Question on elevator brake repair on Century 2 Stand

[premortho]

I believe the pulleys and long coil spring is to counterbalance the elvating platform. The adjustment is for different weight cameras. I don't think the brake is designed to hold the weight. I believe the brake is only supposed to stabilise the platform and camera. This is the type of stand (but not the same make) that I saw in the photographic studio where my mother had her pictures done, the photographer showed me how even I (at age 6) could raise and lower the camera with a finger. I was admonished to never lift or lower it without first releasing the brake. This was in 1944.

[premortho]

My mother's favorite photographer had an 11X14 portrait camera mounted on a stand similar to this. She went in every year for new "stills" because womens fashions changed often. By the time I was 6, I was "allowed" to adjust the camera height. This had to do with pulleys, rope, and a coil spring with a tension adjustment on the dead end. He had that 11X14 so well balanced, I, at age 6, could move it up and down quite easily. I was warned to never move it up or down without first releasing the brake. So, I think that's what you have, a stand designed to counter balance the weight of the camera, with a brake to lock it in position after the photographer set the camera where he wanted it. This was in 1944.

[lenser]

Premortho,

Looks like your memories nailed my problem. I had never adjusted the tension on this (no need in the past) and apparently either I or someone at one of my numerous garage sales may have tripped the pawl on this and let the needed tension slip away when the cog wheel was left without a stop in place.

Anyway. Many thanks to all who responded. The actual brakes needed no adjustment once the tension was reset correctly. Works like a charm again.

By the way, I am using Old English dark wood scratch formula on both the stand and the camera. Gorgeous luster to the cherry wood now.

[premortho]

I'm happy we came up with the solution to the problem. It doesn't pay to let strangers (or sometimes even friends) play with rare antiques like this.