Graflex.org

Doug Kerr · Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 177 Location: Dallas, Texas, USA

I am trying to prepare a tabulation of the various Speed Graphic series' and models. I am mostly working from the tables on the graflex.org site.

I need some help with regard to the Pacemaker Speed Graphic 1000.

As I understand it, this is essentially a Pacemaker Crown Graphic equipped with a Rodenstock-made Optar 135 mm lens in a Graflex 1000 shutter offering speeds up to 1/1000 sec (thus justifying the name "Speed" in a camera without a focal plane shutter).

This is of course not the same as the Super Speed Graphic, which had a metal body and a nunber of other unique features (but that same lens and shutter situation).

Can anyone fill me in on when the Pacemaker Speed Graphic 1000 was introduced?

I find it covered by the Pacemaker Instruction and Reference Manual 262\8-261, which I suspect means that it was issued in February of 1961. (The manual generally covers the post-1955 Pacemaker design).

I would also be curious as to whether the Pacemaker Speed Graphic 1000 was made in format sizes other than "45".

Thanks for any help.

_________________
Best regards,

Doug

[ This Message was edited by: Doug Kerr on 2006-09-08 11:49 ]

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

Doug Kerr · Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 177 Location: Dallas, Texas, USA

Hi, Les,

Thanks for your thorough insight into this mess!

What was unique about the lower slider of the Speed Graphic FP (I'm not sure I know exactly what "lower slider" refers to)?

Best regards,

Doug

[ This Message was edited by: Doug Kerr on 2006-09-09 06:09 ]

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

Here's a photo. On the Cenury Graphic, the lower slider says "Special"

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2006-09-09 07:51 ]

Doug Kerr · Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 177 Location: Dallas, Texas, USA

Hi, Les,

Oh, that slider.

Thanks.

I also recall that on the Speed Graphic Special the lens board (above the shutter) says "Special".

Curious about the "Special" marking on the lower slider on the Century Graphic.

Ah, the mind of Graflex!

Thanks again.

Best regards,

Doug

Doug Kerr · Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 177 Location: Dallas, Texas, USA

Hi, Les,

Is it possible that the Century had the Schneider lens on it and thus got the "special" tag on the slider (given that there wouldn't have been room for it on the lens board)?

Best regards,

Doug

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

Could be. I don't know what the definition of "Special" was for the Century. Remember that the Century started out life as a cheap camera (under $100 which is close to a century) that later became (marketed) as a pro camera. So the Specialness of a Century Special might be a great lens, or a fast lens or a great lens and that special grip.

The Crown special may be the reverse of the Century Special. The Crown Graphic was a pro camera that needed a cheaper base model. Originally advertised as a "Special Promotional Offer" The Crown Special was a cut rate version of a Crown. Xenars were cheap compared to Optars and Ektars. This was to be a limited time offer but the camera was so popular, it pretty much continued the Crown into the 70s.

Doug Kerr · Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 177 Location: Dallas, Texas, USA

paxety · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 69 Location: Florida

Then there's my FrankenGraphic - a Crown with side Kalart and a Graflex 1000 lens/shutter. I'll have to check the slider when I get home to see if that got changed.

Later - checked the camera and FWIW, it does not have a changed slider.
juan

[ This Message was edited by: paxety on 2006-09-14 06:25 ]