Graflex.org

gbyoung2 · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2004 6:33 pm Post subject:

Folks,
Brand new to the forum. I have a Graflex camera, complete with its aluminum carrying case, flash, film holders, etc. This was given to me by my father, since passed away, so I cannot ask him any questions.

My basic questions is how to open the camera to access the lens, shutter, bellows, etc? I *think* I know which button is supposed to open it, but no luck. The front of the camera remains closed. The back opens fine.

Please see several pix I have taken of the camera at:

http://www.mindspring.com/~gbyoung2/graflex/

Any help would be most appreciated. I'd like to start using this camera, but obviously need to get the danged thing open.

Guy
Richmond, VA

graywolf · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2004 11:22 pm Post subject:

It is a pre-1955 Pacemaker Crown Graphic

You press the bump just above the handstap to open it. You may need to push forward on the focus knobs while pressing it if the camera has not been opened in years.

gbyoung2 · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 12:20 am Post subject:

Somehow I figured that out (without a hammer) and managed to get it open. I have posted several more pix at:

http://www.mindspring.com/~gbyoung2/graflex/

Are there manuals available for this camera - somewhere??

TIA

Guy

Dave · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 78 Location: Canada

I'm not sure I understand the question, because in your pictures 028.jpg and 030.jpg you've got the darn thing open. The lensboard clasps, the focusing hood and the Graflok back are easy and intuitive to operate too, so you should be able to snoop around in the bellows and on the ground glass.

This is indeed an older Pacemaker Crown, and it looks like a beauty. The Graflex Wizard may be able to provide a date from the serial number 862673, if that stuff interests you.

I hope you're a photographer-- the shutter will be arthritic, but this camera has decades of use left in it.