Posted by Jim on August 05, 2000 at 11:24:35:
In Reply to: Super Speed Graphic posted by Mark Francis on August 04, 2000 at 12:44:15:
: I have a Super Speed Graphic in the original box with the
original "twist to set the shutter" 1000
: lens. It seems in excellent shape. I have been told that the lens
is very unreliable and the camera not much better. I have also been
told that this design disaster led to the downfall of Graflex Co.
How accurate is this information?
Most of this info someone gave you is not true-except for the
shutter. Graflex went out of business due to the popularity of 35mm
photography. Their last camera was the Graflex XL, a very usable
camera that was not terribly popular or durable under constant
heavy use.
You can read on the graflex web pages the advantages of the Super camera-the only Graphic with revolving back, front swings, electronic release, and with a analog device for determing f/stop settings for manual flash units on top.
The camera does show wear more than the regular Speed, Pacemaker or Special Graphics due to its light coloration. The plastic used on some parts of the camera are prone to breakage on impact contact-a mistake not made with the earlier Graphic cameras. The battery for the electronic shutter release is still available but difficult to find and expensive.
The one weak spot is in the 1000 shutter-heavy use is rough on the shutter, and they are costly to fix. Do not reset the shutter with any more force or speed than necessary to do so.
The Optar lens if not scratched heavily can produce professional images especially at middle stops to f/16 using the whole film plane with 4 x 5 film. There are better lenses and much more reliable shutters but they cost a whole lot more.
With the back removed, with the Graflok back, you can mount roll film backs-use/buy the backs with the lever, not the knob-the knob film advance backs do not hold the roll film as flat.
Email me or post here. Yes, I have used the camera, used to own the Super Graphic-the same body with conventionally shuttered lens. The cameras are coveted by scenic photographers wanting a sturdy portable large format camera without needing extensive lens movements.
Since you have all the boxes, literature, etc. you might find you want to use the camera-or with all that stuff, find a collector willing to pay the big bucks.
Good luck. You can post here or email me for more information. Jim