I love old cameras but when I saw this Speed Graflex at an estate sale I had to buy it. I can't seem to find it listed or any pics on the web. It is a Speed Graphic with a wooden case. Can someone out there help? Thanks, Steve


http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/ssimon5/media/SPEED%20GRAPHIC%20CAMERA%20001_zpsmsxhjuw0.jpg.html

http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/ssimon5/media/SPEED%20GRAPHIC%20CAMERA%20009_zpsqda9u1yx.jpg.html

http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/ssimon5/media/SPEED%20GRAPHIC%20CAMERA%20004_zpsphtvyecn.jpg.html

http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/ssimon5/media/SPEED%20GRAPHIC%20CAMERA%20011_zpspeauamrp.jpg.html

[/img]

Its an Anniversary Speed Graphic retro fitted with a Gragflok back.
The body has been striped of the factory XXX Moroccan leather it was once covered in and finished with clear varnish or lacquer.
It has a Kalart side rangefinder with a focuspot and eyepiece extension.
Instruction manual http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/Anniversary.pdf
Repair manual http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/AnniversaryService1.pdf

Retract the rails, slide the front standard into the body, turn the camera upside down then using a flashlight, pen/pencil, paper, record the 6 digit number ink stamped on the bottom of the camera top then post it here.

Now why would someone strip his down to the bare wood? It seems like a lot of work and to make it look as nice as this must have taken some time. Does this make it more or less desirable? Have you seen one like this? Thanks for your info on the previous reply. Steve

I can't seem to find the serial number

Quote:

Does this make it more or less desirable?

Less to a collector wanting a factory original.
Do all the controls and focal plane shutter work correctly? The thickness of the leather was figured into the measurements of the camera parts and spacing so when stripped of the leather the camera will not operate unless the controls and bushings are shimmed the thickness of the leather from the body. I've seen bodies that the leather was trashed so refinishing is an option.

The serial number should be to the left of the top handle mount on the inside of the camera. It may have been removed/painted over during the refinishing. Sometimes the number is hard to see unless the light is at the correct angle.

A Lens Collectors Vade Mecum has serial numbers of Zeiss lens and stops at 73xxxxx in 1975. Your lens and shutter are much newer than the camera.

Charles, the lens is engraved Schneider and Xenar. Not a Zeiss lens. Its serial number is from 1963-4.

So it is, duh.

I'm guessing it is a late '45 Anny due to still having the all black WWII finish but the postwar 'silver' shutter speeds plate.