Hello,

I have a Crown Graphic with the Graflex 135mm Optra lens. The camera has a serial number of 884473.

My background is 35mm and medium format. This is the first time I have used a camera like this and I'm really looking forward to it.

I am embrassed to ask this question but I can't figure out how to cock the shutter. I have looked a number of different websites for this camera but so far I have not had any luck.

Any help at all would be appreciated.

Thanks
Bill

Bill,

You can find the manual here:

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/graphicmanuals.html

Any of the Pacemaker manuals should help you.

There is a small lever on the side of the shutter that cocks the shutter. It can then be released with the body-release or the small paddle on the side of the lens board. The manual will show you what they look like.

Welcome to the world of Graflex!!

Mid year 1953.
http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_11.html
http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_5.html

Thanks for your help. I found the manuals and was able to figure out how to open the shutter.

I can't wait to put some film through it and see what happens.

Bill