Hello, I was recently given a Crown Graflex 6x9 camera and cannot figure out how to open it. There is a silver button on the left side and I have pushed it in an nothing seems to happen. Any help is truly appreciated. Thanks, Dave.

Assuming that your camera is a Crown *Graphic*, then it probably opens just like my Century Graphic. Under the leather(ette), in the center (l-to-r) top of camera case toward the front, there is a little bump. This will likely show some wear, because that's what you push on to depress and release the catch inside, at which point the front "door" will spring partly open and then you will know what to do with the rest.

Thank You! That worked and I feel so stupid now. I think that was the only button I did not push. Once again, thanks!

Quote:

On 2006-09-30 15:04, cameranewbie wrote: Thank You! That worked and I feel so stupid now. I think that was the only button I did not push. Once again, thanks!

If you have other reasons for feeling stupid, ok. But you shouldn't feel stupid about not knowing how to open a press camera. You're far from the first person to have had the problem. It isn't always obvious.

Actually it seems to be a pretty common question around these parts..tends to pop up every couple of months..

Dave

Just for completeness, note that in some Graphic models (such as my side RF [Pacemaker] Crown Graphic 45), the release button is a bump under the leather on the left side of the body (from the photographer's perspective) near the top and front.

Cameranewbie, just make sure that the camera bed is FULLY retracted into the body before you attempt to close the camera! Otherwise you will end up bending the bed rails. This is a common "mistake" when dealing with these cameras. I still wince at the memory of doing it myself.

Thanks everyone for your help! Truly appreciated. Thanks!