Hi everyone,I just got my first Speed Graphic, and its a real fixer-upper. I was told I should just part it out, but that would destroy the camera, and by the looks of it, this camera has many stories to tell! So I plan to scrounge for the missing parts and bring it back to life.

Judging by the wear patterns on the camera, it has had a lot of use; perhaps having taken a thousand or more pics. I am very curious how this cam was used, and I think an experienced Graphic user could tell by looking at it what it was used for. I don't think it was used in the studio, since there are no markings around the tripod mount. It has no significant damage on the outside, so it wasn't subjected to rough field use. One clue is that the rear shutter was used a lot. Another clue comes from the focusing rod, which has its finish worn off only in one spot, indicating that a lot of pics were taken at only one focus setting. The strap was replaced because the original wore out? Anyone care to speculate how this camera spent most of its life?

[img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/onabeach/4909073248/in/photostream [/img]

[img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/onabeach/4909073366/in/photostream/ [/img]

Let me guess, this is a recent purchase off ebay. If so the seller had it listed as a Crown 4x5. I told the seller it was a speed and how to open it, another (ebay) member corrected the size.

It is a Miniature Speed Graphic. It is missing the focus panel and leaf springs. Someone was probably using a Roll Film Holder which requires a special retainer kit but can be attached with modified washers and screws.

The lens is not period correct for the camera if that matters. I'm betting the original owner used it to take pictures or create photographs but no guesses beyond that.

The Graflex.org at the top of the page is a link to the home page, the man with a camera a link to the help board main page. On the home page>cameras>Graflex Graphic Model History for more info on the model.

With the bed open and front standard inside the body, turn the camera upside down and using a flashlight read the six digit serial number ink stamped on the bottom side of the camera top.

When using the form search feature limit the search phrase to one to three words then select all the terms and limit to the help section most likely to cover the inquiry for the best results.