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Thread: Repair metal surface for rear shutter curtain on Graflex Speed Graphic

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jul 2021
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    Repair metal surface for rear shutter curtain on Graflex Speed Graphic

    I'm restoring a Speed Graphic that was my father-in-law's Overall it's not in too bad shape... some oxidation, leather in need of reconditioning, mechanisms needing lubrication, etc.

    On removing the rear shutter curtain, I found that the top "rail", a thin piece of black steel bent round to provide a smooth surface for the curtain to ride over, had some oxidation and roughness. I was able to buff it off with a Dremel brush and polish it smooth with felt wheel and polishing compound.

    However, what became apparent once I'd finished is that there is a spot of shiny metal where the black finish was marred. I assume that was the origin of the rust though that covered a much larger area.

    Anyway, barring any suggestions on what the finish is (baked lacquer?) and how to repair it, what I am trying to decide is what I could use to cover it and limit the possibility that it would rust again.

    I'm concerned that something like a clear varnish wouldn't provide a smooth and solid enough surface for the shutter curtain.

    Suggestions?

    Click image for larger version. 

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  2. #2

    Join Date
    May 2015
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    SooooCal/LA USA
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    Re: Repair metal surface for rear shutter curtain on Graflex Speed Graphic

    I'd try a pencil or ink eraser to smooth it, but being careful to not get the residue into the camera, then fill it with India ink or sharpie... The ink is very thin and somewhat durable, and will not stick to anything after it's fast drying time...

    Steve K

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Nov 2017
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    Downtown Dallas
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    Re: Repair metal surface for rear shutter curtain on Graflex Speed Graphic

    I would use a cold blue as a durable rust preventative finish.
    I use it on all sorts of steel tools to good effect.

  4. #4
    Paul Ron's Avatar
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    Aug 2004
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    NYC
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    Re: Repair metal surface for rear shutter curtain on Graflex Speed Graphic

    +1 gun blue

  5. #5
    jp's Avatar
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    May 2009
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    Maine
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    5,628

    Re: Repair metal surface for rear shutter curtain on Graflex Speed Graphic

    Clean it up good with an eraser...
    You could use auto touch up paint and if you can't put down a thin layer, fine/wet sand it smooth.

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