[LargeFormat] Rapax shutter CLA

[Les Newcomer]

In the states Radio shack sells contact cleaner to the TV and VCR repair
crowd. The only trouble I've found is that most of them add a lubricant
"cleans and lubricates in one step!" The problem is old salad oil is
cheap and the cleaner (1,1,1 Tri Clor) is expensive, I think the last
can I had was about 50/50 what a mess. This same protocol works on
compound shutters too.

Les

Clive Warren wrote:
> 
> At 18:23 26/02/01 -0800, Les Newcomer wrote:
> >Somebody on this list will probably want to smash my hands in the
> >ferrotyping machine, but I always thought the Rapax and the Graphex
> >shutter are/were the same.
> >
> >I have taken the front off, the speed selector off (the equivialent of
> >removing the air cleaner) and looking under the bonnet. On occassion the
> >'splash and dash' trick--hit it with aerosol Trichlor, or contact
> >cleaner has worked for me.  It removes the old oil from the pivot points
> >and I re-lube with some clock oil and a toothpick. I won't say it
> >replaces a good engine rebuild, but it may delay it. However, I will
> >reluctantly admit this does not work when oil is on the blades.
> >
> >Les
> >
> >Clive Warren wrote:
> snip
> 
> > >
> > > I have CLAd a few shutters but never a Rapax. This one is quite
> > > compact and I'm wondering if this is one that would be best left to
> > > the repair man. Has anyone been inside a Rapax and if so, any
> > > pointers or should I leave it for the pros.?
> > >
> snip
> 
> You're safe from the ferrotyping machine :-)  The Rapax and the Graphex
> shutters are both made by Wollensak.  The Graphex was made for Graflex,
> presumably for use on the range of 4x5 press and view cameras available at
> the time.
> 
> It's good to know that the little Rapax is nearly as accessible as the
> Supermatic.  Invariably the spindle holes have elongated and in the worst
> cases cause gear wheels to jam.  My repair chappy does a good job on these
> without having to bush them.  Bushing the holes would be the best solution
> but rather expensive.
> 
> Thanks for the suggestions - finding trich in the UK is not easy.  The
> aerosol solution sounds ideal.  I normally end up using iso alcohol,
> particularly when there is any oil on the shutter blades, and having to try
> to reach all moving parts without dismantling.
> 
> All the best,
>                  Clive   http://www.f32.net
>                          Large Format Travel and Stock Photography
> 
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