Graflex.org

thereisnocat · Joined: 20 Jun 2018 Posts: 12

I recently received a Press Graflex 5x7 in fair-to-poor shape. There is very little information about this camera available online. I don't even know where to look for the serial number. I understand that the spring back can be removed, which I would like to do in order to inspect the shutter, but the method of removal is not obvious. Any suggestions would be welcome.

jerryg · Joined: 04 Apr 2017 Posts: 74

there is a slider switch on the underside of the back. this will release the spring pin for the bottom. for the top spring, slightly pull out the bottom of the ground glass frame to clear the body, push in on the center of the spring and slide down. this should release the frame.

if you need, when i get home i can do a quick video for you.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

Common places for the serial number are:
1. behind the view hood on the view hood door. You may have to disconnect the view hood from the door to see it.
2. front standard/bed.
3. around the view opening, may be hard to see.

thereisnocat · Joined: 20 Jun 2018 Posts: 12

jerryg wrote:

there is a slider switch on the underside of the back. this will release the spring pin for the bottom. for the top spring, slightly pull out the bottom of the ground glass frame to clear the body, push in on the center of the spring and slide down. this should release the frame.

Got it. Thank you. The switch was a bit sticky but I was eventually able to slide it.

thereisnocat · Joined: 20 Jun 2018 Posts: 12

45PSS wrote:

Common places for the serial number are:
1. behind the view hood on the view hood door. You may have to disconnect the view hood from the door to see it.
2. front standard/bed.
3. around the view opening, may be hard to see.

Found it. It was right next to the hood, didn't need to disassemble anything to see it. Serial number is 78254. I figured that was likely the case, because Grant Haist mentions this camera in his book "George Eastman's Cameras", describing the broken handle and even gives the serial number. It's nice to confirm that, though.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

78254 - in the middle of a listing for 150 cameras in 1916.
Dates were not listed until 1923, date periods were added by a researcher in the 1950's.

thereisnocat · Joined: 20 Jun 2018 Posts: 12

45PSS wrote:

78254 - in the middle of a listing for 150 cameras in 1916.
Dates were not listed until 1923, date periods were added by a researcher in the 1950's.

Thanks again. That was about what I figured, 1916, but it's nice to know for sure.