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IanG Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 74 |  Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:25 pm Post subject: MPP and Graflex
It's seems remarkable that little or nothing is written about the links between these two companies.
During the 1950's (1951) MPP introduced the Micro-Press camera, this is very different to their Technical cameras and shares no parts, in fact it's a modified Pacemaker Speed Graphic.
The question is just how much was made by Graflex, the body is slightly taller as it incorporates an internal top rangefinder/viewfinder. All the door, focus gear, front standard, lens board, shutter etc are Graflex & the body leaf shutter release. The only major non standard Graflex parts are the back and range-finder.
Ian |
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Les Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 |  Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 9:04 pm
I can't find any hint of collaboration between Graflex and Micro Presciion Products. I do know that their flash was a clone of the Heiland flash and they did that without consent of HR. Maybe they did the same with Graflex?
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IanG Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 74 |  Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 9:44 pm
There has to be a link, the cost of copying camera parts when you already make a Technical camera that's vastly superior in terms of movements etc just wouldn't make sense.
But the Micro-Press is Graflex through & through, it's 2-3 years after MPP's first technical cameras, and if a pure MPP product would use some common parts, but none are common.
Ian |
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choiliefan Joined: 24 Dec 2013 Posts: 19 |  Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2015 9:25 pm
I've recently acquired a 5X4 MPP Micro-Press camera. Interesting that the focal plane shutter mechanism is eerily similar to the Speed Graphic. Lensboard is same size as Pacemaker boards and interchangeable with them. Body shutter release mechanism appears the same as does the Graflok back specs.
I have to wonder if there was some war-time sharing between Graflex US and the allies?
If anyone has a link to a manual or parts schematics it is most welcome as there is really nothing available anywhere. The MPP owners site is pretty much useless.  |
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Dan Fromm Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165 |  Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 1:23 pm
The MicroPress is a Speed Graphic. That's why it is so similar to a Speed Graphic. |
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