Graflex.org

[tfangel]

Hello, I looked at the faq and tried to find my new and first speed graphic and more information about how to use it better, but i can't find a serial number and the lens doesn't seem to have one either. Here is a picture of it, and if anyone can help me i'd be very grateful. I got it on ebay and the seller didn't have much information on it either. Since i mostly have experience with digital and only recently got into film photography, i'm having a heck of a time figuring out the controls and such.



http://picasaweb.google.com/tfangel/JustNeatPhotos/photo#5082317421067718626

[45PSS]

The camera is a Pre Anniversary Speed Graphic. The lens shutter is a Dial Set Shutter, possibly a Compound.

I cannot see enough detail in your picture of the camera to give specific information on this shutter's operation so here is the general:
Somewhere is a lever or it may be one of the two round controls that has I B T or simular on it. With lever or wheel set to I the wheel with 1 to 100 is the shutter times and are selected when number is opposite the index line. Set time and aperture as dictated by the exposure meter, pull and release the lever at the 5 o'clock position to cock the shutter then press down on the lever at the 10 o'clock position to fire the shutter. Set the lever or wheel to B. Pressing down on the shutter release lever opens the shutter and keeps it open as long as the shutter release lever is held down. Setting the lever or wheel to T, pressing down on the shutter release lever opens the shutter and the shutter stays open until the shutter release lever is pressed a second time. If ther is a threaded socket next ot the shutter release lever then a shutter release cable can be screwed into it and the cable used to operate the shutter. Do not cock the shutter except when it is in the I (instanteous) mode.

The flash sync solenoid appears to have been removed by the holes on the lower left corner of the lens board, make sure the holes are pluged and do not leak light.

The Kalart side rangefinder information is under the Technical information heading on the home page of this site.

Squeeze the rings at the bottom of the front standatrd together and slide the front standard into the camera body. Turn the camera upside down and look at the bottom side of the camera top with a flashlight to see the 5 or 6 digit serial number, no letters.
The camera operates very simular to the Anniversary speed as far a focusing, focal plane shutter operation, although the control levers may be slightly different. Go to http://www.southbristolviews.com/ and download the Anniversary Speed Operating Instructions which will be found under the Graflex Manual link.
Go to the Home Page of this site and under the Cameras link select the Model History for a tidbit of information on the Pre Anny.
Charles
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[tfangel]

Thank you so much, i had a feeling it was a pre-anniversary model, but don't know enough to tell without photos that were close enough. It was similar but different to several pictures of other versions though. The serial number was hard to find as it's got a little damage there, but with your directions i found it. 225635 (the first 5 was a little damaged, but looked like a 5). Thank you for the link to the manual too, the controls are a little different than what i'm used to, although i have gotten a couple pictures that were okay but not very good through trial and error.

[45PSS]

The last post heading on the Help Board main page is Serial Number Savvy where Shutterfinger has posted a list of all the serial numbers that have been posted on the help board that a holder of the sacred factory serial number list has posted a date responce to. Early serial numbers are scetchy and yours falls in the 1937-1939 range.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.