Graflex.org

[sattler123]

Hi,

I just acquired a completely stripped down 5x7 Graphic and was wondering if anyone could point me to a picture. I have restored numerous 4x5 Speeds and Crowns, but have never before come accross a 5x7 Speed. I want to make sure that the restored camera represents the original as close as possible - things I am wondering are: Did it have a handle, where did it go? Mine didn't come with a range finder - did it ever have one? The focal plane shutter is working, but other than the tripping by the select dial - how was it supposed to be tripped? A picture would probably say more than a thousand words, but I could not find one anywhere on the net - any help would be greatly appreciated.

Juergen

[t.r.sanford]

I think there were two successive "Speed Graphic" models available in 5x7: the original one, with the handle on top, and its successor (the "pre-Anniversary" type), with the handle on the left side (with you behind the camera). The earlier one had a more sharply tapered bellows and a smaller lensboard than its successor, which might help you figure out which one you have.

If the handle mounting lugs are gone, you might look for screw holes to suggest where they had been.

I think the focal plane shutters on all Graflex cameras before the postwar "Pacemaker" design were pretty much of a muchness, with minor differences in the way the curtain slit widths were marked. The release was a more or less vertical lever on the right side of the camera.

I know some participants in this board have 5x7s. As you say, a picture is worth a thousand words; perhaps someone might supply a photo.

[jpmose]

I have a 1936-37 Speed Graphic 57 with an original Kalart rangefinder (Model G). Most of the late 5x7's did have a rangefinder (after 1936). Starting in 1939 the viewfinder is tubular as well (mine has the flip-up type).

[glennfromwy]

I have an incredibly nice pre-Anniversary model but I have no way to post pictures of it. The strap is mounted (and looks) the same as a 4X5, just a lot bigger. If yours is the pre-Anny with the side strap, there should be two or three little screw holes, on the top and bottom, on the right side (looking at the front) more or less in line with the tripod socket. This is where the strap lugs mount. The shutter release is the same "L" shaped lever as all of the models. If you look at photos on this site, you will get a good idea of what's what. The 5X7 isn't much different, just bigger.

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[MikeS]

Juergen:

That camera is the 'top handle' style, which is older. I believe it's from before 1916, as the label indicating the speeds say the Graflex Div. of EK rather than Dept which they switched to after 1916. If you look on the top, you will see on the left hand side a lug for holding the left side of the handle, and the one on the right side has been cut down flush (it might be under the viewfinder, I don't remember). When I got the camera, what's left of the right hand lug was under the old leather, so I suspect the camera might have been refurbished by Graflex during the war. Don't be confused by the fact that it has a tubular viewfinder on it, I added that myself As I wanted a 'user' camera, not a collector one, so if you want to make it closer to original, you would probably want to remove that. Enjoy the camera, and as nobody else has said it yet, welcome to the graflex.org forums!

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-Mike

[ This Message was edited by: MikeS on 2004-12-12 09:19 ]