I'd appreciate any advice people have on buying a Graphic, given that they are old cameras sold in wildly varying condition. One route is to buy from a reputable dealer that deals in, and reconditions, these cameras, such as Lens and Repro. The other is to buy off Ebay, where the price may be less, but you know less about what you are getting. Two questions:

Apart from Lens and Repro, are there other dealers who have a good track record with sale of these cameras?

If you buy off Ebay, are there particular questions that should be asked of the buyer (apart from asking, if the lens is an Ektar, for the serial number so that it can be dated)?

Thanks.

What I do is check the feedback of the seller...ask questions of any important item not in the description (i.e., are the bellows good...does the focal plane shutter work...does the front shutter work at all speeds...does the rangefinder give a split image...is the ground glass intact...does the lens appear clean, no scratches or fungus)...and most important, can you return it for a refund if you're not satisfied. Fred.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: clnfrd on 2003-03-03 14:32 ]</font>

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On 2003-03-03 12:55, redge wrote: I'd appreciate any advice people have on buying a Graphic, given that they are old cameras sold in wildly varying condition. One route is to buy from a reputable dealer that deals in, and reconditions, these cameras, such as Lens and Repro. The other is to buy off Ebay, where the price may be less, but you know less about what you are getting. Two questions: Apart from Lens and Repro, are there other dealers who have a good track record with sale of these cameras? If you buy off Ebay, are there particular questions that should be asked of the buyer (apart from asking, if the lens is an Ektar, for the serial number so that it can be dated)? Thanks.

Midwest Photo Exchange stocks used Graphics and knows them well. I buy from them from time to time, drop in when I'm in Columbus. Good people, nice store. http://www.mpex.com.

When buying on E--Y avoid "I don't know much about these cameras, but I this one appears good" unless you want to gamble. Download the pictures and enlarge them in an editing program to see fine detail. Brightness/contrast adjustments can show a lot of "hidden" things.
Do Not bid on any camera that the seller did not include any pictures. Any drop bed press type cammera is a "Speed".

I have bought about 15 graflexs of all types except the RB's on E..B. Some required some work and almost all needed TLC, but no real losers. I got some at a good price, paid to much for a couple. The most common probems I have found are sticky shutter on the low speeds, no sync on the flash contacts, and pin holes in the rear shutter. Also do not buy Graflex backs on 4x5 and avoid Spring backs on 2x3's. Russ

The only thing I could add to above great comments is look for a camera that has at least some accessories included with it. Like a flash unit, extra backs, extra lenses,film holders, etc.. The accessories needed will cost more the price of the camera. Prices seem very low to me at this time. Maybe it's a buyers market?