Graflex Speed Graphic 4x5 - what to look at/for

Kirks518 · Oct 11, 2014

I was contacted by a woman about her selling her deceased husband's photo equipment, which I'll be seeing on Monday. At this point, all I know is that she has "an old Canon" and a Graflex Speed Graphic 4x5. The Canon I can handle, but I know little to nothing about Graflex's, or LF in general. She thinks it's from the 20's or 30's, but I'm thinking it's more likely from the 40's-60', as she said it's black and silver/chrome. I do know from the party that connected us that the camera looks 'very used'. In her own words, "he was a pho-jo for the Navy", which to me makes it all the more interesting.

Anything I need to be aware of with these cameras? I know how to look at a lens, I'm pretty sure I can figure out how to test the shutter, and checking the condition of the bellows will be the first things I look into. After that, I'll probably be guessing, so any advice would be great.

summicron1 · Oct 11, 2014

if it is a speed graphic it will have a rear shutter as well as a front shutter on the lens. The rear shutter works via a wind key on the right side. It should be sit to "T" for using the front shutter, but wind it up and see if it works.

If it doesn't work properly -- a lot are draggy -- no big deal, folks don't use them much.

I'd check and make sure the rangefinder is working properly. Pull the lens standard out to the infinity locks and focus on something real far away. No rangefinder means lower value.

snapguy · Oct 11, 2014

speed

I got into news photography when the Speed Graphic was being replaced with the Rolleiflex but I used a SG many times and know a lot of guys who grew up on them. I am in the process of building a Crown Graphic from spare parts (my FrankenGraphic). I am realizing the camera is pretty complex. The lens needs a cam that connects to the rangefinder so the range is right. This old camera you are looking at is probably okay in that department. The Speed has a focal plane shutter in the back of the body and there is normally a shutter in the lens, too. You can use the Speed with a lens that has no shutter, or open the FP shutter and use the shutter on the lens. You should check the back to see if it is okay and will take film holders. Check the focus via the ground glass. Those old beasts were tanks so I would not necessarily worry if it looks a little beat up. Some of the old dudes cleaned the lens with the tip of their neckties so check the lens for scratches. The Navy taught him better than that, though, I will bet. Check for salt water damage! Good luck. Great cameras.

shutterfinger · Oct 11, 2014

The Speed Graphic was made in 4 major versions, the Top Handle, Pre Anniversary, Anniversary, and Pacemaker. The Pre Anniversary operating instructions , http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_18.html , will cover the Top Handle versions; The Anniversary operating instructions, http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/Anniversary.pdf . The early Pacemaker instructions http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_5.html and the later Pacemaker version http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html .
Looking at these manuals as well as http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/graphic-models.html you should be able to determine the model. They are all variations on a theme.
The Focal Plane Shutter must be set to O to see any image from the lens on the ground glass, not T as stated in post #2.

Theo Sulphate · Oct 11, 2014

Definitely go to www.graflex.org to learn about the models and how they function. Also watch YouTube videos about their operation. A neophyte might not even know how to open one up (not saying that's you).

It's a simple camera, yet its versatility complicates learning about all its features. For example, there are four ways I can focus my Pacemaker: the focusing rails, the rangefinder, the groundglass, and the light beam.

My understanding is that the bellows on these are rarely a problem, but good to check anyway. Also check if the back is Graflock or something else.

Let us know what you find!

Sirius Glass · Oct 11, 2014

Theo Sulphate said:
Definitely go to www.graflex.org to learn about the models and how they function. Also watch YouTube videos about their operation. A neophyte might not even know how to open one up (not saying that's you).

It's a simple camera, yet its versatility complicates learning about all its features. For example, there are four ways I can focus my Pacemaker: the focusing rails, the rangefinder, the groundglass, and the light beam.

My understanding is that the bellows on these are rarely a problem, but good to check anyway. Also check if the back is Graflock or something else.

Let us know what you find!

+1

snapguy · Oct 11, 2014

There was a Super Speed Graphic, too. A buddy of mine had one.

Dan Fromm · Oct 11, 2014

snapguy said:
There was a Super Speed Graphic, too. A buddy of mine had one.

Speed Graphic in name only. Metal body, not wood, and no focal plane shutter. A version of the Super Graphic with 135 mm Rodenstock lens in 1/1000 Graflex leaf shutter.

Whiteymorange · Oct 14, 2014

summicron1 said:
if it is a speed graphic it will have a rear shutter as well as a front shutter on the lens. The rear shutter works via a wind key on the right side. It should be sit to "T" for using the front shutter, but wind it up and see if it works.

It should be set at "O". The "T" setting is for initiating a timed shot. You press the release button once to get it open and once more to close it. I have found that many (most) old Speeds that have not been serviced run very slowly, if at all, at this end of the curtain and getting them to close after the "O" setting is only practical if you have the tension set pretty high (3-5).

campy51 · Oct 16, 2014

This is unrelated to the camera but you may want to find out if she has some negatives lying around from his days in the Navy. I say this because I have a customer who was given a load of negatives that her husband took while he was a Navy photographer. He had them printed and has them on display at his business and you won't believe some of the photos. He has the Japanese surrender and one of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin at one of their meetings along with numerous other events from World War II. He was offered over $100,000 about 15 years ago but turned it down. They are simply stunning to look at.

Alan Gales · Oct 17, 2014

If the focal plane shutter is slow you might try this: http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/speed up/index.html

I've never messed with one myself but it doesn't look too complicated.

Graflex Speed Graphic 4x5 - what to look at/for

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency