New shutter on speed graphic

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martin henson

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I have inherited a folmer and schwing Kodak division speed graphic , it’s dated around 1912, uses 3.25x4.25 film holders. The rear curtains are very fragile also have pinholes, my question is, does anybody know of some one in the UK that can replace them.

Thanks in advance
Martin
 
I only know of two people who made replacement shutter curtains for Speed Graphics and Graflex reflex cameras. One retired because of failing eyesight, the other retired a few years ago but was still doing the occasional restoration of large 7x5 Graflex Reflex cameras, bot are in the US.

The issue is the length of the shutter curtain, and the number of slits, and cloth of the right thickness that is dimensionally stable, must not stretch at all. I supplied the new shutter cloth for the last 2 7x5 Graflex Reflex restorations, that was just before Covid.

I have a spare curtain, that I repaired, but it is for a Pacemaker Speed Graphic, around 5ft long, with 5 slits of decreasing width. It is probably for a 5x4 camera, the curtain runs at one tension, with a clockwork to halve the curtain speed. The Anniversary and pre-Anniversary (yours) use an older shutter, again with 5 slits, but also has a tension setter, for 6 different tensions.

I have a length of shutter curtain cut for a 5x4 Speed Graphic, easily trimmed narrower for a QP camera, the issue is the metal edge strips needed for either side of the slits. It would not be an easy job, and really requires experience.

When I restored my pre-Anniversary Speed Graphic in 2007 I was able to save the shutter curtain and re-coat it. Since then, I've done similar with some Pacemaker Speed Graphics. It really depends on the condition of the curtain.

Ian
 
Thanks ,Ian, I did not think it to be an easy fix, the curtains are still connected together with the proper slits, and still fires , they are starting to tear a little were the metal strips are connected , maybe I could try and strengthen those small tears somehow, the pinholes are not bad , just a few which I could fix or fill. What do you mean when you say “re-coat it”
 
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Black acrylic paint is ideal for the pinholes, I use "Artiste Noir", work it into the whole of the shutter curtain from both sides, not just the pinholes. I've managed to do this with the curtain still in the camera.

Reinforcing the edges around the slits, I'd probably glue thin black cloth, Evostick is reasonably flexible when dry, and you only need a very thin film of it. When dry go over it with the acrylic paint.

Ian
 
Hey Martin, I've bought shutter fabric from Custom Bellows and it's been used to replace shutter curtains in various reflex cameras and they all work really well. Most recently a Thornton Pickard Royal Ruby half plate. If you decide to have the shutter curtain replaced I would buy some fabric from Keith.
 
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