Vintage Camera Repair: Speed Cam Swage Adjustment

Welcome to this tutorial on vintage camera repair. Today, we’ll be diving into the world of shutter repair, focusing on the important technique of swage adjustment. This method is crucial for fixing shutter speeds that are running too slow or too fast in a leaf-type shutter, a common issue with classic cameras.

What is a Speed Cam and Why Does it Matter?

The speed cam is a crucial component of your camera’s shutter mechanism. It’s a small, cam-shaped piece that controls the speed at which the shutter blades open and close. When the speed cam is properly adjusted, it ensures that your shutter speeds are accurate, resulting in correctly exposed photographs. However, over time, the speed cam can wear down or become misaligned, leading to inaccurate shutter speeds.

Understanding Swage Adjustment

Swage adjustment is a technique used to adjust the position of the speed cam on the shutter mechanism. It involves carefully bending the speed cam to achieve the desired shutter speed. This adjustment process requires precision and care to avoid damaging the delicate shutter mechanism.

Steps for Swage Adjustment

Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform a swage adjustment:

1. Preparation: Carefully disassemble the camera, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure you have a clean workspace and all necessary tools, including a small screwdriver, tweezers, and a magnifying glass.
2. Identify the Speed Cam: Locate the speed cam on the shutter mechanism. It’s usually a small, cam-shaped piece attached to the shutter blades.
3. Check the Shutter Speed: Use a shutter tester or a stopwatch to determine the actual shutter speeds compared to the marked settings on your camera. This will help you identify the specific shutter speeds that need adjustment.
4. Swage Adjustment: Carefully bend the speed cam using a small screwdriver or tweezers. If the shutter speed is too slow, bend the cam slightly outward. If it’s too fast, bend it slightly inward.
5. Test and Repeat: After each adjustment, test the shutter speed and repeat steps 4 and 5 until the desired shutter speed is achieved.
6. Reassemble the Camera: Once you’re satisfied with the shutter speed adjustments, carefully reassemble the camera, ensuring all parts are properly secured.

Important Considerations:

• Patience and Precision: Swage adjustment is a delicate process that requires patience and precision. Avoid excessive force, as this can damage the shutter mechanism.
• Professional Help: If you’re not confident in your abilities or are unfamiliar with vintage camera repair, it’s recommended to seek professional help from a qualified camera technician.
• Safety First: Always handle vintage cameras and their components with care. Avoid static electricity and wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent damage to delicate electronics.

Conclusion:

Swage adjustment is a valuable technique for restoring the accuracy of shutter speeds in vintage cameras. By understanding the process and following the steps carefully, you can breathe new life into your beloved classic cameras and enjoy capturing stunning photographs once again. Remember, patience, precision, and safety are key to successful vintage camera repair.