Kodak Improved #2 5X7 with Graflex Shutter.

jimgalli

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Sep 7, 2002
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Not a question really. Just an observation. This gorgeous old camera came today and I've been playing with it all afternoon instead of cleaning the garage like I'm supposed to be doing. It's nearly 100 years old and it's just in marvelous shape. Normally I resist old Kodaks on Ebay. They're fairly prevalent. But I've got a weak spot for the earliest "Improved #2's" because of the beautiful lighter finish on the Cherry wood. But the kicker was that this old 5X7 had a Graflex focal plane shutter attached between the camera and the back. So with just a minimal amount of fiddling the Cloth shutter has returned to life. Only on the 2 nearest openings. 3/4" and 1.5" so that gives me 1/30th, and 1/90th with the back shutter. I'm rambling but have to say, what a lot of pleasure these old cameras bring. They're beautiful and functional. Tomorrow I'll build lens boards for 8 1/4 Dagor, and 305 Repro Claron, and a Protar VII that's even older than the camera. A lot of enjoyment for $172 bucks, and what photos it will make.
 
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jimgalli

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Joined
Sep 7, 2002
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4,232
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Tonopah Neva
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BTW since I've got your attention. I need a rear bed extension for 5X7 #2 if anyone has one. Thanks. Jim
 

James Bleifus

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Aug 18, 2004
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Currently Thailand
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Jim,

I have one of these cameras too and I love it. I'm amazed at this camera's ability to draw a crowd (and a curious cop or two). Rumor has it that the rear extension is hard to find, though I was lucky enough to get one with mine. Have fun!

Cheers,

James
 
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