I'm Back with new questions, Graflex

[tom thomas]

I just noticed when I signed in that I haven't visited this forum since 30 June 2009 when I'd just found good homes for the LF camera lenses I'd won at an auction.

It's been an odd seven months for me as my chronic lung congestion was lung cancer which was removed (along with the two lower lobes of my right lung) on July 8, 2009. Recovery including chemo (certified cancer free now) sure has been a long drawn out affair. I'm afraid I had little interest in any hobbies but I'm feeling so much better, spring can't be that far off, and I'd like to get out to try out some of my old cameras again.

My wife and I had spent May in France visiting family and house hunting. I'd already had an odd cough before leaving and it returned with a vengance while there. Doctor sent me to specialist upon our return, CAT scan showed nasty growth (1 3/8 in diameter) in lung, and things went quickly from there.

We did return to France in September and bought a townhouse in a very small town near Avignon. We plan to share our time between our two homes now. The village dates back to the 13th Century so there are plenty of old buildings in the area to take photos of. Roman and Greek ruins too.

I kinda went nuts on E-Bay a couple days ago and bid on a Graflex Pacemaker Speed Graphic camera with accessories. I won it so I'm wondering now if I'll be a Large Format camera user.

By the way, I'm surprised none of you guys didn't beat me to in on E-Bay. It was hidden over in Parts Camera listing so perhaps not noticable. Seller said it had been in storage a long time somewhere so dusty. I'll enjoy cleaning it up.

It's a Graflex Speed Graphic 2X3 with a Kodak Ektar F:4.5X101mm lens. Pre 1955 as the Kalart Range Finder is sidemounted. Since it's 2X3, is it Large Format or should I consider it MF.

It includes a Graflex 23 Graphic 120 Roll Film holder, one Fidelity Deluxe 2X3 cut film holder, 4 Lisco Regal 2X3 and 7 Graflex 2X3 Type 5 cut film holders. Assuming it works, I'll probably use the 120 roll film holder as I'm not set up to do my own film development.

The seller also says it includes a 35mm black (color?) folding film adapter. There is a photo of stange looking film adapter with what could be 24X36 opening. Has anyone heard of a 35mm adapter for a Graflex 2X3? I'll find out what it is when I actually get the thing in the mail later this week. It includes a Slick tripod, film changing bag, light meter, Tiffen Series 6 ring adapter, and other stuff.

I've never used a camera of this type before so I'll probably hit you guys up with lots of dumb questions. I've found the Graflex tech site which will certainly be helpful.

Thanx in advance for past help and future help too.

Tom in Oklahoma

[Robert Hughes]

Welcome back, and congratulations on beating the Big C! My significant other is 3 years free of breast cancer and doing great. Good luck on your recovery, and the camera project.

[Dan Fromm]

Tom,

Wonderful spirit!

2x3 (and 3x4) Graphics weren't offered with the top range finder. Tell us your new treasure's serial number and I'll probably be able to tell you when the s/n was assigned.

After the camera etc. arrive, return to www.graflex.org and read the FAQs. Once you've read them you'll know whether your baby has a Graflok back. If it doesn't have a Graflok back, the roll holder can't be attached except more-or-less permanently.

I'm not sure about the 35 mm adapter.

Felications, good luck, have fun,

Dan

[Vaughn]

Congrats on your recovering --scary stuff!

Large enough for LF -- and my guess you will eventually move to a 4x5, but the 2x3 will be lots of fun! I have a 35mm adapter for a Rolleiflex, but have not heard of one before for a roll back.

You'll have fun just setting it up in the living room and playing with it -- that is a good way to learn.

Vaughn

[tom thomas]

Hi and thanx for the responses.

Dan, I agree now about the viewfinder. I'd misread the description at graflex.org. Only the 4X5 had the rangefinder on top starting in 1955.

The photos of the camera on E-B didn't show the serial number. I'll locate it when it arrives. Hopefully the plate hasn't been removed. The photos show the exterior of the camera all the way around. Where should I look?

