I'm considering the purchase of a Crown Graphic on eBay. It appears to be a later model with the top rangefinder. I'm only interested in a model with the Graflok back. The seller seems unable to tell me (which may preclude me buying it anyway). My understanding is that after about the first 2 years of production of the Crown, the Graflok back was standard and the only back offered. Is my understanding correct?

Thank you.

Your in luck, as the Crown Graphic with Top Mount Rangefinder was only available with a Graflok back. Top Mount Rangefinder (4 X 5 model only) Crown and Speed Graphics started in 1955 and ended when Graflex shut their doors in early 1973 (actually the Speed Graphic 45 ended in 1970). Enjoy!

Ooops I didn't notice your other question regarding the start of Graflok as the only back. I am not completely sure on this answer...the Crown Graphic was introduced in 1947 when the "Pacemaker" series start. At first, the Graphic and Graflex backs were available. I am sure that the Graphic back was dropped upon availability of the Graflok back. However, I think the Graflex back was available as an alternative at least until the point of top mounted rangefinder (1955). The reason for this is that some users also owned a Graflex SLR with Graflex back. The purchaser of a Pacemaker Crown Graphic may not want to invest in all new film holders if already furnished with "Graflex" back holders (different than holders that fit the Graphic and Graflok backs). I think you will find that the vast majority of post 1950 Crown Graphics have a Graflok back.

Wow! That was certainly quick to get a response. JP, thanks very much! I had thought that with the top mounted rangefinder that from that point on they came with the Graflok back. Knowing this now, I guess I need to decide if I want to bid on it.

Thanks.

Bob, did you misunderstand JP's answer? What do you mean: "knowing this now, ..."

ALL top rangefinder Crowns came with a Graflok back, standard, as you will note if you check the Graflex.org section for new users. You do know there were side rangefinder Crowns before that? And they started with Graphic backs, then went to Graflok backs about 1951? So, what's the problem?