep the dust down - to a degree. Might help.

Yes that's right, it does not need grease on rails/rollers. I don't know how the grease got on the rail/rollers but the point is for it to work by friction there should be no grease on rollers.

Hi Guys, Just a little update on rail issue. Rodeo Joe kind of touch on the problem : "I doubt that the locking or focus mechanism needs lubrication. In fact the focus control relies on friction to drive the standard back and forth." There were tiny smudges of grease on the bottom rollers ( the ones that move the rail/standards) which led me to think that it was ok to have a just a bit of grease. I found the following which basically states you have to wipe down the rollers until you get every bit of grease off. Cambo SC help needed I also had to tighten the small screw on bottom of standard to increase pressure of rollers on rails - more friction. Before grease was wiped off, adjusting this screw made no difference. It still slips occasionally, but it works so much better than before. I'm thinking maybe a very small amount of dish washing soap might remove the very last bit of grease off. Anyway, I got it working. I keep referring to this as a "rail issue" but it's actually a "rollers on the standard issue" . Hopefully, this will help anyone one else that has similar problem with camera rollers/standards. Thanks for all the help.

Gary, No the front standard doesn't work with either rail. It actually fits in but with a lot of resistance and only moves when you manually push it forward/backward. The knobs move freely without the rail inside, but once the rail is in it gets very difficult to turn. It feels like there is something stripped connecting the rollers to the knobs. Rodeo, It's definitely the front standard. I've checked the inside magnified and could not see anything different from the other standard but the problem only occurs with that front standard. I couldn't find a way to take it apart, there's a small bolt inside but you would need some special tool to reach in there - very small and tight working space. There's some tiny screws on outside, I'll see if I can tinker with it some more but I'm probably going to wind up with a new standard. I appreciate all the help, this place is always the first (and usually the last) place that I come to for photo help.

Just read the thread all the way through - looks like I may have to just bite the bullet and buy another standard.

Hello guys, I believe I found the page I was looking for. Hopefully, it can solve my problem - seems similar issue. Maybe it will help someone else out there : Cambo/Calumet SC-2 - standards not moving fore/aft Something Cambo users might wanna bookmark. Wish me luck!!!

Hi Guys, Thanks for replies. I can insert rail and remove it without anything being damaged or distorted, or even scratched. And once it's in it turns but with a LOT of resistance. Although sometimes the knobs spin without moving the rail any. It seems like it can be a fairly simple DIY solution. I don't really want to spend about $50 on another standard and sending it in for service doesn't make sense when you can get a whole new camera on ebay for about $150. Dan, I did turn the screw at bottom but all that did was adjust the resistance turning the knobs. I read somewhere online how someone had similar problem and he took it apart, lubed some part up, and was done. I can't find that site and I can't figure out how to take this thing apart. Seems like you have to get to some screws behind the knob but I can't figure out how to remove the knob. Eventually, I may have to lay out the 50 bucks but I'd like to try and solve the problem before I spend money on another standard. It just seems like there's a solution to this.

Hello all, I went to change rail on my cambo SC model from 24 inch to 12 inch (I'm pretty sure the cheaper models all have the same square rail) and had a real hard time fitting the rail into the front standard. Rail went in much easier on rear standard. I had to put pressure up against the workbench to get it in. I pressed in the small pin on rail and had the friction knobs unlocked. Once it was in the knobs were very stiff and would often spin without moving the rail any further. I've used it on and off for about 30 yrs but never had it lubricated and the last time I used it was about 6 - 8 months ago so I'm thinking it may need to be oiled/greased but I'm not sure how to take it apart and what/where to lubricate. Can anyone give me a simple explanation or a website with instructions on how to? Thanks.

Hello all, I noticed that Nikon dropped the price on the 200 -500mm f/5.6 by almost $400. A considerable amount. Does this mean that this lens is going to be discontinued soon? Or is it a special event just for me? Thanks.

Hello All, Is there a difference between the two besides the interchangeable focus screen feature (and age)? Thanks.

I remember years ago in the film days I used to go to photo flea markets, mostly just for kicks but sometimes I'd buy stuff. But since the digital tidal wave hit I never saw another one again. I don't know if it was because I wasn't looking for them or they just weren't around anymore. So my question is are photo flea markets still held anymore or did they just come to an end 20 years ago? Old digital means obsolete. Old analog means vintage, classic, retro, etc... I don't expect to see digital flea markets but with this renewed film gear interest maybe there's something out there. It's just more fun to see gear right in front of you instead of looking at photos of gear on a screen.

You guys crack me up!!! Funny responses!

Darn!!! I was just about to ask you if you could print a brand new Hasselblad 500c/m for me.