Speed Graphic Identification

[JADoss23]

I recently bought a 4x5 and am curious about it. It says "speed Graphic" on the front and has a Kodak ektar lens as well as a graflok back but is missing a focal plane shutter so confused about it. Is it possibly a parts camera or maybe the focal plane shutter was removed? Any idea. Thanks!

 

[BrianShaw]

Looks like an Anniversary Graphic that was upgraded with a Graflok back. The focal plane shutter appears to have been removed for whatever reason - maybe because it was nonfunctional and coukd not be repaired or maybe to lighten the camera a bit.

 

[Sirius Glass]

No, definitely a Pacemaker Speed Graphic. It has a silver face.

 

[BrianShaw]

No, definitely a Pacemaker Speed Graphic. It has a silver face.

Your probably right. My mistake. I was looking for the F/R switch, which this does not appear to have. And the board doesn't appear to be a wood "C" board.

 

[Ian Grant]

It's an Anniversary body due to the shutter and strap fittings, but with a Pacemaker front standard and later Graflok back. I have the parts to do the same

Ian

 

[JADoss23]

It's an Anniversary body due to the shutter and strap fittings, but with a Pacemaker front standard and later Graflok back. I have the parts to do the same

Ian

That's what I was wondering because I used to have an anniversary and looked similar. You've been helping me out a ton today. Haha. Would there be any issues I should look for to make sure it's working properly since it's several parts outside of just testing it? The Graflock back seems a tiny bit loose but when I put a film holder in it was perfect. Hopefully can shoot a few sheets this week. Trying to dive back into large format after a brief stint earlier.

 

[shutterfinger]

917xxx dates to mid year 1956. Bed, bellows, front standard, optical view finder, and graflok back are of said camera mated to an Anniversary Speed body with the Focal plane Shutter removed. With the front standard fully retracted read and post the serial number ink stamped on the bottom side of the camera top, handle side.

 

[BrianShaw]

What a great FrankenGraphic concept!

 

[JADoss23]

Yea it's quite odd but as long as it works that's all that matters. Hopefully can update soon after I Shoot a few sheets with it.

 

[BrianShaw]

It's the best of two models all in one. I have an Anninersary and like the wooden boards because they are easy to make, but the smaller metal boards are much more convenient for storage of additional lenses. The Graflok back is, as far as I'm concerned, an absolute necessity. Even without the FP shutter that will be a nice camera to work with.

 

[Ian Grant]

It's the best of two models all in one. I have an Anninersary and like the wooden boards because they are easy to make, but the smaller metal boards are much more convenient for storage of additional lenses. The Graflok back is, as far as I'm concerned, an absolute necessity. Even without the FP shutter that will be a nice camera to work with.

MPP MicroTechnical Mk I - VII boards are an identical size/fit but metal or some kind of plastic, they vary, usually very over priced. I made a simple adapter and can use my Linhof/Wisr boards on my pre-Anniversary Speed or MPPs.

I've used my Graflex cameras, Speeds, Crown, and a Super Graphic and never used the Graflok back on the two that have them, L
I'm just as happy with a plain spring back.

Ian

 

[BrianShaw]

...

I've used my Graflex cameras, Speeds, Crown, and a Super Graphic and never used the Graflok back on the two that have them, L
I'm just as happy with a plain spring back.

Ian

For film, I agree.

Back in the day I shot a lot of Polaroid, and now roll film, in both Anniversay Graphic (upgraded with Groflok) and a SuperGraphic. Graflok makes that more easy and/or possible.

Happiness is a funny state of affairs sometimes.