Graflex.org

[Ronrut B]

Hello!

I have found a Graflex Crown Graphic 45 camera on eBay. The link to it is here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=290473151064&Category=15247&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2

I don't know if this would really be worth it. It's OK that it doesn't have a lens. I really would like to have this camera and that is why i want to know if it is worth it.


Thanks!
Ronrut B

[Sirius Glass]

It is a newer Pacemaker with the rangefinder on top. The top rangefinders have nasty habit of "loosing its marbles" ==> spilling the ball bearings out all over the place. In the words of Bert Saunders:

"Did not mention on your "wish list" that you should avoid the "top RF" Speed also, it is the latest model Pacemaker, but the RF and the cam setup were very apt to be a real problem, rather flimsy mirror setup, hard to calibrate, and the spacer balls that actuate the cam are very prone to get lost when the retaining tube "cap" falls off! If you watch the Graflex help board, am sure you have seen many questions on "how many spacers are in the cam tube....42? 43??", reason, rubber cap came off and the spacers were lost on a back pack trip in the mountains!"

Save your money.

Steve
_________________
Nothing beats a good piece of glass.

[45PSS]

Worth $50-$75 IMO.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[Ronrut B]

[Sirius Glass]

[45PSS]

Is it worth it? Depends on how bad you want it. In My Opinion $50 or less would be a fair buy but I would not pay more than $75. If bidding goes more then I recommend passing on this one. It may cost another $75 to $125 to get the body into good shape and ready to use. If you are mechanically inclined then bid, if not pass. The back needs to be removed, corrosion removed, painted, and reinstalled. Front standard and focus rails will need to be disassembled, cleaned, lubed, and reassembled to get it back into good working condition.
The plus is a pair of infinity stops.
You can purchase a service manual from http://www.craigcamera.com/ or download a fair copy for free from http://www.southbristolviews.com/.

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

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

http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[Ronrut B]

[1banjo]

hey Ronrut B
SO are you the luck winner of this Graflex Crown Graphic 45 camera on eBay
IF NOT email me at kansasbanjo@yahoo.com
I have a good one to sell
I have a top rangefinder or a side rangerfinder

banjo