Graflex shutter problem

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I've just done my first set of test prints on my new Graflex Super D RB. Using Polaroid Type 52 (ISO 400) and Type 57 (ISO 3000) the prints seem to be two stops under exposed throughout the range. In other words, a proper exposure requires about two stops more exposure than my incident meter suggests. Could the shutter be running that fast? Who would you suggest to fix it? Arthur

-- Arthur Gottschalk (Arthurwg@aol.com), July 25, 2000

Answers

Congradulations, it's a wonderful camera. Mine was last serviced at Professional Camera Repair in NYC, but it's been several years. I wonder if you're just stuck in the "Hi" mode? You might try fully winding and then releasing the H/L knob all the way a few dozen times and see if that helps.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), July 25, 2000.

Is your meter calibrated? Pat

-- pat krentz (patwandakrentz@aol.com), July 25, 2000.

Arthur, Just a thought. Have you compensated for bellows extension?

-- Steve Roche (stevemr@earthlink.net), July 26, 2000.

Steve hit the jackpot! Not having used a LF camera before, I forgot about the bellows factor. Indeed, my test prints were taken at maximum extenstion, close up! With the 190mm Optar that would be about two stops, right? It's raining now so I'll try again tomorrow. Thanks again. Arthur

-- Arthur Gottschalk (Arthurwg@aol.com), July 27, 2000.

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