What is it and how can I open it?

[mfohl]

Hello Folks, I came into possession of this old Kodak 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 view camera. Can anybody tell me what model this is, and how can I open it?

This will likely be for sale. I have 5 (I think) film holders for it, and a box of Royal Pan sheet film. Don't know how many sheets, but it feels about half full.

Thanks for any help!

-- Mark

 

[MarkS]

It's likely that there's a hidden button under the leather, on the side where the strap is.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Go to graflex.org in the information section and the forum section. As @MarkS stated look for the slight bump on the side.

 

[Kino]

Like above, look for a raised bump under the leather near the edge of the lens board on the top and sides. You may have to apply some outward pressure on the knurled bed focus knob if it has not been opened in a while...

 

[Dustin McAmera]

Is it a Recomar 33? I guess the adapter lets you use double dark-slides instead of single metal holders.

If that's what it is, Mike Elek's site has a manual:

https://elekm.net/downloads/Recomar.pdf

 

[Kino]

Is it a Recomar 33? I guess the adapter lets you use double dark-slides instead of single metal holders.

That was my guess; from what I understand the 9x12 double sided, black plastic film holders were physically the same size as a 4x5 holder.

 

[mwdake]

Mike Butkus’ excellent site has a user manual for it which clearly shows the location of the button to open it.

Kodak Recomar Nos. 18 and 33 instruction manual, user manual, PDF manual, free manuals

Kodak recomar no 18 instruction manual

www.butkus.org

Consider leaving a small donation to help support his site if you find the manual useful.

 

[Dustin McAmera]

That was my guess; from what I understand the 9x12 double sided, black plastic film holders were physically the same size as a 4x5 holder.

That may well be true: it would make sense. The examples I can find at Flickr are described either as 9x12 or as quarter-plate:

Flickr Search — “Recomar 33”

www.flickr.com

 

[mfohl]

Thanks for all your help Folks. I think it is a Recomar 33. And the "hidden" button is under the strap. I have opened it.