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semihemi · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 85 Location: Boston, MA

I just finished reassembly on a Press and gave the shutter a test firing. Unlike the 4x5 from a couple of weeks ago, this time I have quite a bit too much preload dialed in. According to the exposure guide on the camera, it should not pull the curtain shut at Tension 5 and a slit of 1.5 inches. Mine pulls the curtain down rather smartly at that setting. I need to back off a bit, but I know from the assembly process that it is rather tricky to keep the pretension from releasing completely when lifting off the tension adjustment cover plate. Is there a trick to keeping the whole thing from uncoiling on me while I back it down a notch at a time?

Thanks in advance,

Commissioner Gordon (known in real life as Semi)

45PSS · Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:54 pm Post subject:

The procedure for setting the tension on Graflex SLR's, courtesy of Bert Saunders back when I had some Graflex SLR's, is :
1. remove the nut covering the spring tension adjustment.
2. insert a screwdriver into the slot on the end of the tension spring.
3. remove the screws holding the tension knob plate to the camera body working diagonally.
4. While holding the tension spring stationary with the screw driver lift the tension knob plate up enough to disengage the gears.
5. readjust the tension spring tension up or down as needed.
6. reset the tension knob plate onto the camera with the gears meshed.
7. install two screws into the tension knob plate diagonally from each other and secure.
8. test the new tension setting.
9. readjust as above if necessary.
10. install remaining screws into the tension knob plate.
11. reinstall the tension spring adjustment cover nut.
_________________
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semihemi · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 85 Location: Boston, MA

Thanks for the note, 45. The procedure you describe looks like it will work on my Series B 4x5, but the hardware on the Press is quite a bit different. There is a cover plate over the spring assembly that I may lift off for diagnostic purposes. I do have a parts camera that I can make a trial run on before digging into the assembled camera.

Best,
Semi

bertsaunders · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:28 am Post subject: PRESS ADJUSTMENT

SEMI,
INDEED THE PRESS IS DIFFERENT, IT HAS A SPRING IN IT LIKE THE ONES FOUND IN AN OLD FATHERS CLOCK!
SOO......I HAD TO COME UP WITH AN ANSWER!
GIVE ME A HOLLER @
bsaunders1@bak.rr.com
and I will send it to you!
Have a nice day........Bert