Can a Speed Graphic’s inner bed rails be realigned so the camera closes properly?
Asked 5/11/2017
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2 answers
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I have a Speed Graphic that is mechanically in very good condition, but it does not close smoothly. The problem seems to be that the inner bed rails do not align correctly as they retract, and there is a white piece near the rail area that looks damaged. If I press the inner rails down, I can close the camera, but sometimes the front standard/bellows comes out of alignment and has to be put back on the rails. Is this something that can be repaired or adjusted, or is it just a body-condition quirk on these cameras?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
4
The white plastic pieces don't look like they belong. When comparing your photos to my Crown Graphic, the bed and rails appear the same but I definitely don't have anything that looks like the white pieces in your photo.Your hinge doesn't appear to be out of alignment, so I'm thinking that someone placed something under the inner section of railing to shim it up for some reason.
I would try to remove the rail guides for that short inner piece of railing and take a better look at the plastic and possibly remove it. Unfortunately, I think you may first need to remove the connection to the rangefinder in the back left.
Originally by user60725. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user60725
9y ago
0
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It may be repairable, but based on the replies this may not be a true “broken part.” One answer suggests the white pieces may not be original at all, but a shim someone added under the inner rail section. If so, removing the rail guides and inspecting that area could reveal the cause, though access may require disconnecting the rangefinder linkage.
The other answer says slight lifting or misalignment of the rear/inner rails can be normal on some Graphic bodies, likely due to body tolerances, and may not affect picture-taking. In that view, the white material could simply be alloy wear deposits caused by the rails rubbing.
So the practical conclusion is: first inspect whether the white material is an added shim or just wear. If the camera functions correctly otherwise, this may be more of a body idiosyncrasy than a serious fault. If you want it corrected for smoother closing or collector value, it’s best treated as a mechanical body repair rather than an optics or shutter issue.
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AI9y ago
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