25 years periodical servicing on Linhof Technika 5x7

I purchased this Tech IV 5x7 and after a thorough cleaning, it appears to be in relatively good condition. After cleaning the

bench, it is now a bit hard

to manoeuvre, so is there something that can be used to lubricate the aluminium? I know oil and grease must be avoided.

What else could help,

paraffin oil, silicon oil, teflon spray or candle?

 

When the front standard sits inside the housing, there is some play which could lead to a bad alignment. Is it possible to

adjust or tighten the spring

loaded mechanism?

 

Unfortunately, the bellows had some small holes. It looks good though and I notice that it was tapered in some places with

what looks as thin black

fibre paper with the same black finish as the bellows. Where can this stuff be obtained? And is there a place that you would

recommend for new

compatible bellows, preferably in Europe? Are the original Linhof much more expensive than "Camera Bellows" for

instance?

 

Thanks for any information!

 

BTW, I notice that this is my 1000 post in this forum and the previous, which means that you have already contributed A LOT

to my LF education! Thanks for all the great advice and for putting up with me ;-) Oh, and if there is sweepstakes at 1000

and I am the

winner, I think I could make

good use of a MQC 5x7. Thanks!

Linhof says "You may apply a very thin film of chemically pure vasaline to the upper track. Under no circumstances should oil be used!"

Only 25 years and it needs a service already? My Tech III 5x7 is 40 this year, and I had hoped to postpone the service another 10! :)

 

Of course, I might decide to retire it, and replace it with an Ebony...

Peter, thanks for the tip on vaseline. I'll try it.