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  #1  
Old 18th July 2010, 05:04 PM
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Red face How to open a Graflex?

Yes, its silly question time! I saw a nice little Graflex on Saturday which looked real sweet in the window. Couldn't resist it.

I checked the main movements, bellows etc and all looked great. Overall nice condition. Great I said - I'll take it. The sales guy closed it it up and handed it over. The only problem is I never asked how you open it (doh). By the time I realised I had not got a clue - the shop was shut and won't be open until Tuesday.

So come on you lot put me out of my misery and stop me feeling very foolish... how do I get the front to open!

Mark (the twat)...
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Old 18th July 2010, 05:22 PM
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Mark,
IIRC there should be a little button under the covering cloth somewhere (top or side I think). Look for a slight bump and push it The front should then drop down, or can be carefully pulled out.

Neil.
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Old 18th July 2010, 05:26 PM
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Default Huuuuuge thanks and ta Neil

Thanks very much Neil - I've only sat and looked at it for four hours...
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Old 18th July 2010, 06:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Burley View Post
Thanks very much Neil - I've only sat and looked at it for four hours...
Don't worry, I had the same problem when I got one. I was ready to attack it with a crowbar when I pressed the button without realising and it fell open.
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Old 18th July 2010, 06:22 PM
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Default Thanks Dave...

Yes but I'm still a profuse shade of pink!

Only sat and looked at it for three hours - then went and opened a bottle of wine in exasperation. The more glasses I had the more foolish I felt!

I pretty much know how it works - but still trying to establish which model it is. Having just discovered Graflex.org I'm hoping that will be solved relatively quickly...

Mark
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Old 18th July 2010, 06:31 PM
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Thanks very much Neil - I've only sat and looked at it for four hours...
Glad you got it open Mark ! Simple really once you've done it!

Cheers,

Neil.
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Old 18th July 2010, 07:42 PM
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Yup, now comes the interesting bit for me at last. I think its pre-1955 with a Kalart rangefinder which appears to be cammed with an Optar 162mm lens. I don't think it has any sideways movement just front tilt and rise. I think the bed drops - but not sure yet.

Was chuffed to get 5 darkslides and a 9x12 Colwood (I think) back. Shutter and lens seem OK but the release is very sticky.

Any advice on freeing a sticky shutter would be great anyone...
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Old 18th July 2010, 10:17 PM
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It probably hasn't been used much and sometimes just using them can free up a sticky shutter. Failing that, if you feel you can manage it, remove the optics and soak the shutter in Isopropyl Alcohol . Better still send it away for a service.

Neil.
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Old 19th July 2010, 05:10 PM
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Its going to get a service in any case Neil - but thanks for the advice. I think it was built in 1962 and Is a Pacemaker. Hopefully it will see some use in the near future.

Mark
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Old 19th July 2010, 05:17 PM
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They are nice classics to use Mark and quite portable. I have a Crown Graphic and another one that has the rear focal plane shutter.

Do keep us updated with your new camera as when you have something interesting to tell us.

Neil.
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