Graphite powder, though it is an fantastic dry lubricator, has been proved to be corrosive to aluminum when there is possibility of moisture being present. Consequently, the USAF banned the usage of Graphite lubricants on any USAF aircraft, a few years ago. While graphite was the standard when the Velocity Graphics were now, there is presently a miles better alternative : Molybdenum disulfide powder ( Chemical symbol=MoS2 ).
A Graflex pamphlet on their roll film backs ( with the film flattening pin rollers ) recommends the best way to lubricate them, with Z Molykote powder ( Dow Corning trade name for MoS2 powder ) melted in alcohol and applied in small amounts to the ends of the pin rollers, letting the mixture penetrate. The alcohol vaporizes, and after wiping off the excess, you have the MoS2 powder left at the back in the rollers. Graflex even sold this powder under their part number. It's a dark, almost black powder, similar to graphite in appearance. Sloppy if you spill it. Used just like graphite powder. You can "burnish" it on metal parts by rubbing it in with a fabric or stiff bristle brush. Some target shooters burnish MoS2 powder on their bullets--better accuracy, less bore fouling with lead. Should work really good on shutter leafs ( carefully! ) Some motorbike chain lubes have MoS2 powder in a carrier liquid to penetrate the chain links and then evaporate, leaving the powder behind. Should work in screens too .
MoS2 can be bought from at least two sources : local distributors ( bearing supply houses, for example ) normally have the DJX Corning Molykote Z powder in 10 oz bottles for almost 50 dollars. Or online at : Rose Mills Company, LLC.
Click Bemol Lubricants and scroll down to the three grades of powder they sell on the internet. I am keen on the superfine grade, with particle sizes avg. 1.5 microns. It actually gets into small spaces. ( .001 inch of clearance equals twenty-five microns--I expect some camera shutter clearances are far less that this ) Sold in 1 pound tubs ( several lifetimes supply ) for nearly thirty bucks and shipping. ( a bargain ) Purchase a tub and sell small amounts on Ebay for mucho dollars each!! Spray the powder in your door locks. Lots of other potential uses, it won't go to waste. Use your mind.
The Z Molykote powder averages 4 to 10 nanometers particle size, and would also work if you want to buy locally and use precisely what Graflex stated, however it is costly. Read about it at : Dow Corning Click on "Products / information sheets" and follow the rabbit trail to get a PDF file you can download. ( product information sheet touches on use on camera shutters ) The site will also give you a list of local distributors in your area.
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