Older Speed Graphic information
Got an older Speed Graphic at a Garage Sale.
Can see UND (University of North Dakota) was painted in black on the front of the drop bed. From this I figure it was used at the University. Bellows is supple and appears to be light tight - tested with a powerful flashlight and saw no leaks. Body OK but had to clean off a good layer of dirt & dust and some molding.
It has a glass pop up reticle on top right(as viewed from behind), not a tubular finder. A fold up metal finder top back in the middle. Does not have the wire bracket finder on the front.
Serial number is 197171 and I think it is a pre-Anniversary 4x5. Focal Plane shutter does work but not at all speeds. The plate on the side says Speed Graphic and shows tension numbers/shutter speed combinations. Lens is a Kodak Anastigmat - f/4.5 5 1/2 inch. Serial number is No.31-417. Lens board has a nice "C" on the back side.
Focus rail has a paint line apparently for reference when focused at 10 feet as well as a scratched in line with a "3" - that looks like it is set at 3 feet. Both apparently for quick reference in the field. The focus scale is there and looks fine as well. Focus rack is clean and smooth focusing, no binding.
Looking on the Graphic pages I can't quite come up with ID information on it and the lens. Trying to find out more on it.
Later I'll try and post some photos.
Just looking for help on ID and information on the camera.
Re: Older Speed Graphic information
Re: Older Speed Graphic information
Check Graflex.org as well as Lommen. https://graflex.org/
Re: Older Speed Graphic information
What I like about Jo, is he is updating still
and making some parts
Re: Older Speed Graphic information
Pre-Anny it is. S/n 197171 was in a lot of 750 4x5 Speed Graphic serial numbers issued 2/22/37.
Re: Older Speed Graphic information
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tin Can
What I like about Jo, is he is updating still
and making some parts
Yes he is again producing but stopped for a short time awhile back.
45PSS (shutterfinger on Photrio)is active answering any questions on the "Help Board" on Graflex.org and he is one of the most knowledgeable folks around repairing and helping others work out troubles with any & all Graflex gear.
Re: Older Speed Graphic information
Re: Older Speed Graphic information
Congratulations; that's a nice camera to use. If it has the flip up finder like this, it's a pre-anniversary. They are lighter that most later speed graphics and like the anniversary have more shutter speed options than the later pacemakers. Wooden lens boards are plentiful or easy to fabricate compared to metal. It's my "go to" LF camera even though I have other cameras available for various needs.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ekRej6D1CbCq7s6w6
