Wista Cherrywood 4x5 focus problems

[Ancela]

I have been using this camera for 10 years now. I think the screws holding the back (where groundglass is) of the camera to the bottom have gone loose and thus the focusing is not stable (Have a look at the attached photo). I can focus and then when I move the spring back to place the darkslide the focus slips because the back does not stay a 90 degree angle but slightly off.

Has anyone encounter this problem and what is the solution? I have tightened the little screws that join these two parts but I am afraid that after using it for a while the problem will reoccurred.

[Rob C]

It did reoccur or you just fear that it might?

If the camera has had a lot of use, then tightening screws into wood ain't always going to solve it: the holes might now be too big to retain tightness for long - use will slowly begin to move the screws within the hole again.

My first thought was to remove the metal part and insert a small bit of wood into each hole in the wood and screw it tight again; however, I'm not sure that that might not move the thing permanently out of true. Maybe a tiny drop of one of those instant glues into each hole might achieve the same effect without any change to the size/relative location of that retaining hole.

Don't sue me if it doesn't work!

Rob C

[Ancela]

Thank you Rob, I am not using that camera anymore. I bought a Horseman FA and that is what I use now. I find it more reliable and precise. I would still like to repair the Wista. Thank you for your suggestions but they seem a bit of a gamble . Don't worry I won't sue.

Best

[Colorado David]

I would refrain from shimming the screw hole as you run the risk of splitting the wood.  The proper repair would be to fill the hole with a slurry of glue and cherry saw dust, allow it to cure completely and then re-drill the pilot hole for the screw using a drill guide.  If you're not up to that and you've retired the camera anyway, don't do anything.  At least that way you won't have created a problem that can't be fixed later.

[Ancela]

Thank you for the replies. I have not found anything in the internet, as if no one has ever had this problem before! But I think it must be common as these 8 screws are tinny and must be normal for the holes to slack after years of use. It is true that I don't use the camera much anymore but I would like to sell it and I want to be sure it is in good working order before I do that.

I live in Singapore now. Any ideas where, who could do this kind of job around here?

[Rob C]

Thank you for the replies. I have not found anything in the internet, as if no one has ever had this problem before! But I think it must be common as these 8 screws are tinny and must be normal for the holes to slack after years of use. It is true that I don't use the camera much anymore but I would like to sell it and I want to be sure it is in good working order before I do that.

I live in Singapore now. Any ideas where, who could do this kind of job around here?

I'm sure you'll find a waiter in Raffles who can help you with an address! Always ask a local.

;-)

Rob C