Fascinated by large format photography (especially B&W portrait work), I recently bought a Speed Graphic camera. I have a serial # 389835 for the camera and I'm wondering if anyone knows how that might be used to determine the year that this beauty was manufactured.

The camera has a handle on the top and on the side. It has a curve in the metal wireframe viewfinder. It has black leather. It also has a "Kalart Synchronized Range Finder" on the side.

Because of these features, I have a feeling that it might be a "Pre-Anniversary" model made sometime between 1928 and 1939 but I'd love to figure out the exact year.

Anyone have any ideas?

From the serial number it's a post war Anniversary Speed.

1946

Thanks! That serial number is the one quoted to me by the seller but I have yet to confirm it for myself. I gather it's located inside the camera... Is that correct?

I really appreciate your help!

If it is a pre, then the serial number should be stamped inside the case/frame of the camera in the wood.

Dave

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2004-07-29 17:03 ]</font>

Great! The serial number is 389835 which is what the seller indicated. So, based upon that earlier post - I will assume that it was made in 1946.

By the way, how did you figure that out? Is it from a catalogue reference or a serial number code value?

Some members have either THE ORIGIONAL SERIAL NUMBER LOG (from Graflex Corp) or an exact copy of it.
It's a very slipery item, only a few can hold on to it without it sliping out of their hands.