Just received my Christmas present, an old Black Speed, with I think has some modern modifications. The S/N of the camera is 350679. The lens is a Ektar S/N ER 7303, and the back is Graflok with The Fresnel Lens. From looking at the reference to Ektars I guess that would indicate 1945 for the lens, but what about the Camera, has drop front, but no tilt and strange infinity stops. Thanks. Russ

Hmmm... I'm no expert, but I'd like to guess. Your camera sounds like mine, actually. I'm given to understand that all war production Speed Graphics did not have any bright metal parts... everything was black, so it would be an anniversary model, war production, which is consistent with the lens. The Graflok back, I would guess was a later addition. Mine also has the drop front and rising front, but no Graflok back. Serial Number of mine is 309109. Perhaps one of the Keepers of the Copy could help us both out on dates.

Both of these cameras fall "between the cracks" in the records.

For reason's the elders did not explain some numbers were not recorded. Perhaps these were for government sales, perhaps the record keeper had too much spirit.

However, the holes are obvious and easily dated.

350679 was made sometime in the summer of '45

309109 was made sometime in the Spring of '42


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Gandolf on 2001-12-26 21:22 ]</font>

Thanks, close enough for me. Am now in the process of installing a Rodenstock lens, which has the more modern shutter, and then will rework the rangefinder. Russ