Graflex.org

[DHF845]

I just bought a partly-restored 4x5 Top-Handle Speed Graphic. It hasn't arrived yet so I don't know serial #. The bellows appear solid. Seller started restoration by rebuilding shutter and replacing leather covering. He removed and lost some external parts. I may have to locate the following:
(1) The spring-loaded, pop-up optical finder (Who sells them? Can't locate them on E-B);
(2) The brass shutter speed table/name plate (I think a replacement plate may be hard to locate, what to do?);
(3) The leather handle itself (I need the handle's pattern to make one);
(4) The 4 brass feet that go on the bottom of the camera (Standard brass furniture tacks?);
(5) The gray oxide coating is gone from most of the brass. Is there a paint that I can use to achieve a close proximity to O.E.M. finish?
I plan on restoring this piece of history to working order. I'd be grateful for any advice or recommendations. Thanks.
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Got first Speed Graphic at 15 (1976).Other kids were using 35mm SLR's. I ran around with flashbulbs and sheet-film holders, I wanted to be Weegee (#2084).

[glennfromwy]

Check the vendor listings on this site for Fred Lustig. He may have most of what you need. The finish on the hardware on this camera is an oxidized silver. It can be hard to duplicate. Has it worn away, or was it removed? Wear is acceptable in my view. Removal of this finish is going to be hard to remedy. Viewfinders for these cameras do show up on ebay, but not often. It takes a lot of watching and patience to find one.
_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[DHF845]

The oxide finish appears worn off or polished off down to bare brass on the right -side shutter plates; still shows some oxide on the bed rails and focus knob.
I've found a viewfinder; the lens + board should be easy. The shutter speed chart/name plate is going to be hard to find. It's an early top-handle, maybe c. 1915. When did "Folmer & Schwing Department" of Eastman Kodak Co. become "Folmer & Schwing Division" of EKC?

[C. Henry]

If some kind soul who owns another top handle 4x5 Speed Graphic will send you a high contrast 1:1 size negative of his shutter speed table/name plate, you may be able to make a reproduction using the photo etching process for making printed circuit boards on some sheet brass stock.
This stock is available in some hobby shops and/or hardware stores.
Sorry, I do not have any 4x5 camera.

C.Henry

[glennfromwy]

I'll check my junk box to see if there's a shutter speed plate in there. Not likely but one never knows.
_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[DHF845]

C. Henry-
The photo-engraving process is a really good idea, if I can't find an actual plate. Why didn't I of that? I'm supposed to be a photographer!
Would have replied sooner, but couldn't log on, some internet thing or Graflex.org problem.

[DHF845]

glennfromwy-
I appreciate your help and heaven knows I'll need it! Sorry I didn't reply sooner-for last 36 hrs. this message board was off-line. Something about it being repaired?
Does this happen often to the Graflex.org forums?
[BTW-I'm MANY other peoples' weirdo!]

[glennfromwy]

Well, sorry to say, after much digging through boxes of bones, I struck out. Not one speed plate of any variety. I tried.
_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[DHF845]

Thanks for looking, glennfromwy-I hope those weren't human bones you were digging through!
-DHF