radu_diaconu Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Hi, I've just received a 4x5 speed graphic but the button on the side of the camera to release the bed is missing, I can see a bit inside the hole. Is there a way to open the front without forcing it? Please, any help is appreciated. Regards, Radu D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc_w Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 The button to open the front is on the TOP of the camera but is underneath the leather covering. It looks like a little dimple (or pimple, lol). Hard to see at first but keep looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radu_diaconu Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 You mean, were the top rangefinder is? Like above the graflex sign? I can't find it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radu_diaconu Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 got it. thanks. Radu D> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc_w Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Great! You are now a member of the Secret Order of the Graflex (that little trick is the first thing you learn!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radu_diaconu Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 Does anyone know where to send them for repair in Montreal, Qc, Canada. Just asking in case someone knows: don't want to send it to the US unless it is absolutely necessary. Thanks again. Radu D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_young9 Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 What needs repair? The cameras are pretty simple once you get over the Rube Goldbergednessity of the design. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mag_miksch Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 and have a look at graflex.org, very nice and wise community I also find this hidden button thing a funny idea Regards and have fun Martin ( who is hard thinking about going with a RB ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radu_diaconu Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 Well, I really need to use the Focal Plane shutter with the barrel lenses, and speeds are a bit off. If anyone know how to repair them, let me know. Thanks again. Radu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickc1 Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 If the speeds are off but the thing is otherwise OK, you don't need a repair, but instead a clean, lube and adjust - far cheaper and easier. Never tangled with my own SG ao I can't offer any real advice, but when I bought it I did take a set of shots (using a roll film holder for ease and economy)and I now know that on my camera, an Anniversary SG, I have to increase the spring tension by one compared to what the table says (approx) Of course the top set of speeds are unavailable, but it saved me interfering with a working camera. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thirteenthumbs Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Radu, <br> The first thing to do is to go to www.southbristolviews.com/ and click on Graflex manuals in the left plane then download the pdf file Pacemaker Service manual.<br> The only difference between a side rangefinder and Top rangefinder pacemaker is the rangefinder, all other aspects of the cameras are the same.<br> Now read thru the "servicing the focal palne shutter" section and decide if you want to try to clean it. Normally taking the cover plate off and lubing the ends of the curtain rollers is all that is needed to get the speed correct but reinstalling the outer cover requires resetting the gearing that puts the correct speed in the window and can be a little tricky. The other end of the curtain rollers can be lubed without any disassembly.<br> The TEST for correct operation of a Focal Plane Shutter is with curtain at "O", governor at High (lever to rear of camera), trip shutter; it should fully close and just latch with top edge of "O" slot 1/4 inch below film gate opening. If shutter does not latch then clean and lube and retest. <br> Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnanian Posted June 9, 2006 Share Posted June 9, 2006 hi radu i have serviced the focal plane shutter on both a speed graphic (pacemake) and a graflex series d. it is kind of tricky and if you aren't careful, you will get very frustrated. little square washers, tiny screws, nuts and cutain positioning makes it a tedious job. do you have a roll film back? i ask because if you install a 6x6 roll film back, and remove the film rolls ( so it is just a 6x6 opening) - you can bring the camera to someone to have the shutter tested. they can put a "jig" on the camera that is used for a medium format camera and test the FP shutter. it may turn out that the speeds it is currently running with will be OK and you won't have to adjust anything ... good luck! john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radu_diaconu Posted June 9, 2006 Author Share Posted June 9, 2006 Thank you everyone, that is kindly appreciated. Regards, Radu D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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