For Sale FS: Graflex Century Graphic 2x3 $275: SOLD

Robbie Bedell · Jun 24, 2021

I am selling a Century Graphic 2x3 camera. I would like to keep this but I have two and really do not need it. It is in excellent shape as you can see by the photos. The rangefinder is all well calibrated. The focus spot was OK but I inserted a blue gel inside the top rangefinder window. Now the spot is quite bright and very easy to see. The 101 Ektar lens is clean and clear and the shutter is working well and is nice and snappy. I am adding the Singer Graphic RH-10 plus an aditional short viewfinder for those who might prefer that. Using a roll film holder I have found I prefer the longer finder, but that is a matter of taste. All in all this is a good outfit and ready to shoot. I am figuring about $15 shipping. PayPal is good. I prefer USA sales only...sorry!

mgb74 · Jun 25, 2021

This make for a nice compact and relatively light kit. Here's mine in a hip bag.

Donald Qualls · Jun 25, 2021

I agree. A nice, versatile 6x9, switch films in mid-roll, change lenses (also in mid-roll) if needed, shoot 6x6 or 6x4.5 by putting other backs on it -- and limited movements. I should shut up, I'm tempting myself.

Cholentpot · Jun 25, 2021

You need one Donald...come, join the 2x3 side...

There's a universal 2x3 6x4.5 film holder for these things? I got 6x7, 6x9 already.

Dan Fromm · Jun 25, 2021

Cholentpot said:
You need one Donald...come, join the 2x3 side...

There's a universal 2x3 6x4.5 film holder for these things? I got 6x7, 6x9 already.

I don't think so.

But and however, you need a 6x6.

Donald Qualls · Jun 25, 2021

Cholentpot said:
You need one Donald...come, join the 2x3 side...

There's a universal 2x3 6x4.5 film holder for these things? I got 6x7, 6x9 already.

Not a universal one, as far as I know, but the one for an RB67 should fit and work, as it mounts on a Graflok and other Graflok roll backs work on the RB67 (I have a Graflex 22 that I use with the RB with good results -- no interlocks, but that's just a matter of habit building). This camera probably weighs 1/4 what my RB67 does, too, and it folds to be about the size of two roll backs flat sides together.

And of course there are Grafmatics to fit this as well (but very few emulsion choices in 2x3 sheet film).

mgb74 · Jun 25, 2021

Donald Qualls said:
Not a universal one, as far as I know, but the one for an RB67 should fit and work, as it mounts on a Graflok and other Graflok roll backs work on the RB67 (I have a Graflex 22 that I use with the RB with good results -- no interlocks, but that's just a matter of habit building). This camera probably weighs 1/4 what my RB67 does, too, and it folds to be about the size of two roll backs flat sides together.

And of course there are Grafmatics to fit this as well (but very few emulsion choices in 2x3 sheet film).

I think you might have to use the early RB backs or to file off the dark slide tabs. And there's always sheet film holders though, as you said) film choice is limited. But this film looks interesting.

Donald Qualls · Jun 25, 2021

Okay. My own fault. PM sent.

Watch the classifieds, coming soon, two Ideal plate cameras, lenses, ground glass, and a dozen plate holders with sheaths (and a third body only).

Cholentpot · Jun 25, 2021

Dan Fromm said:
I don't think so.

But and however, you need a 6x6.

I have enough 6x6 cameras as is, but maybe I need a square format for this. Anyone got one for me?

Donald Qualls said:
Okay. My own fault. PM sent.

Watch the classifieds, coming soon, two Ideal plate cameras, lenses, ground glass, and a dozen plate holders with sheaths (and a third body only).

Welcome Don.

binglebugbob · Jun 25, 2021

I have a Mamiya RB 645 back for my Horseman Vh. I use it with a 75 or 80mm f3.5 Xenotar donated by a Rolleiflex.
The 645 back made for the RB works fine on the Horseman and should work just as well on a 2x3 Graphic with Graflok back..

Robbie Bedell · Jun 25, 2021

Cholentpot said:
I have enough 6x6 cameras as is, but maybe I need a square format for this. Anyone got one for me?

Welcome Don.

I have one! Make me an offer!

Robbie Bedell · Jun 25, 2021

Sale pending on my camera...

Donald Qualls · Jun 25, 2021

binglebugbob said:
I have a Mamiya RB 645 back for my Horseman Vh. I use it with a 75 or 80mm f3.5 Xenotar donated by a Rolleiflex.
The 645 back made for the RB works fine on the Horseman and should work just as well on a 2x3 Graphic with Graflok back..

That's my expectation as well. As noted, there's a chance the lugs on the RB dark slides may interfere with something on the Century; if so, I can either get darkslides that don't do that, or look for Graflex roll backs (got a 22 already, need to get a 23 or RH-8).

Robbie Bedell · Jun 25, 2021

My camera has been sold...

Donald Qualls · Jul 21, 2021

I just wanted to come back here and leave an additional word -- it took me a while to get it unboxed and look it over, but this camera is gorgeous. Better than the photos, if that's possible. Clean, everything working, infinity stops appear accurate and the RF is in fact calibrated to the mounted lens. I haven't loaded the RH-8 yet, but on visual inspection it looks to be in the same condition. I'm very happy, especially since this will interchange roll film backs with my RB67 (barring interlock issues -- I already know the Graflex roll backs work on the RB, though they don't operate the dark slide safety). This is an excellent addition to my camera shelves, and money well spent.

mgb74 · Jul 21, 2021

IIRC, some RB back have a prong on the dark slide that acts as an interlock to prevent removing the back without the darkslide fully inserted. That prong will have to be remove when using the back on the Century Graphic.

Robbie Bedell · Jul 21, 2021

Hi Don, I am very pleased that you are pleased! I had not heard from you so assumed that all was well, but I do appreciate your getting back to me. I actually have an RB back that fits on the Century. I, years ago, learned how to take out the little darkslide lock. It was not difficult to do but it took some time. I seem to remember taking out many tiny screws. I also put new light seals in it. That was a bit more tricky and I am not so sure I did that right. I have not used the RB back enough to know fore sure. I have Horseman backs that I use on my other century. Thay are larger but as you know they are very precise. I had to file away at them a little to make them fit the Century, but they work pretty well. Let me know if you have any questions and best of luck in your photos with your new camera!!! Robbie

Donald Qualls · Jul 22, 2021

The two RB backs I use most (6x7 and 6x4.5 on 120) are Pro models (no double exposure interlock), and they have an easy override tab to allow removing the dark slide when off the camera. My 220 back (purchased for 35mm pano use) may require more; I'll look it over. Of course, my Graflex 22 is made to use on this and similar "generic" 2x3 Graflok backs. I need to start an eBay search for a 23 or RH8 on 2x3 Graflok, though -- never needed one for the RB.

For Sale FS: Graflex Century Graphic 2x3 $275: SOLD

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