Bent shutter leaf / Graphex Optar f/4.7

[Gavin Robert]

I received the Speed Graphic today and although its in fantastic condition I noticed that one of the shutter leaves on the Optar f/4.7 lens was raised a little more than I'm comfortable with. I understand they should have a slight curl to them in order for them to pass each other but this one concerns me. Maybe damage from cleaning?

I'm open to advice as I'm not sure whether in its current state I could end up with an arc of light across the exposures, or whether to go for another lens and have this 4.7 serviced to become part of the SG kit.

 

[Hamish Gill]

If there was ever a thread for Pete it's this one!
Does look a bit dodge doesnt it

 

[Dan Cattermole]

Does look a bit bent.
Not that I'm an expert on these things either, but I'd certainly ask questions if I were in your shoes.

 

[Pete Askew]

Sorry for the delay in replying. Nomally the tip of one leaf of a LF shutter is bent up to stop it jamming. I suspect this is like this for the same reason - although I don't know this lens. Do the speeds seem OK and are the aperture leaves OK? I'm pretty sure that this is as it should be.

 

[Gavin Robert]

Thanks guys.
I'll run a couple of sheets through it next week and see what happens Pete. The aperture blades seem absolutely fine with no resistance and no oil visibly present.
Speeds appear to be fine and better than a few I've witnessed winding down from the longest exposures. This one sounds like clockwork and executes like clockwork in ever decreasing periods down through the exposure scale.

I was a little disappointed that the lens was also loose on the board when I received it and that the board had been painted with a banana. Especially when the seller 'specialises' in restoring Speed Graphics.
This would probably put people off purchasing it but the rest of the camera is in such good condition for a 1947-55 camera (near mint) that I would have taken it without a lens and board at the same price. The lens board is also of insignificance as I'm having some aluminium blanks made up at a friends factory, so if want any Pete just say.