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

Flow of thoughts

D
Flow of thoughts

  • 2
  • 0
  • 45
Rouse st

A
Rouse st

  • 5
  • 3
  • 68
Plague

D
Plague

  • 0
  • 0
  • 51
Vinsey

A
Vinsey

  • 3
  • 1
  • 87

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
199,164
Messages
2,787,280
Members
99,829
Latest member
Taiga
Recent bookmarks
0

darkosaric

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2008
Messages
4,568
Location
Hamburg, DE
Format
Multi Format
What is this:

this.jpg

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

BrianShaw

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2005
Messages
16,574
Location
La-la-land
Format
Multi Format
Some model of "speed graphic". Pacemaker era I think.
 
OP
OP

Jfonzy

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2015
Messages
22
Format
Super8
Well I can't figure out how to open it, but it definitely is a box camera..

pics
 

BrianShaw

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2005
Messages
16,574
Location
La-la-land
Format
Multi Format
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.
 
OP
OP

Jfonzy

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2015
Messages
22
Format
Super8
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
 
Joined
Dec 2, 2011
Messages
693
Location
Memphis, TN
Format
35mm
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

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 16, 2006
Messages
3,740
Location
Chillicothe MO
Format
Multi Format
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/.
 
OP
OP

Jfonzy

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2015
Messages
22
Format
Super8
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

Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
1,942
Location
Ye Olde England
Format
Large Format
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.
 
OP
OP

Jfonzy

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2015
Messages
22
Format
Super8
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

Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
827
Location
lancashire,
Format
Medium Format
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?
 

shutterfinger

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
5,020
Location
San Jose, Ca.
Format
4x5 Format
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 $?.
 
OP
OP

Jfonzy

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2015
Messages
22
Format
Super8
Awesome, thanks! I was wondering about that brownie box and the light meters.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,411
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
<<wink>> <<wink>> It is all junk. Just sent it all to me for disposal. <<wink>> <<wink>>
 

narsuitus

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2004
Messages
1,813
Location
USA
Format
Multi Format
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?
 
OP
OP

Jfonzy

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2015
Messages
22
Format
Super8
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..
 
OP
OP

Jfonzy

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2015
Messages
22
Format
Super8
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?

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • cE8YDi1.jpg
    cE8YDi1.jpg
    444.4 KB · Views: 137

DWThomas

Subscriber
Joined
Jun 13, 2006
Messages
4,606
Location
SE Pennsylvania
Format
Multi Format
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,
 
OP
OP

Jfonzy

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2015
Messages
22
Format
Super8
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
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom