A Classic Graflex C-3 Kit Walked in One Day

Every so often, a piece of history walks in through the shop's front door. It's one of the great things about working at Blue Moon Camera: you never know what a customer will bring in to consign.

A time capsule recently showed up in our store, a U.S. military-badged 4x5 Anniversary Speed Graphic kit, stenciled boldly "Case Type C-3 Camera." This was a standard issue item for many military photographers. The kit originally included the camera, a Graflex Optar 135mm f/4.7 lens, flash, and a wooden tripod. The larger kit we're selling has four modern film holders and a couple more lenses and other goodies. What's truly amazing is the condition of the camera. It appears to be completely original. The tripod is shiny, and the case is in great shape. The camera and the flash are art-deco gems. You can find this little beauty here!

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That is impressive. And it includes a pristine Crown wood tripod. They were a brilliant design because you could take off the legs and fit the entire thing in a suitcase or equivalent. The wood legs seemed flimsy but dampened vibration instantly.

Beauty !