Repairing a Shutter Jam on an R.B. Graflex - Series D 4x5 SLR
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- **Turn on subtitles for step by step description**
Recently purchased this beat up old Graflex. When it arrived, the shutter didn't function properly due to a broken spring and the whole thing was covered in decades of grime and dust. Prior to filming this, I completely disassembled the camera, cleaned all components as best I could, and attempted to repair the spring.
My spring repair didn't put enough pressure on the curtain release lever which caused the shutter curtain to jam after tripping the mirror.
Luckily, the solution was simple enough: just bend the spring so that it was under higher tension. Bad news is, the spring is a bit tricky to access.
The front standard does not need to be removed to do anything I did in this video, mine is sitting just out of frame waiting to be put back on.
Hopefully this will help anyone trying to repair their camera!
Great video! I'm so glad to see guides on how to repair cameras like these-- and honestly, compared to some newer film cameras, this doesn't seem too bad! Hopefully that means these graflex cameras have another 100 years left in them!
Excellent work
amazingly helpful video! please make more graflex servicing videos!
Thank you.
Just what i needed to do the CLA
I've just bought my second RB Auto Graflex, the older model (c.1908). It looks in a quite good shape EXCEPT the lever that triggers the shutter at the same time that lifting the mirror. Somtimes works, sometimes keeps on place. The shutter itself releases quite well. I think in this case is just a screw that is probably a bit bent.
I just got a Graflex series B, not the RB, but the older one with the fractions instead of letters on the shutter info plate. My shutter while trying to set it, only moved a tiny bit and stops and won't go any further. I watched a couple of videos and think I know how to operate it correctly. The lower section will set all the way to 6. It needs work like I just saw you do and would like to know if you'd be interested in working on it ? It has a single shot film back and I will find a Graflex 23 back for it if I can get it repaired. Also needs a new viewing hood, though I glued and gorilla taped the ripped folded areas. Would really like to get this beautiful oldie back to working condition and use it !
What do you think ? Larry McCormick
Desde Argentina: Muy bueno!
Great tutorial. Have you worked on any other vintage cameras that you can share? Thanks
Could I roughly follow this as a guide to replacing the curtain in a RB Auto Graflex 3x4 SLR?
I imagine you could, I’m really an amateur when it comes to graflex cameras but it seems like the 3x4 cameras are pretty similar. Never seen one myself though. Good luck!
Amazing video ! Now I'm brave enough to buy an untested one, thank you very very much ! I wondered how many turns did you apply to the mirror tension cap/nut
I can’t remember exactly how many turns it was but it definitely wasn’t easy to do. I think I had to test and add tension a few times before the mirror swung up with enough force to trip the shutter
Haven't heard from you yet ? Is it possible ? Really like to shoot this camera. Graflex Series B, not the rotating back model. Larry McCormick
I need some advice, please. Several years ago I bought a 4x5" R.B. Auto Graflex in "As Is" condition. No lens was included. The basic functions of the camera seem OK but a previous owner somehow jammed the light trap on the rotating back. Some of the fabric (felt?) is sticking out. I don't know what to do to fix this without causing more damage.
I suppose I could buy new felt from a craft store if the original fabric is too damaged to use.
What I would like to know is how to remove enough of the back to get to the felt.
It would be fun to get this camera back in working order. Over the years I have purchased a half dozen sheet film backs and a bag mag for it. I have several lenses for my other 4x5" cameras that I can use with this. All I need is a lens board and I believe some eBay sellers do make them for sale.
Thank you.
Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA
Would you consider repairing my graflex rb ?
I recommend you get in touch with graham at graflexparts.com, he actually knows what he’s doing and does excellent work!
I wonder if someone has thought about completely taking one of these apart, and making a new wooden body for it, and just transplanting everything else. Or heck, I wonder if that's even possible.
Matthew Dooley the wood in most of these cameras is actually in great shape, it’s just the leather covering that’s beginning to degrade. Some people peel away the leather and refinish the wood. Search aero liberator for examples
@@mattdemsky4897 I've seen the Aero Liberator in the presidential shots, but I guess I should've specified a different type of wood, or just styling it a little different. Just a thought.
Matthew Dooley it’s probably possible but definitely beyond anything I can do. I’d love to see someone pull that off
Hey @Matt, this is fantastic! I've gotten most of the way through a repair, but now I'm stuck on the shutter timing mechanism. See ua-cam.com/video/sMXigkyXago/v-deo.html - suggestions appreciated!