Is this a pre-anny Speed Graphic?

Hi all. I've recently acquired a Speed Graphic from a family friend, and am having a bit of trouble with it.

• In regards to the model, I cannot locate any sort of badge that gives a serial number. According to graflex.org, a curved top wire finder indicates a pre-anniversary model. Am I correct in that assessment?

• I cannot fire the shutter in "B" or "T" modes. The release button feels as if it is bumping into something - do I need a cable release to use these modes?

• I am not entirely sure of the device mounted to the left of the lens, though I am guessing it is some sort of flash sync system. Is this correct?

Is there anything else I need to know before I give this a shot?

I believe that is a pre-anniversary model.

Some shutters need to be cocked to B or T and others don't. Same with the lever to open shutter for focusing.

Heiland synchronizer... for synching with Heiland flash handle.

Other thing to know... make sure the focal plane shutter is on the fully open position before using. Focus or leaf shutter won't work otherwise.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the response. I understand how to open and adjust the focal plane shutter, however I cannot figure out how to keep the leaf shutter open to focus, or how to cock for B and T modes. If you could advise, I would greatly appreciate it.

In regards to the model, I cannot locate any sort of badge that gives a serial number.

Click to expand...

That's because its Ink Stamped or Embossed into the bottom side of the camera top at the right side as you look at the lens.

According to graflex.org, a curved top wire finder indicates a pre-anniversary model. Am I correct in that assessment?

Click to expand...

Yes, its a Pre Anniversary. The other clue is the single focus knob and the handle is on the camera left side.

I cannot fire the shutter in "B" or "T" modes. The release button feels as if it is bumping into something - do I need a cable release to use these modes?

Click to expand...

The device on the side of the lens is a solenoid for tripping the shutter with a flash synchronizer. The solenoid does not have enough travel to allow the shutter trip lever to move far enough to operate in B or T . The solenoid link to the shutter trip lever can be disengaged for using the shutter in B or T. I think all you need to do is lift the solenoid link up off the shutter release and lay back or behind the shutter release so that it does not interfere with the shutter operation. This solenoid is a Heiland Research, it should work with any 2 or 3 D cell flash synchronizer.
http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_18.html

It probably needs a service, in fact it's not hard to do yourself, I did one on mine then found a PDF on how to do it

Ian

the button/lever on the shutter at the 4 o'clock position of your picture should hold the shutter blades open for focusing.

That model of Speed Graphic was made between 1928 and 1939. One can research the serial number to be more precise. The lens dates from late 1938 to early 1939. The lens board was also used by many other cameras then and for many years. It can easily be fabricated from plywood, or for temporary use, from foam core, mat board, or even cardboard. Such a camera can still be useable, not merely an antique.

BrianShaw said:

the button/lever on the shutter at the 4 o'clock position of your picture should hold the shutter blades open for focusing.

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no, it's not. There are a lot of lenses made for speeds/crowns that do have a little lever that you push on in that location when you have the shutter cocked to open the shutter.

However, note this shutter is not mounted with the top pointing up, it is at a 90 degree angle to the right, and the shutter release is at the top.

It's a jury rigged setup using the lens/shutter from another type of camera. Since the Speed Graphic has a coupled rangefinder, and was primarily meant for news work, it doesn't really need to be able to open for focusing. That's what the rangefinder is for. That later shutters did include a facility to open the lens was a convenience.

What does this button do? If you cock the shutter at one of the lower speeds, then push it back towards the body of the camera, you can then push the cocking lever of a bit more.

Fire the shutter, your self timer is buzzing away. The button on most shutters like this doesn't do that at the highest speed because then the extra spring in the self timer is being used to make the shutter go faster.

As to B and T -- I'd try pushing the shutter release WITHOUT cocking the shutter first. Most of the similar shutters I have on Zeiss products of this vintage work that way. If they don't work that way, then I am at a loss.