This may win the "newbie of the year" award...

**Kamox** · 13-Mar-2008, 08:11

Ehm... I'm a bit ashamed but... you know, my Crown Graphic Special has just arrived and it's my first LF camera...

HOW DO I OPEN IT?!?!

I can't figure it out! I don't want to force anything and break things... I managed to insert the film holder (the back has a quite strong spring!) but I really can't find any lock/switch/click...

Please don't laugh too hard...

**Mick Noordewier** · 13-Mar-2008, 08:18

I won't laugh...been there, done that.

Look for a bulge under the leatherette covering on the top of the camera. This is usually right in the center, in front of the rangefinder if you have a top-mounted one. Press it and the bed will spring open.

If it's not there, look on the left side near the top instead. I have another Crown with the button on the side.

-Mick

**Rafael Garcia** · 13-Mar-2008, 08:20

Originally Posted by Mick Noordewier

I won't laugh...been there, done that.

It's really a common problem. No need for embarrasement.

**mrladewig** · 13-Mar-2008, 08:30

I don't have a Graphic camera, but there is no need to be embarrassed. When I got my wooden folding camera, I got really excited and opened it. Then couldn't figure out how to close it again. I think this is pretty common with various folding cameras. The translation on the instructions from Japanese to English wasn't very good, so it took a while to figure it out.

**ericantonio** · 13-Mar-2008, 08:42

I've worked in a studio with Calumets, Cambos, Toyos, Deardorffs, Sinars for many years. A few years ago, I wanted to get my first 4x5 and I borrowed a friends' Graphic. Had it for 3 days, couldn't figure out how to open it, and was too embarrassed to call my friend on how to do it. I finally caved in and asked him.

**Michael Graves** · 13-Mar-2008, 09:35

BWAAAAAHHHHHH--HAAAA-HAAA-HAAAA

Wait. What am I laughing at. When I got my first Speed, I couldn't find the #$%#$##@ bulge even AFTER someone told me where it was.

**Nick_3536** · 13-Mar-2008, 09:42

If you think thats the bad. The seller of my B&J couldn't open it either. I had to tell her there was a lens in there most likely -)

**tim810** · 13-Mar-2008, 09:57

I just borrowed my neighbors speed graphic last week and probably looked like an ape trying to open it. The button is not obvious!!! I looked at some instructions online and started pressing the shutter button (this is what the instructions described. Finally I set the camera down, my hand must have been in just the right spot, so the bed flew open.
DUH!!

If you hit it it will open, you just have to hit it in the right spot or with enough force.

**Mike Boden** · 13-Mar-2008, 12:34

Too frickin' funny. I couldn't figure out how to open mine as well. So don't feel bad. We're part of an elite club!

**Steve Barber** · 13-Mar-2008, 17:10

The great thing about this forum is that everyone here has been there and had to go through it just as you are. The nice thing is that most of them have not forgotten when it was new to them and simply want to return the favor by helping others over their rough spots and do so without making you feel silly or stupid.

The first rule with photographic equipment is, “don’t force it”. If you don’t know how it works and you can not move it without excessive force, ask. No one here who has any sense will laugh at you for asking a question. Also, since no one else has mentioned it:

http://graflex.org/