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Graflex Series C Press Model with Beam Focus

 
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plasticca



Joined: 25 Jul 2009
Posts: 5
Location: New York City

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 4:54 am    Post subject: Graflex Series C Press Model with Beam Focus Reply with quote

I recently purchased a Graflex Series C and I posted some info about it in a previous post. I just received the camera and it is more interesting than I expected. It is indeed original Graflex and not modified post production. Here is what I've discovered about it. Go to Ebay item# 330347172539 to see some pictures of this camera. Serial # is 159104 stamped on the underside of the of the narrower section of the two piece top door. It has the Graflex shutter speed plate that says Graflex Series C on the underside of the same door where the serial # is located. The focus hood has pop up stereo magnifying glasses for easy focusing, never seen this on a Graflex other than on a Stereo Graflex. Here's the cool part. With top door open there's a shelf with a metal plate that has a threaded hole, which I presume holds a flash unit that has batteries in it. Under the plate there are two size C batteries. These batteries power a beam for focusing that is created by a light bulb that is placed in a hole in the center of the ground glass that has two wires attached to it. When lever attached to the auxiliary hardware is depressed to touch the shutter release lever, the light goes on and bounces against the reflex mirror in the down position, casting a beam against the subject. It is possible to focus this light bulb on the subject in the dark without looking into the focusing hood. I can only surmise that this camera was made as a low light press like camera. The flash unit could be placed on the camera with the top door open or closed. The front hood has an auxiliary flange attached to it, also made by Cooke that permits the lens to be mounted to the front of the hood with the hood closed, I can imagine only for closer focus or portraits.This flange also has a ring that screws into it to hold teh lens cap in place. The clip to keep the front door closed is on the bottom of the front standard and not the bottom of the camera as in all other Graflex SLRs. On the underside of the narrower section of the top door there is a contact that touches the shelf that transfers signal of teh flash to the camera with the top door closed. There is a flash sync device on the top shutter winding mechanism and this winder has a knob like a Press Graflex and not the usual wing style winder. I think this covers it. I can try to post some pictures or email some pictures to anyone interested. I would love to hear from any one who knows anything about this camera. I've never seen another like it. Thanks, Geoff
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45PSS



Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
Location: Mid Peninsula, Ca.

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 1:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Serial number 159104 is #104 of 300 Series C 3 1/4 X 4 1/4 slated to be built starting 10-12-1927.

If you go back and read all the old posts you'll find that:
Graflex did not keep very good records or make them accessiable.
Graflex would custom make any camera upon request.

You have an example of the later.
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plasticca



Joined: 25 Jul 2009
Posts: 5
Location: New York City

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello, Thanks for the info. Yes, I'm aware that Graflex made special orders but this camera is different as it has special hardware made specifically for it that I've not seen on any other Graflexes. I don't like to use the term Prototype but this camera looks Prototypical. Best, Geoff
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