A Visit to Woonsocket

Posted by Surplus Camera Gear on 30th Sep 2016

S. K. Grimes, The Photographer’s Machinist

S. K. Grimes, Inc., in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, provides specific solutions for photographers, whether custom machining and modifications, camera and lens repair, overhauling shutters, engraving aperture and shutter-speed scales, lens mounting, research and design, etc. They’re located in the Woonsocket Industrial Mill Complex on Pond Street between Mechanic Avenue & East School Street.

Several years ago I acquired a Universal Lens Mount on eBay that I wanted to use with my collection of barrel lenses on my Sinar Norma monorail camera with its behind-the-lens Copal shutter. I was living in Boston at the time, and after a little research found S. K. Grimes online, shipped them the lens board and mount, and within a short time had it back in hand, expertly machined and mounted (see photo below).

A year or so ago I picked up a 210mm Schneider-Kreuznach f/6.1 Xenar in a COPAL - NO. 1 shutter for my Graflex Crown Graphic 4x5 inch press camera, but hadn’t gotten around to getting it mounted an a board. Since I was heading up for an extended trip to Maine, I packed up the gear with the notion that I’d ship it to Rhode Island when I arrived and would have it back in time to make use of it during my stay. As fate would have it, an impromptu road trip to visit an old friend in Providence was added to my itinerary, including a side-trip to Woonsocket to visit S. K. Grimes.

Adam Dau greeted us on our arrival; he had the board reamed out and lens mounted in a matter of minutes. After a brief history of how he came to work for founder Steve Grimes—and take up the reins after his untimely death in 2003—Adam gave us a tour of the shop. It was a real treat to get a behind-the-scene view of the facility, the machining equipment, and projects lined up waiting to be executed.

Adam Dau, current owner of S. K. Grimes, Inc., gives a tour of the production floor.
Adam Dau, current owner of S. K. Grimes, Inc., gives a tour of the production floor.

S. K. Grimes founder, the late Steve Grimes, had a camera repair business in Boston, which he sold in 1982 before moving to Woonsocket, RI.
S. K. Grimes founder, the late Steven Grimes, had a camera repair business in Boston, which he sold in 1982 before moving to Woonsocket, RI.

Adam explains some of the tools and operations of the PROTO TRAK TRL 1440P Lathe.
Adam explains some of the tools and operations of the PROTO TRAK TRL 1440P Lathe.

The PROTO TRAK TRL 1440P Lathe that was used to ream out the hole im my Crown Graphic lens board to accommodate the 210mm Schneider Xenar lens.
The PROTO TRAK TRL 1440P Lathe that was used to ream out the hole im my Crown Graphic lens board to accommodate the 210mm Schneider Xenar lens.

Adam explains the functioning of one of their Bridgeport vertical mills.
Adam explains the functioning of one of their Bridgeport vertical mills.

A Leica M2 poster hangs on a deep-blue wall above Steve Grime’s custom made engraving tool, used to make custom aperture and shutter-speed scales.
A Leica M2 poster hangs on a deep-blue wall above Steve Grime’s custom made engraving tool, used to make custom aperture and shutter-speed scales.

My 210mm schneider-kreuznach f/6.1 Xenar Lens in Copal No. 1 Shutter mounted on my Graflex Crown Graphic Special 4x5 inch Press Camera.
My 210mm Schneider-Kreuznach f/6.1 Xenar Lens in Copal No. 1 Shutter mounted on my Graflex Crown Graphic Special 4x5 inch Press Camera.

The Crown Graphic and 210mm Xenar mounted on a vintage Marchioni Tiltall Tripod in the wilds of Maine!
The Crown Graphic and 210mm Xenar mounted on a vintage Marchioni Tiltall Tripod in the wilds of Maine!

The Universal Lens Mount that S. K. Grimes expertly mounted to a classic Sinar Norma lens board for me several years ago, with a 7 inch Wollensak Verito Lens.
The Universal Lens Mount that S. K. Grimes expertly mounted to a classic Sinar Norma lens board for me several years ago, with a 7 inch Wollensak Verito Lens.