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flashbulbman · Joined: 29 Jan 2009 Posts: 51 Location: California

My Speed Graphic has a serial number of 8963XX. I searched for a good while and could not find a simple list of serial numbers which would indicate the year my camera was made. I found lots of info on lens serial numbers but not on Speed Graphic cameras.

Can anyone tell me the year my camera was made?
Thanks.
_________________
I love the smell of flashbulbs in the morning

Henry · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:24 am Post subject:

The list has a big gap from 888xxx (1953) to 902xxx (1955), so c. 1954 should be close for 8963XX.

flashbulbman · Joined: 29 Jan 2009 Posts: 51 Location: California

Thank you kind sir !!!
_________________
I love the smell of flashbulbs in the morning

Moskva 4 · Joined: 25 Dec 2009 Posts: 7 Location: France

Hello
I just received my first Speed Graphic. I'd like to know his birth date with a serial number 865970. The lens is a EKTAR f4 , 7 uncoating, with the serial # EC2688

Thank you

C. Henry · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 7:16 pm Post subject:

The coding in the letters of the lens serial number indicates that it is a 1941 item. C=1 A=2 M=3 E=4 R=5 O=6 S=7 I=8 T=9 & Y=0
If I was at home I could check my copy of Shutterfinger's "Not the Serial Number Book List but.." for the year the body of the camera was made, hopefully someone else with a copy of that list can reply before I get home.

C. Henry

Henry · Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 12:02 am Post subject:

There's no. 865971 listed as 1951, so there you are.

Moskva 4 · Joined: 25 Dec 2009 Posts: 7 Location: France

Thank you Henry & C. Henry

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2147 Location: New Jersey

According to the book that isn't, 865970 is in the block of 5,000 (sic) serial numbers 865724 - 870725 that was assigned 5/17/51. The next 4x5 Pacemaker block was assigned 8/22/51, so 865970 was probably made in 1951.