I recently acquired a 5X7 Compact Graflex and am wondering if the "pop-up" finder mounted on the side was original. The metal is finished the same as the rest of the camera metal. Also the top door is hinged at the back of the camera. Was this a difference from the smaller model which is hinged on the front?
The camera was pencil marked inside by an owner in 1923. I assume this was the time it was first sold since it's serial dates it to about 1918/19.

All the information I have been able to find covers the smaller size Compact. There doesn't seem to be much on this larger format.
Bob
*After again looking at the Graflex catalog, I found the finder shown as an accessory. Also, since the 5X7 HPGs lid was hinged at the back I assume the 5 X 7 Compact was also.* Thanks
Bob

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: BobKeith on 2003-05-19 08:23 ]</font>

Sounds like an add-on, dont know what it would be used for, and certainly wasnt standard from the factory....unless ordered that way! Older models of many of the Graflexes originally had front hinges, the compact was produced for only 10 years, 1915-1925, and the only thing that I can find that was changed in that period, was the raised..square hardware in 1921! Bert