Problems with my Brown process camera model 4000

Hey everybody i need some help with my camera!! it works great but i have to manually move the copy board around for enlargements and etc. I have replaced the set screw on the long drive screw but it still doesn't work right i can move the copy board in to shrink my copy but then have to go out and manually move it back to 100%.
Anyone who could help me or give me a suggestion that would be awesome thanks!

 

RE: Problems Brown 4000 Camera

I may be a little rusty (like the camera), but I was the service manager for Brown back in the day. As I recall the lens and copyboard are driven by long drive screws. They are connected to the handwheel via a belt and a plastic pulley. In order to get at it you must take off the handwheels and sheet metal cover in the darkroom area. I don't know where you would get parts anymore, but maybe you could rig something.

 

Hey thanks one of the couplers that connected the shafts was sheared off for some reason i got a new one on and now it works! Gotta love Old School Printing!

 

If you'd like to buy a complete Brown 4000 camera that is up and running just email me at gary@kjellbergprinting.com
I'd be glad to sell it for parts or use. We have some chemicals etc.

 

God! I didn't realise anyone still used process cameras! I thre my one in a skip about 12 years ago and I thought i was behind the times then!

Good to hear the old technology is still being used though. Much more satisfying way of producing the work.

 

Yeah Chris i can't stand going into a print shop and seeing CTP and DI Presses Old School is the only way to ensure top quality!

 

Hmmm .... not sure I agree entirely with the quality being better but it's certainly a process that requires more expertise. There's very few people out there these days that would even recognise the equipment required ... camera, processor etc. I'd struggle to remember how to use them these days.

 

well this is the way i was taught the trade and i wouldn't do it any other way and by quality i mean you have more control over your finished product

 

It's the way I was taught as well. I used to use and Esko Graphics process camera and before that it was some ancient thing my dad bought secondhand in the early seventies. I can't remember the make but I remember it didn't have a vacuum on the copy board and you had to wind two handles until the figures on the tapes tied up for the scaling. And it had what I can only liken to an egg-timer on it.

I still disagree with you with regard to the quality and control but it's a friendly disagree! What I hate about the modern methods is that we all have to be what 15 years ago we would have described as 'IT Experts'. It's so normal these days that we don't realise how far things have moved on. That said, the modern technology is far from faultless and still throws the odd wobbly every so-often.

The daft thing is that I have both PC and Mac systems, full CTP and yet I run a 1981 Heidelberg GTO and press is still a player when quality is the concern. Speed is a little frustrating at times but quality never is. It hasn't got any off-press controls .. it's all down to the operator and I reckon I really can compete with much more up to date machines with my GTO!

 

GTO's are built so well! I wish i could afford one haha! But yeah now a days anyone can walk into a shop and run the DI presses i guess thats what just ticks me the wrong way! This use to be a very prominent trade and has gone from that to one any old joe could do.