(Newbie) Inherited my Grandfather's collection. What do I have and what is it worth?

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

Here is the rest of the stuff

Is there a way I can post this new gallery on my original post? I didn't see an edit option..

and here is a video of that stuff

darkosaric · Sep 18, 2015

What is this:

This could be interesting as well.
For gallery access you need subscription.
After some time you cannot edit post any more.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

darkosaric said:
Get a subscription, and start selling cheaper stuff (nikkormat, lenses, bulbs, accessories, darkroom stuff) - and then learn the art of selling .

Good thinking!

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

darkosaric said:
What is this:

This could be interesting as well.
For gallery access you need subscription.

Maybe a large format box camera? I'll take some photos.

BrianShaw · Sep 18, 2015

Some model of "speed graphic". Pacemaker era I think.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

Well I can't figure out how to open it, but it definitely is a box camera..

pics

BrianShaw · Sep 18, 2015

Not a box camera per SE. Folding camera. Probably Crown Pacemaker Graphic. What size (measure where the film goes in the back)

Or measure those film holders.

Hatchetman · Sep 18, 2015

looks like some sort of 2x3 press camera.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

BrianShaw said:
Not a box camera per SE. Folding camera. Probably Crown Pacemaker Graphic. What size (measure where the film goes in the back)

Or measure those film holders.

Noted! 4x5. I have 4 4x5 "graphic film holders" with the numbers 14, 15, 21, and 24 respectively.

more pics

Terry Christian · Sep 18, 2015

That's either a Speed Graphic or Crown Graphic.
As for how to open it, at the top center (not far from where the arrow is pointing in the picture) you should see a bit of a bump in the leatherette covering. It's the latch for the front. Press it and it'll pop open.

Jim Jones · Sep 18, 2015

A 4x5 Graphic camera in good condition might sell for a few hundred. Much depends on the condition. Also, since lenses can be easily swapped on these cameras, correctly identifying the lens is important. Open the camera and post the information inscribed on the lens and a good photo. For more information on the Graflex/Graphic line of cameras, go to http://graflex.org/.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

Jim Jones said:
A 4x5 Graphic camera in good condition might sell for a few hundred. Much depends on the condition. Also, since lenses can be easily swapped on these cameras, correctly identifying the lens is important. Open the camera and post the information inscribed on the lens and a good photo. For more information on the Graflex/Graphic line of cameras, go to http://graflex.org/.

Thanks Jim!

paul_c5x4 · Sep 18, 2015

Jfonzy said:
First of all, I'm not trying to avoid a subscription, I didn't even know this site required one.

A subscription is not required, but if you want to use some of the other features (gallery, classified, & chat room), then a modest subscription fee makes it worthwhile.

If the large black box is a 5x4 camera with lens, you'll have a fair bit of interest.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

Alright I got it open. the button to open it was stuck so I had to pull a little bit on the focus knobs to get it open. Really cool camera.

Here it is

mr rusty · Sep 18, 2015

That's a very nice crown graphic, and will sell well.

As a matter of interest where are you? I'm presuming US? but maybe UK?

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

Yep, U.S. A couple hours outside of D.C.

shutterfinger · Sep 18, 2015

Pacemaker Crown Graphic, 4x5 format, from 1962. It should have a stamp on the bottom side of the front cross member of the rails, letter-number-letter. The first letter is the month, the number 2 for 1962 and the 3rd place a letter for the revision. Guide book http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html save each page separately, no download feature.
The Brownie box camera (next to the Argus boxes) is collectible, $30-$60; the Weston light meter and Luna Pro light meter should sell, not sure about the others; the yellow and blue filters $6 to $10 each, skylights a dime a dozen as they are very common filters; the brackets $5 to $15; electronic flash <$30 each at best; 4x5 film holders, sell with Crown Graphic or $12-$15 each as they appear in very good condition; enlarging lens need more details; projection lens $?.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

Awesome, thanks! I was wondering about that brownie box and the light meters.

Sirius Glass · Sep 18, 2015

<<wink>> <<wink>> It is all junk. Just sent it all to me for disposal. <<wink>> <<wink>>

narsuitus · Sep 19, 2015

Jfonzy,

Please tell me about your grandfather.
What subjects did he shoot?
What did he do with his images?
Why did he leave the photo equipment to you?
What is your fondest memory of him?
What did he do for a living?
How did he die?
When did he die?
How long did he live?

