I inherited a press camera from my grandfather and don't know what it is or how to use it. It says Burke & James Watson, and the lens says Graphex (Graflex Optar). I can open it but can't figure out how to extend the bellows. Any information at all would be appreciated; I don't know the first thing about old cameras and I want to learn!

Bonjours l’ami,
L’optique Optar est, je pense du type Tessar, il me semble l’avoir vu monté sur une vielle AGFA STANDART 9X12 (1930). Peut tu en donner le Type, par exemple Optar 135 de f4.5.
Quel est le format de ta Graflex.

Dear friend,
The optic Optar is, I think the typical Tessar, it seems me to have seen it climbed on a old AGFA STANDART 9X12 (1930). Can you to give some the Type, for example Optar 135 of f4.5.
What is the format of your Graflex.
Eric.
eric.burtscher@libertysurf.fr

Bonjours l’ami,
L’optique Optar est, je pense du type Tessar, il me semble l’avoir vu monté sur une vielle AGFA STANDART 9X12 (1930). Peut tu en donner le Type, par exemple Optar 135 de f4.5.
Quel est le format de ta Graflex.

Dear friend,
The optic Optar is, I think the typical Tessar, it seems me to have seen it climbed on a old AGFA STANDART 9X12 (1930). Can you to give some the Type, for example Optar 135 of f4.5.
What is the format of your Graflex.
Eric.
eric.burtscher@libertysurf.fr

It sound like you have a B&J Watson, a competitor to the Graphic.
The Graphex shutter was made by Wollensak, when not on a Graphic, it went by the name Rapax, the Optar was also called Raptar.

Somewhere down low onthe rear standard (the frame the front lens sits on and is connected to the bellows) is a lock. It may twist or rotate, but once loose it should come foreward.

The lens type is f/6.8--it also says Number 323753, 3 1/2 inches, 90mm. Je ne sais pas ce que ca signifie!

Quote:

On 2002-07-11 12:14, kathopper wrote: The lens type is f/6.8--it also says Number 323753, 3 1/2 inches, 90mm. Je ne sais pas ce que ca signifie!

It is a wide angle lens for 4x5, made by Wollensak. About the shortest lens that can be used on a 4x5 Graphic. According to Chris Perez and Kerry Thalmann, it isn't that bad, either.

Cheers,

Dan

I saw a B&J Press on E__Y last night. At the bottom of the front standard is two round post close to the outter edges (one each side), press them together and hold while pulling foward or pushing back to the desired position, then release. If the standard moves easily (making adjustments on lens) with lock enguaged, then the spring that holds the locks is worn or weak or the rails have excessive oil on them.
Charles