Posted by Bob Stoddard on January 17, 2001 at 14:14:24:
In Reply to: 1950 price posted by Beth on January 15, 2001 at 17:06:07:: This is going to sound like an odd question, but does
: anyone know what (approx.) the 4X5 Crown Graphic sold
: for in 1950 (or there about)?
I have a 1951 Montgomery Wards Photographic Catalog which lists
the 4 X 5 Crown Graphic with the following equipment and
prices:
With 127mm Ektar in No. 2 Supermatic (X) shutter and 1 Graphic cut
film holder.......$182.50
Above with Kalart rangefinder installed.....$215.45
Above with Kalart RF, Graflite flash unit
installed.......$261.50
If I understand the listing correctly, the last combination
(including the Graflite) came with a flashbulb-synchronized version
of the Supermatic shutter, probably the version having selectable F
and M synchronization.
In evaluating these prices, remember that the dollar was a great
deal "bigger" in those days, and that discounts were almost
completely unavailable. You can look up the Consumer Price Index in
your library to get the multiplier accurately, but I think it is
slightly more than 6 to raise 1951 prices to today's, because of
the inflation of the last 40 years. RKS