Two functions of Wista 45 I don't understand...

[SeanEsopenko]

There are two parts of my Wista 45 that I don't understand. On the 4x5 sheet film back, on the rotating part, there's a little momentary lever on one of the corners. I can't figure out what it does.

The other thing on the back I don't understand is a little silver tube on the part that clamps down on the film holder. This little tube is threaded on the inside. What's that for?

It's a little bit older model that doesn't have horizontal twisting but it does have the technical back. I've been curious what these two little things do and any help'd be great! Thanks in advance!

[B.S.Kumar]

I have a Wista 45 myself, and I don't know what the small lever does. The silver tube with the thread is for an automatic aperture control system a la Sinar. However, you need the special Wista shutters to use this function.

Kumar

[SeanEsopenko]

thanks for the info on the focal plane shutter.

Does anybody know how to activate the front swing? I figured out the rear swing. I'm pretty sure I have an SP (it has rear microswing, rear swing, front rise, front tilt, bed drop, from what I can see on my own camera).

If this were to have front swing, what exactly should I be doing to activate it, so I know what I'm looking for?

[engl]

This thread discusses the less than obvious parts of Wista 45s, including how to do front swing:
http://photo.net/large-format-photography-forum/00JvtG

[B.S.Kumar]

thanks for the info on the focal plane shutter.

This isn't a focal plane shutter! These are regular Copal Press type shutters made for Wista, and are usually marked "For Wista". A cable between the lens and the back activates the automatic functions - it closes when a holder is inserted, and opens when it is removed.

Kumar

[Bob Salomon]

If you were to go to our web site hpmarketingcorp.com and click on factory store and then on Wista you will find one of those Wista shutters. It is a Copal Press.

[SeanEsopenko]

This thread discusses the less than obvious parts of Wista 45s, including how to do front swing:
http://photo.net/large-format-photography-forum/00JvtG

Yeah I found that on google & read it already. The one guy references an illustration in a manual that I don't have.

Here are some pictures of the camera I have. I haven't been able to figure out when it was manufactured so I'm hoping somebody might be able to determine what I have from some pictures. I don't know if this body has a "swing lock lever" as described in that link.

http://www.seanesopenko.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/MG_5993.jpg
http://www.seanesopenko.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/MG_5992.jpg
http://www.seanesopenko.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/MG_5991.jpg
http://www.seanesopenko.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/MG_5989.jpg