Posted by Phil on March 21, 2001 at 17:44:37:
I've looked through the whole page for a question like
mine & couldn't find one, so here it is. I'm looking
to get into LF/MF and am most intrigued by the old
Pacemaker Speed/Crown/Super cameras. The great
collector cameras sound like great user cameras too
and one would fit my purpose quite nicely. I'm
familiar with rangefinder photography and scale
focusing, so that's not a problem. I'm just wanting a
little advice on what I should be looking for in an
old press camera and how to put it through it's paces
a bit before I pull out the checkbook. I don't really
have a clue as to how to identify the different backs
(even though it sounds like I want a Graflok back)
and how to see if the whole camera is operating in a
somewhat useable condition. I'm not a stranger to
testing out old antique cameras, but the graphic press
camera is a whole new ballgame for me. I'd appreciate
any help you can give me as far as what too look for,
what to jiggle, what should move & not move. This is
a great site, one of the best I've seen so far!
-Phil