Help!! I just inherited several old film cameras, one being a Graflex. I do not know the model, age or anything. I cannot open the camera. Is the silver push type lever next to the range finder the way to open it. That does not work for me and I am afraid to push too hard as I might do some damage. Thank you in advance for any help.

Hi ajp,

If your camera is the Speed Graphic type, there will be a slightly raised 'secret button' either at the front center of the top or on the side just in front of the handle and up near the top again. Push in firmly on the button and grab one or both of the knurled wheels on the front door and pull down and out. The door should open.

Cheers,
Bruce

ajp;

That "silver push type lever next to the range finder" is the shutter release. the shutter on most graphics has to be cocked before the release does anything other than move some of the linkage between the body and the shutter.
If the "secret button" mentioned by Bruce is hard to push try pushing in on the top of the front of the camera to relieve the tension on the latch then while holding the "secret button" down let the front spring open a bit before pulling it out and down.

C. Henry

Thanks everyone. It is definitely a secret button.

Not a secret, really. Just hidden. Many cameras of the era had hidden buttons. I think it was their idea of a bad joke.

Glenn;

More likely it was a ploy to force buyers to read the owner's manuals!!!

C. Henry