Rear standard lock on Shen-Hao

[braden_barclay]

Upon learning the controls on my new shen-hao camera, I noticed that

the lock for the shift/swing of the rear standard seems odd. To me,

at least, it would make more sense if you pulled the lever away from

the body to loosen it, then pushed it back flush to tighten it up.

There is a second thread for the little handle about 90 degrees away

that kind of helps, but then you need to reach under the standard to

loosen/tighten. Has anyone noticed this, or find it to be bothersome?

I was just admiring how overall well done the camera seems to be,

with the exception of this. I'm sure it won't really bother me

though! Anyways, less camera, more pictures...

[eugene_singer]

Braden, the Shen Hao HZX 45AII, that my wife used, had the locking handle placed in a position that required it to be pulled toward you in order to tighten it. When fully tightened, it protruded out the back. It needed to be pushed back and loosened when the camera was folded so that it did not stick out. This is a good idea, since it assures that the tension on the lock will be relieved when the camera is not being used. However, there was no second threaded opening for the locking bar on the particular camera that she had. Perhaps this is a design change? Is it the lower priced 45FC from Fine Art Photo Supply? Either way, it's the norm for that camera.

[rayfc]

FWIW: My HZX 45AII works the same way as described by Eugene. It was

purchased about 1 month ago from Badger Graphic (their service by the way,

was excellent). I'm absolutely thrilled with this camera and have no difficulties

with the ergonomics and/or functionality. My only (extremely) minor

improvement suggestion is the locking hasp that snaps the rear standard

closed to the bed when it's folded. Sometimes, the hasp dangles down from

the rear standard onto the bellows. A heavy handed and careless move on

the operator's part could puncture the bellows. A solution would be to attach

the hasp to the front of the bed where, it would harmlessly dangle downward.

My solution to this problem is to tuck the hasp safely under the strap handle

where it is held back and away from the bellows. This is absolutely no big

deal at all... The camera is worth every penny of it's cost and even though I've

owned just a sort while, I'm very attached to it.

 

Regards

[photobyalan.com]

It may seem a little strange to have to pull the lever out to tighten the back but, as Eugene said, it makes sense when you consider that it then forces you to put the camera away "loose". I have acquired the habit of loosening all the adjustments on the camera before folding it up (after nearly crushing the bellows a couple times). My thought is that it takes pressure off the nylon washers and they will be less likely to become deformed. It also forces me to re-normalize all the adjustments every time I set the camera up. I know that's basic procedure, but I used to forget sometimes with my Sinar, since I was able to put it away without unlocking everything, only to realize after the shot that I had forgotten to zero something out.

 

This reminds me. I haven't shot ANYTHING with the Shen Hao in several weeks, and that's much too long. Time for a field trip.

[vincent_walter]

I just fixed mine. Here is this basic procedure I got from Dave at Badger Graphics;

-remove the little hex nut thing beside the swing/shift lock.

-start loosening the swing shift lock.. the first time around it will be a liitle tight geting it

over the phillips head screw, or you can just remove the "handle" from the lock with a

vice-grip and rubber glove to protct the metal.

-once the assembly is apart examine the condition of the clear washer under the lock but

above the lower slider plate.

--this is my addition to the procedure>> Drink a CANNED beer or a CANNED soda of your

chosing.

--wash out can

--go find some tin snips or a good pair of scissors

--cut the can (be careful not to get all bloody!)

--cut two or three circles the same size or slightly larger than the clear washer you stared

at before drinking the beer.

-- find a hole puch (smaller the better)

--punch a hole in the aluminium can circles

--put the washer and one of your aluminium doughnuts where you found the clear

washer.

--reverse the process... you should find the lock to work much better now

---do some trial and error before puting back the little "detent" nut thing.

---ps you need a 8mm open end wrench to take off and tighten that detent nut.

---- go take some photos and drink another beer.