C-1 8x10 HELP !!

[drewf64]

I just acquired a Calumet C-1 8x10 black, 18 pound, aluminum camera. It is in nice condition overall but the fine focus drive (controlled by the large knobs on left and right sides at the bottom of the film back) is tighter than I would like it to be.
What do you advise to enable easier & smoother focusing?
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you.

[John Earley]

Did you loosen these two knobs?
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50130190062_e07e7ba222_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jnQjZL)
Calumet C1_ (https://flic.kr/p/2jnQjZL) by JOHN EARLEY (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jacketch/), on Flickr

[drewf64]

Thank you for your reply, John ... appreciated!
Yes ... the two locking knobs you referenced were/are loose.
The knobs do move the camera back along the track but not as easily as I would like.
*** I am comparing the movement of this non-geared track focus with my Deardorff geared track focus.
*** Am I expecting too much ?
Drew

[John Earley]

Because of the weight of the C1 and the friction focus, the focusing will always be a bit more "stiff" than on a wooden camera with geared focus.

Make sure that the top and bottom of the rail, and particularly the slot for the friction wheel, are clean of any stickiness or other material that would interfere with the focusing.

[drewf64]

Sounds reasonable to me, John ... thanks for the heads-up!
I will give the rails a good cleaning tonight!!
Drew

[drewf64]

Hello John:

Great advice .... rails are smooth as can be after a few passes with fine steel wool and blowing out the debris!
Thank you.
Drew





Because of the weight of the C1 and the friction focus, the focusing will always be a bit more "stiff" than on a wooden camera with geared focus.

Make sure that the top and bottom of the rail, and particularly the slot for the friction wheel, are clean of any stickiness or other material that would interfere with the focusing.

[Dustyman]

Also this...

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?149738-Calumet-C1-8x10-tight-focus-Adjustment-Lubricant

[drewf64]

Great info, Dustyman!!
Thank you for the link!