Graflex.org

[DESuserIGN]

Hi I'm looking for some information and advice.
I have this Graflex I inherited from my Grandfather about twenty years ago and have recently gotten interested in using it.
It appears to be a 4x5 Crown Graphic Pacemaker(?) Sorry I'm not familiar with the history/nomenclature/camera line/etc.
The back has a pop-open metal hood with a ground glass focussing screen, no Fresnel.
It has a Wollensak lens, Optar 4.7 135mm (#644111) and a Rapax shutter.
It has a Kalart synchronized side Rangefinder (#B17204).
It's serial number is #951770.
I'm lead to believe is from the 1949-1954 period.

The lens coating appears to be marred by careless cleaning. Is there anything I can do about that?

Can anyone enlighten me about this camera?
Is there any good information on how to clean it up or restore it?
And what about that lens?
Whatever info I can get would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
John

P.S. I've posted pictures here, if they are a help:
http://gallery.me.com/johnwatkins#100047

[45PSS]

1950 Crown Graphic, 4x5 format, spring (Graphic) back.

The scratches on the lens look to be wipe marks in the white haze that builds up on lens that have sat for a long period of time. Remove the lens/board from the camera, unscrew the front and rear groups from the shutter and clean all exposed surfaces of the lens with a heavyweight microfiber lens cleaning cloth and your breath. Wipe until the lens is clear (no haze). An alternative is to use Windex on a clean soft towel. Wet the towel with cleaner then wipe the lens surface with the towel without putting pressure on the lens (just touching).

Pledge natural beauty furniture polish (spray can not the wipes) is good for the bellows and body coverings. Windex is good for cleaning all surfaces prior to treating with pledge or applying lubricant.
Check these links:

www.graflex.org :all links especially Cameras

http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_5.html

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

[DESuserIGN]

Thanks for the info. I guess you have a book?
Glad to hear the lens may well be fine.
As you can see the camera has seen a great deal of use and a few knocks. Perhaps my grandfather even bought it used.
I remember many times as a kid helping him with wedding pictures (I held the slave flash unit.) Maybe it was even with this camera—but I doubt it. I think he had a newer large format camera and his camera buddies got most of his nicer stuff before I returned to the US after he died (which was fine—I wasn't as interested then.) I just wish I had some accessories.
I'll have to stay on the lookout for some film magazines, etc.
Excellent links. Now I'll actually know how to use it.

BTW just noticed that the bellows have split along the seam. Any ideas on what to use to repair them? Contact cement?

Thanks.

[45PSS]

Yes, contact cement is one of the best glues to use.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[brian d]

Somewhat off topic but for general large format photography info in the Chicago area you might look here

http://www.dunnamphoto.com/midwestlf/
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Real men use Speed Graphics and flashbulbs.

[DESuserIGN]

45PSS,
Thanks again for the information. I'm interested in getting this guy back in shape, but have no camera restoration experience and don't want to do any harm. I think I need more detailed information to make sure I know what to do and how to do it.

This book came up in one of the forums and looks interesting:
"Restoring Classic & Collectible Cameras" Thomas Tomosy.

Would you recommend it? Is the service manual you linked to all I need?

Any other suggestions for information sources?

[DESuserIGN]

Brian D,
Thanks for the link. Looks interesting. It would be nice to interact with some Graflex experts/enthusiasts in person.

[45PSS]

I am not familiar with the book you mention.

The service manual will cover the disassembly, repair, and lubrication of all parts of the camera except removing the side range finder, the body trim and the body leatherette covering. The service manual is for the Graphic Top Range finder model which is the same body as the side range finder camera. There are some minor differences between the Speeds and smaller format versions covered by a side range finder manual available from CraigCamera.com. The service manual will not tell you how to repair or make a new bellows.

Take a look at willysmb web site especially the restorations

http://www.speedgraphic.fr/
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[brian d]

[brian d]