I'll download and sort out the photos of the camera and accessories. I'm also suspicious of the description of the "35mm Black Folding Adaptor?" entry in the list of accessories. Perhaps it's another film back with mask.

I'll post the photo of it later after I get it sorted out.

On cancer, I was very lucky as it hadn't attached itself to my chest wall despite it's Stage II size. The type I had was the non-smoker version, even though I smoked. I did spend time in 'Nam so was exposed to Agent Orange. I also have several other symptoms I'm working with the VA on.

My surgeon had told me he was just going to investigate first, take samples,etc then decide. When I was out, he told my wife he was going to start by removing everything, then seeing if there was any cancer in lymph glands he also removed. We had a few anxious days waiting the results, no spreading so I was cancer free after the surgery. The chemo was preventive, four treatments to knock out any strangers hanging around. Now I'm certified C-free. I just dont' breathe deeply.

I do feel very lucky and have so much empathy for those who continue with it. My best wishes go out to any of you and yours as you continue to fight it.

[tom thomas]

I skimmed the photos out of the E-B listing.
Here is the adapter I think the seller referred to as the 35mm Black Folding Adapter. Anyone know just what it might be?

I attached a couple others too, perhaps they will help identify the age.

Thanx, Tom

[Jack Dahlgren]

I skimmed the photos out of the E-B listing.
Here is the adapter I think the seller referred to as the 35mm Black Folding Adapter. Anyone know just what it might be?

I attached a couple others too, perhaps they will help identify the age.

Thanx, Tom

The lens dates from 1946 so I'd imagine the camera is likely of the same age.

-Jack

[jnantz]

I skimmed the photos out of the E-B listing.
Here is the adapter I think the seller referred to as the 35mm Black Folding Adapter. Anyone know just what it might be?

I attached a couple others too, perhaps they will help identify the age.

Thanx, Tom

hi tom

i agree that the 35mm adapter looks like it is for an enlarger.
the 35mm back i had that was for a 4x5 camera was a recomar kodakchrome back.
the springs look like the same sort of springs that are on my durst.


john

[tom thomas]

Hi,

Thanx for the info Dan. Two spring clips came in the box of stuff. They have bent clips on the ends instead of screw holes like the ones holding the original back. Here is a photo of them. Are they the correct ones?

I'll check out the range finder accuracy manually before I use the roll film back. It is a Graflex Model RH-85 from what I found at the other site. It has a red winder lever and film counter for 8 exposures on the top.

I doubt if I'll use any other lenses with this camera but who knows after I try it out

Thanx to your help I now know I have a Graflex Minature Speed Graphic made ca 1946. It sure has been interesting to find out about the camera. Now to CLA it a bit, then exercise the shutter real well, remember how to present the internal shutter so I can use the lens mounted one. If weather cooperates, I hope to try it soon.

Thanx again
Tom Thomas

[Dan Fromm]

Tom, your camera is a Miniature Speed Graphic (made 1938 - 1946), not a 2x3 Pacemaker Speed Graphic like mine. It been decades since I've had a Mini and I don't remember where the s/n is hidden. I do recall having to look hard for it. Perhaps inside the box on the top.

Since the 35 mm adapter's picture shows a couple of springs odds are that your Mini has a spring back. After the camera arrives, check the pictures on www.graflex.org and tell us which back it has. If Graflok -- invented after the Mini was discontinued, but retrofits were offered and 2x3 Pacemaker Grafloks will fit the Mini -- all is well. If Graphic or Graflex, your life will be a little more interesting than planned.

Jack, my 2x3 Pacemaker Speed Graphic made in 1947 has a uncoated 101/4.5 Ektar made in 1946. There's no reason to believe that the lens was a replacement. I suspect Graflex bought it from Kodak to be put on a Miniature Speed Graphic (production ended in 1946) and didn't use it as originally intended.

There's a sort of serial number book for Graflex products. I have a copy, so I think I have the date on which my camera's s/n was assigned right. It can't have been made before 1947, that's when Graflex started making Pacemakers.

In general, using lenses to date cameras with interchangeable lenses is risky.