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lukethedrifter1 · Joined: 20 Jun 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Southern California

I'd like to get a portable carry case for the camera that holds it, some film loaders and a lightmeter.

Don't want anything new unless it has a 40s/50s period look.

Any suggestions?

tsgrimm · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 158 Location: SE Michigan

eBay or, if you are lucky, some place else. Search for Perrin. They were the top of the line maker of leather camera bags and they made them for a Crown Graphic (I have one).
Be prepared to put some money into repairing the top handle straps and the shoulder straps, time and neglect have ravaged these old bags. Once repaired Neatsfoot Compound (oil) will keep them looking good.
Good Luck.

78ltd · Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 62 Location: Texas

Several of my Weston meter cases (mostly master III and IV era) were built by Perrin and have held up extremely well. They are much better built than the others.

joselsgil · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Southern California

I have seen them on ebay. The only thing that makes them a non purchase item for me, is the shipping cost. Sometimes the shipping cost is more than the case purchase price. Fortunately for me, my Graphic View and Mini have the original cases. I do need one for my Crown Graphic tho.

pv17vv · Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 9:46 am Post subject:

78, how do you identify a Weston Perrin-made case ? Specific markings ?

78ltd · Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 62 Location: Texas

Mine has Perrin stamped into the flap.

Billy Canuck · Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 165 Location: Calgary AB Canada

I don't know the Perrin units, but AFAIK the original official cases for the 40s-50s Graphics were shaped like little suitcases made of a hard material with velvet-lined compartments. I have one that came with my 1947 Graphic. They show up frequently on the auction site, for instance:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/VINTAGE-GRAFLEX-CAMERA-CASE-VULCANOID-XL-SPEED-GRAPHIC-/150476196997?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2309148c85
That one is for the late XL model, but they all looked like the same. They're not handy for carrying around -- I use a modern case and keep the suitcase to store attachments I don't need for a shoot.

lukethedrifter1 · Joined: 20 Jun 2010 Posts: 9 Location: Southern California

I have one of those large Vulcanoid cases. I use it to store all the gear.

I am talking about a portable period type leather or canvas case that would fit the camera, some loaders, filters and perhaps the flash.