Graflex.org

DARKROOM JUNKY · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Hamilton MT

HI there Hope someone can help. I just got a crown graflex on lone that I may purchase and It has been very hard to find simple diagrames and what does this button do? I've played around with the camera but the lens has two levers on it.what is that green lever with the X and M do and what is the small lever that pushes in? This is a graphic kodak extar127 mm f/4.7. I have been told by a friend that this is not the best lens. The seeller what's $300.00 the bobody is like new and will come with a Fuji speed loader again new in box plus a box of Provia 100 and a new focusing cloth. is it woth the price?

David A. Goldfarb · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 142 Location: New York City

The X/M switch is for flash sync. Use "X" for electronic flash, and "M" for M-sync flashbulbs.

The button that pushes in--depends on the shutter, but most likely it's the focus preview button. Cock the shutter and press the button to open the shutter for focusing on the groundglass. To release it, you either fire the shutter or cock the shutter again, depending on the shutter.

Price for a Crown with a 127mm Ektar, a Fuji Quickload holder and box of Provia 100F? It depends on the condition of the camera and lens, but the price you mention doesn't sound out of line.

[ This Message was edited by: David A. Goldfarb on 2005-12-04 14:32 ]

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

Depends on the shutter of course, but on both the Compur and Supermatic, You cock the shutter and then release while holding in the button to hold the shutter open for focussing. On the Graphex or Rapax, there is a preview button around to the right, looking at the lens, that will push in and open the shutter after cocking without releasing the the shutter. Pull the lever out and the shutter is ready to fire. One can also use T setting for viewing, or lock the shutter open on B with a locking release cable. Good working condition Crowns bring anywhere form 175 to over 300. It is too hard to say without having the camera in hand. Is there a camera shop with somewhere in your area with a wise fella who will tell you the truth, perhaps have it looked at. Some people loves these. I had a guy pull out his own 5x7 old Speed out of the back once and show it off to me. You never know until you know...
regards,
Stephen

DARKROOM JUNKY · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Hamilton MT

WOW That was fast thanks for the reply.There is a third button that I was after sorry for not making it more clear.It is inbetween the flash sycn(now I know that one) and the focuse preview button. thanks

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

What's the name of the shutter? Does it say Supermatic, Graphex, or Synchro-Compur? Also what is the serial number of the lens, usually two letters by three or 4 numbers.

Les

David A. Goldfarb · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 142 Location: New York City

If you've identified the button that fires the shutter, the focus preview button, the flash sync lever, aperture lever, and you've figured out how to change the shutter speed, and you've got one button left over, it might be a self-timer. Usually the way this works is you cock the shutter, slide the button toward the lensboard, and then push the shutter cocking lever a little farther.

BE CAREFUL! If the shutter hasn't been cleaned in a long time, the self-timer is likely to be sticky, and the shutter could get stuck when you try to use the self-timer.