Graflex.org

Rob.B · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Derbyshire (UK)

Hi.

I have just aquiered one of these beasts, and it looks in generally good condition, (I have checked the bellows as best I can fron the rear), but I can't get the front to open.

Is there a knack to it, or is it a chineese puzzle like the Mamiya C330's film back?

I have tried the silver slide button, it gets 3/4 way down but nothing releases.

Update, this I now believe is a late Crown Graphic with top viewfinder with little red button. Any help on opening this would be appreciated, iven if it pointers on dissasembling the latch.

Rob.

C. Henry · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:12 pm Post subject:

Many models of Graphic cameras hide the release button under the leather (leatherette?) covering. Look for a bump in the leather at the center of the top or high on the left side of the camera near the front edge. Pushing this button until it is flush with the camera body should release the front of the camera.

C. Henry

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

The button is under the leatherette, looks like a pimple. Sometimes pushing the bed in slightly to relieve the strain on the catch helps.
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"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

Rob.B · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Derbyshire (UK)

Thanks both.

I now have it open, I was right it was a bit of a chineese puzzel. The camera looks in excelent condition. Really quite plased.

Once again thanks for the pointers.

Rob.

Rob.B · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Derbyshire (UK)

I have cleaned everything I can, the front carriage now moves nicely along the entire length of the rails, the range finder plunger seems stiff/stuck, but there is no way I'm going to mess with that. My only issue now is the lack of a dark slide. I know the wooden ones from my MK1 View don't fit. I was wondering is the more standard slides such as Fidelity may be OK.

Camear Sr No 945274.

Really don't want to wast time, effort, and money sourcing something that will not fit.

Any advice appreciated.

Rob.B.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

From what is your dark slide missing? The camera itself doesn't need a darkslide, only film holders, be they sheet or roll.
_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

Rob.B · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Derbyshire (UK)

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

Graflex Graphic, Fidelity, Lisco and numerous "brand x" holders will fit your camera. Modern or old, wood, plastic, metal will all fit. There are a few cameras out there that take their own special holders. That's what you need to watch out for and avoid. It sounds like your camera is a 4X5 (5X4 in the UK) format. Just don't buy any old Graflex holders with the slotted sides. Those will not fit your Press camera. Your local camera shop should be able to help you.
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Glenn

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

Dave · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 78 Location: Canada

The camera itself doesn't need a darkslide, only film holders, be they sheet or roll.

As they say-- two countries separated by a common language. Rob's use of 'dark slide' to mean 'film holder' is common in the U.K. Specifically, double film holders are often called 'double dark slides' or just 'DDS'.

Rob.B · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Derbyshire (UK)

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

I guess things are the same the world over.
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Glenn

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