I've inspected the back, and I discovered that one of the screws that the pressure springs attach to at the insert end was quite bent, and no longer holding that spring in tension at the "parked" position. It was allowing maybe 1/2mm gap at the insert end. So, I have removed it, straightened that screw and swapped it for one from the opposite corner, and am about to test it to see if that accounts for the focus shift. Thanks for that suggestion!
It appears you were right, and the bent screw on the springs mechanism was contributing just enough slop on one corner to throw off the focus. I have some test film I'm about to scan to verify the fix, but Mr. Loupe has already pretty much verified it. Thanks, Tracy!
Yay!
I love happy endings!
My B&J 5x7 tailboard camera has two levers below the rear standard to lock it into place after focusing but sometimes when I flip them down to lock the standard I can see the rear standard move backward a little bit. Well, it's an old camera. I've learned to watch for it and fiddle with the locks.
Mike
Politically, aerodynamically, and fashionably incorrect.
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