Just got a 4x5 Crown Graphic to try out large format photography.

Here's what I know:

Serial Number: 930229
It has a Graflok back
Top mounted Graflex rangefinder
Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 1:4.7/135 lens (5439127)
Synchro Compur-D shutter (is this part of the lens? It has a number on the side: 8726285), timing is definitely off for the slower shutter speeds, don't know about faster speeds
On the crosspiece of the lens track, it looks like a 41 (Maybe 4L? 4J? Can't tell. Might add a picture later if it helps)
On the back of the lensboard, it has "30852 P16" printed or stamped in white

Some stupid questions I have:

How old is it?
Am I hosed on the shutter speeds being off? (Worst case scenario, I just adjust what I shoot to the actual shutter speed)
I've read that the red button on the rangefinder will send a light through the two lenses. Does this require a battery? How do I change it if so? Is this even a viable option?
There's no strap on the left, should I just make one myself, or can replacements be easily found? (I don't care about it being in original condition, I plan to use it, not let it collect dust)
I'm debating getting a rollfilm back, anything I should watch out for?

Also, any tips, tricks, and links to resources would be appreciated. I'm trying to find out as much as I can on my own, but it's a bit overwhelming. Thanks!

S/N 930299 - 1958

The lens is the glass, front and rear. The Synchro-Compur is the shutter. The lens can be put into another shutter provided it will fit the shutters threads, or adapters can be made and the spacing between the lens cells is maintained. I do not service synchro compur shutters. There should be some shutter/camera repair services in your area. Common price is $65-$125 for a Clean-Lubricate-Adjust on a shutter.

30852 is the part number for the lens board with that shutter mount hole. P16 is the cam number for the lens originally mounted on the board.
http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/top-rangefinder-cams.html
shows a p16 to be for a 90mm lens with an actual focal length of 91.7mm.
Someone has used the board to mount a different lens/shutter or switched the cells. If the aperture scale starts at f4.7 then there is a good chance it is correct for the lens. Lens focal length divided by aperture opening diameter when viewed through the lens front element=aperture number.

The number on the yoke crossmember is a manufacturing code. Date codes were put there a few years later and are a 3 digit number-letter-number.

http://mpex.com/ use to carry replacement straps for Graphic cameras but I do not know if they still do or not. Any strap that will fit the lugs can be used.

http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/servicemanual.pdf

http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/TRFPacemaker.pdf

45PSS wrote:

S/N 930299 - 1958 The lens is the glass, front and rear. The Synchro-Compur is the shutter. The lens can be put into another shutter provided it will fit the shutters threads, or adapters can be made and the spacing between the lens cells is maintained. I do not service synchro compur shutters. There should be some shutter/camera repair services in your area. Common price is $65-$125 for a Clean-Lubricate-Adjust on a shutter. 30852 is the part number for the lens board with that shutter mount hole. P16 is the cam number for the lens originally mounted on the board. http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/top-rangefinder-cams.html shows a p16 to be for a 90mm lens with an actual focal length of 91.7mm. Someone has used the board to mount a different lens/shutter or switched the cells. If the aperture scale starts at f4.7 then there is a good chance it is correct for the lens. Lens focal length divided by aperture opening diameter when viewed through the lens front element=aperture number. The number on the yoke crossmember is a manufacturing code. Date codes were put there a few years later and are a 3 digit number-letter-number. http://mpex.com/ use to carry replacement straps for Graphic cameras but I do not know if they still do or not. Any strap that will fit the lugs can be used. http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/servicemanual.pdf http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/TRFPacemaker.pdf

This has to be one of the most helpful posts on the entire internet. Thank you very much

hey Heyman

when Iam in Chicago

Central Camera Company
Photographic Headquarters Since 1899 - Our 111th Year
- Chicago's Oldest Camera Store -
Third Generation of Same Family Ownership

1banjo wrote:

hey Heyman when Iam in Chicago Central Camera Company Photographic Headquarters Since 1899 - Our 111th Year - Chicago's Oldest Camera Store - Third Generation of Same Family Ownership

I actually work right by Central, and go there for film (and developing) all the time. They don't do repairs there, but they did recommend a place down the street: http://www.chicagocameraspecialists.com/

Got the shutter fixed right up.

will maybe they don't any more he was an old men 11 years ago!!
but glad they could give the name of the other place anyway!!