I bought a 2D maybe 15 years ago now. I bought it mostly because it looked cool and it came in a nifty box. Only paid $125. I've used it for only one serious photo in all those years. Sometimes I think it has a light leak, but I can find it. Bellows is like new and it passes the lightbulb inside test. Now, I've decided to put it in action for a portrait project I want to do. I'd like to get it fully functional and need all the little tips I can get.
The finish is pretty good, original. I don't need it to look new and shiny, so I think I'll leave that alone. It was interesting to watch the youtube videos of 2D restorations.
I have the rear rail and it works fine, as does the front. No chips or breaks. Standards are a little wobbly, but mostly at the short block in the middle and once the standards are on the extensions it is tighter. I'd like to add fluid levels for better tilt correction to the standards, but is this tacky? I see the antique road show all the time and they insist things be unmodified for most value, but truth be told, I want the most function, not resale value. Also along this vein, I'd like to add a second tripod hole to the tripod block. My tripod head has two screws and two is better than one with such a big camera. Is this an issue?
The clamp on the block is stuck. I've added some oil to this to help break it free. I'll put the heatgun on it later to see if that helps. If I put some kind of impact wrench on it, will that shear the brass rod?
The gear that adjusts the rear swing is not installed. I have the gear and the little clamp that holds it in place. Is assembly of this a trouble?
Some of the screws holding the rear standard to the brass travellers are backing out. This adds to the rear standard not being very stable. I will tighten these. Are they going to be stripped? The screws seem small for the job at hand.
What is the number debossed into the wood block at the rear? Mine reads "95".
The ground glass back is a little loose in the Z-axis (lens axis) and a little in the X-axis (right/left). Worst in the Y-axis. Is there some way to tighten this or should I learn to live with it? I have a complete wood shop and access to machine shop, if needed.
I'm sure I've missed some things, but I will add as we go. Thanks in advance for all insight and kind help. Happy shooting.
--EW--
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