I buy, refurbish, and re-sell Pacemaker Speed and Crown Graphics. I've had more than 50 of them. But I just got one that has something I've never seen before: a large metal plate, mounted on the belt/handle side of the camera. You can see it in the photos here (if you look before they are taken down):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321096807177?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

When I made my bid, I thought it was probably something someone made themself for some purpose, but looking at it, now that I have the camera in front of me, it looks like it is factory made: stainless steel, solid, well-made and polished. It holds the belt well, uses the standard screw holes meant for the belt hardware, and looks like it is meant to attach the camera to something.

I'd sure be grateful if anyone can give me any information on what this might be!

Paul

The "standard" handle clips also double as a Graflite flash bracket on the left side if desired. With the bracket you have a flash as well as the handle can be attached at the same time. I do not know what brand of flash the bracket in question is for of if it is a Graflex part or another manufactures part, probably the latter.

Ah! That makes sense!

Have you ever seen this before? Has anyone else? I'm always curious to find out more about these cameras and their history and use.

Paul

I've personally never seen it but I'm sure there has been all sorts of interesting
customizations on speeds, there's a photo in a thread in the LFphotography
forum that shows some news photogs and they have quick focusing handles
on theirs.

link