Jfonzy · Sep 19, 2015

narsuitus said:
Jfonzy,

Please tell me about your grandfather.
What subjects did he shoot?
What did he do with his images?
Why did he leave the photo equipment to you?
What is your fondest memory of him?
What did he do for a living?
How did he die?
When did he die?
How long did he live?

I'll have to gather some of the stuff I have of his and make a little video. I didn't get to know him real well because unfortunately he showed signs of Alzheimer's while I was still pretty young. He was a graphic artist working for the government in D.C. So he illustrated, painted, and obviously loved photography. He was an avid stamp collector as well, and I inherited a lot of that as well. I remember he loved to go on long walks by himself. I wish I knew him when he was younger.

I followed in his footsteps and got a degree in graphic design, since I'm an artist at heart as well. Unfortunately, this is not an artist's world now (professionally) and I now work as a water treatment plant operator. But I'll take the job security and low stress I have now over any career designer job I may find. I do love photography as well but I have too many hobbies and I'm too ADD to stick with one it seems like..

Jfonzy · Sep 19, 2015

shutterfinger said:
Pacemaker Crown Graphic, 4x5 format, from 1962. It should have a stamp on the bottom side of the front cross member of the rails, letter-number-letter. The first letter is the month, the number 2 for 1962 and the 3rd place a letter for the revision. Guide book http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html save each page separately, no download feature.
The Brownie box camera (next to the Argus boxes) is collectible, $30-$60; the Weston light meter and Luna Pro light meter should sell, not sure about the others; the yellow and blue filters $6 to $10 each, skylights a dime a dozen as they are very common filters; the brackets $5 to $15; electronic flash <$30 each at best; 4x5 film holders, sell with Crown Graphic or $12-$15 each as they appear in very good condition; enlarging lens need more details; projection lens $?.

Here's the stamp I found. Only 2 numbers?

DWThomas · Sep 19, 2015

I noticed the Argus C-3 was suggested to be a write-off, which got my attention. I own one, and there is a group, the Argus Collectors Group, that runs some events every year where folks use their old Argus cameras. The C-3 is a classic ("The Brick") that was made from around 1939 into the 1960s so there are very many around. But there were an amazing number of variations over that time which in today's market driven economy would have probably been given new model numbers. Anyway, out of curiosity, a quick ePrey search on completed sales seemed to show numbers from $10 to upper twenties. Only you can decide whether your net receipts are worth the trouble, but someone will be interested in it. I'm thinking that one is in about the late 50s, and it looks as though it's in nice shape (at least in appearance). Believe it or not, there are obsessive collectors who try to acquire one of every known variant!

I've used my C-3 on Argus Day each of the last ten years with pretty fair success. I bought it new circa 1957, they are no Nikon, but they are more than toys,

Jfonzy · Sep 19, 2015

DWThomas said:
I noticed the Argus C-3 was suggested to be a write-off, which got my attention. I own one, and there is a group, the Argus Collectors Group, that runs some events every year where folks use their old Argus cameras. The C-3 is a classic ("The Brick") that was made from around 1939 into the 1960s so there are very many around. But there were an amazing number of variations over that time which in today's market driven economy would have probably been given new model numbers. Anyway, out of curiosity, a quick ePrey search on completed sales seemed to show numbers from $10 to upper twenties. Only you can decide whether your net receipts are worth the trouble, but someone will be interested in it. I'm thinking that one is in about the late 50s, and it looks as though it's in nice shape (at least in appearance). Believe it or not, there are obsessive collectors who try to acquire one of every known variant!

I've used my C-3 on Argus Day each of the last ten years with pretty fair success. I bought it new circa 1957, they are no Nikon, but they are more than toys,

Thanks for the insight! here's some more pics of the lowly Argus: PICS

DWThomas · Sep 19, 2015

Jfonzy said:
Thanks for the insight! here's some more pics of the lowly Argus: PICS

Cool! The serial number of mine (purchased at the end of 1957) is 1605212, so yours is newer by a bit. The feature set appears identical. The ACG site has estimates that total C-3 production was well over a million!

(Newbie) Inherited my Grandfather's collection. What do I have and what is it worth?

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