need help with graflex speed graphic info please

TheMaxill · Apr 18, 2007

hello, i have an old Graflex speed graphic and some accessories that i am looking to sell at a local camera swap this weekend. the camera was my grandfathers, and frankly i know very little about it, as i have never worked in large format before. here are some pictures of the equipment, if you could let me know what you think a good price to ask for this would be i would greatly appreciate it. thanks in advance.

Maximilian

ive got 12 of these /\.

Curt · Apr 18, 2007

That's too bad, you know you can use 120 roll film in the "22" holder and take pictures on or off a tripod?

DBP · Apr 18, 2007

For all things Graflex, I would recommend www.graflex.org. As for pricing, check eBay. I can't tell from the pics what size that is or what kind of back it has.

TheMaxill · Apr 18, 2007

yeah i know i should probably hold on to this, but i have no idea how to use it, and need some cash bad, as i am a poor college student. maybe ill do some more research to see if its worth holding onto. thanks for the info.

maximilian

bdial · Apr 18, 2007

It's an unusual rig compared to the typical Speed Graphic. The lens is a wide angle for 4x5, and it looks as though your grandfather may have mostly used it with the roll film back. In terms of parts, the lens and the roll back probably have the most value. You might consider selling them separately. Look at completed auctions on ebay for 90 mm Angulon lenses and graflex roll backs to get some idea of value. But don't confuse the lens with the "super Angulon" model. The backs came in knob advance versions, like yours, and another which used a lever, similar to 35 mm cameras. The ones with the levers are more desirable, but my understanding is that there is a good bit of demand for the roll backs either way.
The two 4x5 film holders don't have a lot value on their own, especially the film pack holder. For the camera body, you should check ebay prices for speed graphics without their lenses, and add the value of the 90mm to that, for a ballpark value.

paul ewins · Apr 18, 2007

My guess here is that this is a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Speed Graphic, not a 4x5. In that light the 90mm Angulon would be a moderate wide with the sheet film and a normal lens for the 22 roll film adapter. Unfortunately as that size film is hard to get the camera will be worth less than a 4x5 Speed Graphic.

I'd sell the camera and sheet film holders as one bundle and then sell the lens, roll film adapter and flash separately. I don't think the flash is the actual "Star Wars light sabre" type, but you may get someone willing to take a chance if you put $30 or $40 on it.

waynecrider · Apr 18, 2007

So you joined today..Welcome. Now please realize that for sale ads are limited to subscribers. At the top there is a subscribe/Donate button.

removed account4 · Apr 18, 2007

hi maximilian:

no film is currently made for the film pack adapter ...
i think i gave mine away to someone doing a project of some sort ..
i have 22 and a 23 roll film adapters, they work well, but sometimes
they overlap frames when they get old. luckily mine haven't done that (knock wood) ..

it would be pretty easy to figure out the format of your camera .
measure the film holders edge to edge ... or after you remove the
darkslide ( the part of the film holder that can be removed ) measure
the "hole" where the film would go. the 3 sizes would be 2x3, 3x4, and
4x5.

the best way to figure out how much the camera is worth is to go to eBoo
and do a completed auction search once you learn the format of the camera
... perhaps your grandfather used his 4x5 with roll film because it was
easier to deal with that way. a lot of folks do that ...

good luck
john

bdial · Apr 18, 2007

Based on the grid the holders are on, they look like 4x5's to me, and the scale of the camera makes it look like a 4x5 as well. However the roll back's mounting plate doesn't quite look large enough for a 4x5, hard to tell though.

If you go to a show looking to sell, keep in mind that what a dealer will pay will be around 1/2 of what he would retail the camera for. eBay prices are usually somewhere in between retail and wholesale.

jolefler · Apr 19, 2007

I love guessing games! I gotta believe that Paul's on the right track in format/lens focal length! It looks like the tube finder takes up more space on the camera body than one does on a 4X5.

Maximilian, can you measure the ground glass back for us?

Jo

Jim Jones · Apr 19, 2007

I suspect Paul is right. If the roll film adaptor is for the 3.25 x 4.25 Graflok back, you might have a desirable item. This size camera isn't convenient for sheet film, but is great for roll film. A photo of the back of the camera and the open front will help us further identify the model. The shutter appears stuck partly open. Perhaps using the shutter will free it up. It should be checked before offering the lens for sale. A complete, accurate, and well-written ebay ad might bring in more money. There are many more buyers there than at a camera show. To get an idea of fair prices for your equipment, check the completed ebay auctions for similar gear that actually sold.

gordrob · Apr 19, 2007

Hi Maximilian

If you check on the film holders there should be an identifier as to the size of the holder. It ishould be along the top edge of the holder.
Regards
Gord

Photo Engineer · Apr 19, 2007

I have one exactly like that except for the 22 back. Mine is an earlier model with a 5.5" lens on it. Depending on condition and model, I have seen them from about $90 - $650. But, not being a collector, I have no idea of the details of how yours would place in that broad price range.

PE

TheMaxill · Apr 20, 2007

thanks all for so much info.

Les Newcomer · May 10, 2007

From the location of the shutter speed table I'm guessing It's a 3x4 Anniversary Speed made sometime between 1945 (when they changed their name to Graflex, Inc) and 1947 when the Pacemaker series came out. If the roll film holder fits a 3x4 it will be a valuable holder indeed as this is the only model they made for the 3x4. (the proper size is 3 1/4 x 4 1/4) If there is no other lens for the camera, then you won't get much for it even though it's in good condition, but I'd still sell the lens separately.
Les

k_jupiter · May 13, 2007

Les Newcomer said:
From the location of the shutter speed table I'm guessing It's a 3x4 Anniversary Speed made sometime between 1945 (when they changed their name to Graflex, Inc) and 1947 when the Pacemaker series came out. If the roll film holder fits a 3x4 it will be a valuable holder indeed as this is the only model they made for the 3x4. (the proper size is 3 1/4 x 4 1/4) If there is no other lens for the camera, then you won't get much for it even though it's in good condition, but I'd still sell the lens separately.
Les

I have only seen one other of that Graphics22 on a 3x4 Graflex platform... it sits onthe back of my 3x4 Graplex. Very nice indeed. It's what's worth the most in the whole system here. I hope he kept it, or that it goes to someone deserving.
If it is a 3x4, the other issue is the lack of available Graplex 3x4 holders. Those are the wider ones with the slots down the side. I only have a few of those and they are pretty rare in themselves.

tim in san jose

need help with graflex speed graphic info please

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