Sinar Norma detent adjustment

[Jimi]

Unless it is very easy to fix, I am not going to bother with it at the moment, but ... is the detent for rise/fall possible to adjust? It is too loose, and does not really "click" into place. I am looking at a 4x5 rear standard, if it makes any difference.

[Drew Wiley]

My Norma rods don't have detents at all, just visual marks. It's a non-issue for me. In fact, I completely forget my F series cameras did have detents until you just mentioned this.

[Jimi]

Interesting. I took the frame off the rods, and there is what I think is a small ball bearing (one of those things that go plip onto the floor never to be seen again) inside the nut on the frame. On my 5x7 the rise/fall is "for king and country" stiff, probably from age and non-use.

[Drew Wiley]

The bearing is apparently just for added extra friction. Maybe there is some corrosion in your 5X7. Adjustments are smoother on the subsequent F series, at least the later ones, but I prefer the Norma for its greater stability with just slightly more weight.

[C. D. Keth]

This photo (not mine, just a google special) shows the little nut that holds a ball bearing. I believe you probably just need to clean and lubricate that little ball bearing, probably a spring in there, too. Also, take some naptha to the rise/fall rods and to the inside of the frame where those rods fit. Mine was dirty and the tolerances are good enough that it made it operate all stiff and sticky like you're describing.

selfie by berris conolly, on Flickr

[rdenney]

Yes, there is a spring under that ball bearing, and the ball does often get jammed in the nut after it has become worn, or when the lubricant turns to soap. If a little Kroil (a penetrant, but unlike most penetrants also a lubricant) loosens it up, you might want to do some service.

One of my F's had a seized detent ball, and had actually worn a groove in the aluminum rise/fall column.

Rick "who really doesn't need the detents" Denney

[Jimi]

I fixed it, it's much better now. Thanks gentlemen!