Pacemaker Speed Graphic's focal plane shutter won't return to "O"

<p>Hey guys,<br /> I just purchased a Speed Graphic off eBay. I fired the shutter a few times and everything seemed to be working. I then flicked the BACK/FRONT switch to FRONT and then back to BACK and now I'm noticing that the focal plane shutter won't reset past "T". I tried increasing the tension but it seems like there's a hard stop before "O". The shutter is stuck closed. All the other speeds seem to work okay. If I hold the shutter button and wind the shutter forward, the top roller just creates slack in the shutter. Does anyone know anything about this issue? Any help would be greatly appreciated!<br /> Thanks,<br /> John</p>

<p>http://www.graflex.org/<br>

http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html<br>

http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_5.html<br>

You do not say whether you have a Side rangefinder or Top rangefinder model, same body.<br /><br>

Does the shutter wind to other settings and run down to T?<br /><br>

Does the body release operate the front shutter with the switch in both the front and rear positions?<br /></p>

<p>I have a side-mounted rangefinder. So I took the camera apart last night and I think I figured out the problem. In addition to the shutter being a little slow, the bottom roller was getting caught on a metal ridge where the roller "bulges" out from the metal borders of the focal plane. I bent the bottom of metal ridge upwards just enough so it would clear the roller on all speeds and I increased the spring tension a little bit. Everything seems to be running smoothly now!</p>

<p>Sounds like the shutter curtain has swelled from age. The original thickness is .007 inch, the camera will quit working properly when the curtain swells larger than .025 inch thick. You can treat it with Pledge Furniture Polish, yellow can only, which will soften it. The rubber coating can be removed and the base material recoated if dry cracked or swelled beyond use.</p>

<p>Service manual for the side rangefinder Pacemakers is here: http://www.graflex.org/manuals/<br>

Kalart rangefinder: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/kalart_1.html</p>

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<p>Servicing manuals are already posted here. Be extra careful when removing the bottom tensioning plate. keep track of the exact # of turns before it disengages from the roller. When it is all cleaned and lubricated, there should be just enough tension on this roller at its lowest setting that the shutter will just barely close from the open setting and lock with the camera on its side. You should not have to increase the tension in order for the shutter to close and lock. </p>