Graflex.org

dreddy · Joined: 19 May 2004 Posts: 4

I would like to know the model of my Speed Graphic and when it was manufactured. Serial# 188374. The first number 8 was scratched off a little, but I do think its 188374. If not, it could be 168374, 138374, or 158374. It has a Kalart(serial# F19402) Synchronized Range Finder on one side, and a handle on the other, a spring back, and 2 other viewfinders on top. I believe the shutter table was originally on the side of the range finder, but it's on top now and it says:

----------------curtain aperture
tension no.----1/8--3/8--3/4--1-1/2
------------1--350--110---40---10
------------2--440--135---50---15
------------3--550--160---65---20
------------4--680--195---75---25
------------5--825--235---80---30
------------6-1000--295---90---35

The Folmer Graflex Corporation
Rochester, NY, USA,

and there's a very small number in the bottom left corner of that plate - #2061.
What do that particular number mean?

I don't have an original lens for the camera, but I do have a 7-1/2in., f/3.5, Taylor-Hobson Cooke anastigmat lens (series II.A.-serial# 195073) that I would also like
any info. on, if possible. Thanx,

Dreddy
I got photos I can send to get a better picture of the camera too.

[ This Message was edited by: Dreddy on 2004-05-19 09:35 ]

t.r.sanford · Posted: Wed May 19, 2004 5:27 pm Post subject:

This is a question that the Graflex historians may answer in detail. I suppose that many of those with an interest in such things have visited the website

http://www.uofr.net/~ardavis/history/kingslake.html

and read Dr. Kingslake's brief but fascinating history of photographic manufacturers based in Rochester. He reports, among many other things, that Folmer & Schwing Division of Eastman Kodak was spun off by Kodak in 1926, and operated as Folmer & Schwing Corp. from that year until 1945, when it became Graflex, Inc.

45PSS · Posted: Wed May 19, 2004 7:11 pm Post subject:

Will the bed drop below 90⁰ ?
Does the front standard have two rings that one squeezes together to move the standard or a single ring in the center that toggles left or right to move and lock the standard?
Does it have one focus knob on the right as you shoot or does it have two, one each side of the bed?

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

dreddy · Joined: 19 May 2004 Posts: 4

the bed does not drop, and it has 2 loops, with one focus knob.

t.r.sanford · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 1:47 am Post subject:

There are people who have done a lot of research on this, and perhaps one of them will weigh in with better information. Meanwhile, "McKeown's Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras, 2001-2002" provides a sketch of Graflex serial numbers, and your description of the front latch arrangement is helpful.

It sounds like a "pre-Anniversary" model "Speed Graphic." These were produced, in the 4x5 size, from 1928 through 1939.

If the serial number's second digit is 8, the camera was made between 1934 and 1937. If it's 6, the date range is 1928 through 1930. If it's the "pre-Anniversary" model, the second digit can't be 5 or 3, because they're too early -- and 3 would be earlier than the company name change. The original "Speed Graphic" (made in 4x5 size through 1927) had its handle on top, not on the side, as many cameras did during the first quarter of the last century.

McKeown's is annoyingly vague about certain changes made during the lifespans of the various models, and does not contain a lot of illustrations of the Graflex press cameras. There is a good picture of a "pre-Anniversary Speed," with the old silver-bodied Kalart rangefinder and a fold-down viewfinder that looks like the now-forgotten "Newton" type. It has the pincer-style front-standard latch that you describe, which looks just like one on an old "3A Kodak Autographic" I bought for $5 when I was in college.

45PSS · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 2:18 am Post subject:

According to Paine in A review of Graflex, the pre anniversary has a 4x4 inch lens board, straight (not tapered) bellows, and a curved top finder loop that folds down over the front standard when not in use. The 1939 pictured has serial number 242750, with a silver Kalart side rangefinder.

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