Graflex.org

jrl3001

So, I just acquired a Speed Graphic at a garage sale last weekend for $60. I have been into photography for a long while, using 35mm, 120mm and digital. Large format has been something of a dream of mine, so when I found this camera I snapped it up as quick as I could.

I have determined, from the research I have been doing that it's a Speed Graphic Anniversary. It has a Kodak Ektar 127mm f4.7 lense on it, Kalart rangefinder, Heiland Research flash gun and assorted double sided film holders and a Polaroid 500 back.

All in all the camera looks to be very clean and very operable. The previous owner was in the RAF and I think this may have been the camera he used in WWII, but I may be just fantasizing there.

I have been testing the camera, the rangefinder is working perfectly, as it seems is the focal plane shutter. What looks to be an issue is the leaf shutter in the lens. It only seems to fire at 1 speed other than T. No matter where I set it it fires at a very high speed, even when set to 1 second. When I set it to T though, the shutter will stay open until I close it down again. Also, the preview button is non functional. I would really like to rehabilitate this lens. I've been exploring this site and elsewhere on the internet to try and find instructions for servicing the lens. I have done such work on 35mm lenses in the past. I wonder if anyone here has any suggestions as to where I can find information on getting the lens back into working order.

Thanks in advance! And here are some pictures I took

vitaly66 · Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 44 Location: tirana

Congratulations! That is one beautifully sweet looking outfit!

As it is in such fine condition, it should be very little difficulty at all to get the shutter on that 127mm Ektar running as good as new again. Supermatics are quite robust, and it probably only needs just a little careful cleaning and touch of lube to get it purring.

If you want it professionally serviced, there in California you cannot go wrong with Carol Miller at Flutot's Camera Repair in Whittier:

http://www.flutotscamerarepair.com/

Enjoy your new Speed!

45PSS · Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:54 pm Post subject:

flouts is not accepting shutters according to their web site until they clear out the backlog.

The Kodak Supermatic is an easy to service shutter. 35mm lens do not have shutters. Bring it over and I/we will get it going correctly. I'm just down the street from you.

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

jrl3001 · Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:08 pm Post subject:

vitaly66: Thanks, yea I am amazed at how clean and good condition it is in. I found it in the garage at the place I bought it. Probably helps that it's stored in what looks like its original metal case. I am really looking forward to putting some film through this baby

45PSS Oh hey, you are close! I'm just in the east bay.

Yeah everything I have been reading says the 127mm is a easy to work on and good lens. I am hoping to do the work on the shutter myself or with some help rather than sending it out. I really like to be hands on with my gear, gives me a better understanding of how it works.

45PSS · Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:30 pm Post subject:

The Supermatic shutter housed a variety of lens then became the flash supermatic in many versions. The 127mm Ektar is a very sharp, most color corrected lens of the Ektar line. It is the normal lens for 3 1/4 X 4 1/4 format and will just illuminate 4x5 without movements. The corners of 4x5 may be slightly soft but that did not matter to press photographers.

Your Ektar was made in 1944.

With the bellows inside the body turn the camera upside down and look at the bottom side of the camera top and post the six digit number here.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

jrl3001 · Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:47 pm Post subject:

Eh, I don't mind a bit of softness in the corners. If I want sharp corners I have a D200. This I just want to have fun with and be creative! And I know its going to be loads more fun than my Holga

The number reads: 387260

45PSS · Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:09 pm Post subject:

click on the "you have X new messages" when logged in to read private message(s). PM's are for sending information that is not for the public.

387xxx is in the middle of a batch of 2000 serial numbers for 4x5 speeds lodged in in late April 1946 so it is a safe bet the camera was actually built in May or June 1946. Serial numbers were allocated then the cameras built according to demand. Demand was extremely high. It may have seen post war use. The lens may or may not be factory equipment. A previous owner may have switched it out but the all black shutter/lens is correct for 1944 war production.

Set the FPS to O with the tension set to 1. Trip the shutter. It should close and lock in position. If it does not it needs servicing also.

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/AnniversaryService1.pdf

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/Anniversary.pdf
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

jrl3001 · Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:45 pm Post subject:

Oh! Thanks for the information!

The shutter closes all the way when set as you suggested, so I think it's working just fine.

I really am glad I found this site, you guys are a massively awesome wealth of information!