Graflex.org

GriffinColl · Joined: 29 May 2021 Posts: 4 Location: Canada

So I recently picked up a rough Graflex series D with a jammed shutter, I followed the instructions in this video:

https://youtu.be/D9iSt0YJFBo

I disassembled, lubricated the camera and got the shutter working again, it's firing and winding to each aperture width and releases when I press the shutter release. One issue I am having however is that when I lower the mirror, it only SOMETIMES stays down. It's definitely a problem with the latch that grabs the mirror, because if I manually poke the latch over, it will grab the mirror (picture one)

http://imgur.com/gallery/rSQt2US

So after getting the shutter working, I followed the steps in this video:

https://youtu.be/kZuo_j1DfKs

to get the tension correct and the shutter speeds accurate, I then hit my second snag. The tension release button dosent work. When I click it, nothing happens. So while I'm following the tutorial, I set the tension to 2, mesh the plate with the gear on the camera, and then I'm supposed to lower the tension to 1, but because the button dosent work, nothing happens and I can't go any further. The bellow link (picture 2) shows the gear side of the plate, and picture 3 shows the button that isn't working.

http://imgur.com/gallery/rSQt2US

So I have a temperamental mirror, and a tension release button that won't work. If anybody could provide me with any help and assistance, I'd really appreciate it!

45PSS · Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 1:37 am Post subject:

I'm not a youtuber.

For the mirror, remove the release and oil the release pivot on the release plate and any pivot in the body. Be sparing with the oil inside the body. The TriFlow in one of the videos is good stuff, I use it.
I use a 4 inch adjustable wrench in place of the flat jaw pipe wrench. https://www.ebay.com/itm/371990479517?hash=item569c5c429d:g:Gu0AAOSwMvtZTMCH
check your local hardware store.

As for the tension release button it may be stuck. Release the tension on the tensioning gear by turning the wind key in the direction of the arrow about 1/2 the thickness of the key wing and try to operate the tension release button.
If the button moves up but does not come back down the spring is broken, misconnected, or missing.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

GriffinColl · Joined: 29 May 2021 Posts: 4 Location: Canada

Alright, took apart and cleaned the release plate and the mirror is catching and working properly. Just talked to to the guy at Graflexparts.com and I realized I wasn't setting my tension high enough, so I got that figured out and it's working and the tension release button works.
My only issue now is that the focusing is a bit stiff. Is there anything I need to know about taking apart the focusing knob, cleaning and relubricating? Thanks

45PSS · Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 8:53 pm Post subject:

The bellows are attached to the body with 4 screws, 1 in each corner.
The pinion has the focus knob pined to it. The pin will be difficult to remove and does not need to be removed. Remove the screws holding the pinion plate to the bed or body then pull out on the pinion.
With the focus pinion removed the focus track should come out of the body. Some models have a stop inside the body that will need to be removed.
All Graflex SLR's are fairly simple, straight forward mechanics and assembly.
Don't pry or force anything.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sPJkp-MdghRkRId1EwT0dpNkk/view?usp=sharing
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.