I purchased a Kodak Master View Camera 4x5 (same as first-generation Calumet) as part of a stock. Today i have finally started to restore it, it would be a cheap, rugged and very light camera, that could be permanently stored in the back of my car, with no fear of theft or damage.
The rotating back and the two clamps of the front and back standard were stuck, but a little of penetrating spray lubricant allowed to restore full functionality.
The only thing that is giving problems is the rise/fall mechanism of the front standard.
With no lensboard installed the front standard stays in place, but when i fitted an original lensboard equipped with an iris clamp, even with a lens of moderate weight, there was no way to prevent the standard from falling to its minimum height.
The aluminium knob that sets rise/fall is missing, but i can't see any sign of damage, probably it got loose and went missing.
I think it would be quite easy to find a replacement knob that's very close to the original. More difficult would be to give some "brake" to the movement, so that it would keep the set position even under the weight of an heavy lens.
I tried all the screws, but all of them were perfectly tight. Before trying to inject some thick grease, i am asking for help from those more experienced with these cameras.
Any suggestion?
have fun
CJ
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