I have an old 2.25x3.25 Speed Graphic. This old girl has an Ektar 107mm 1:3.7 lens in a Kodak Supermatic shutter which appears to be working at all speeds. The bellows are in good shape. There is no Graflok back on this camera and to make use of it that is pretty much a necessity. Also the rangefinder is woefully out of whack. I am wondering if anyone knows of a repairshop or repair guy who can check this old camera out and possibly add a Graflok back if one can be found. This may only be an exercise on my part since bringing this relic up to useable condition may be prohibitive but you never know till you ask. So I am asking. Any recommendations?
If you are mechanically inclined, instructions for adjusting the Kalart rangefinder common on these cameras are available at graflex.org. Much other information of the Graphic line of cameras is also available on this site. Roll film backs are frequently available on ebay. If you want detailed information on this camera, I recommend Graphic Graflex Photography by Morgan and Lester. You probably should refer to the eighth edition of 1947 or later. The book is available through many internet booksellers. The small Graphics are much underestimated cameras, and fine picture takers.
This has turned out to be an all round bad idea. There is little chance of adding a useable back and if not converted to roll film the choice is cut film and all I am able to find is Ilford FP5, good stuff but kind of limiting.
I am well aware of the capabilities of Graphic cameras. I hauled a 4x5 Speed around when in high school and had really good results even for a dumb kid. I do think that maybe a more up to date Graphic with a Grafloc back would not be a bad investment. They are almost bullet proof.
Thanks for the input anyway. Maybe the vintage camerea area of E-bay is the place for my old Graphic.
Oops--I misread your initial post. Yes, without a Graflok back it isn't very useful. The roll film adaptors that slip into a Graphic back usually use 620 film, which is a nuisance. Sometimes cameras like yours are desired by people who want to rebuild or cannibalize them. If your lens is an Ektar f/3.7 105mm, not 107mm, it is a five element Tessar type, instead of the usual four element lens. This design is very similar to the f/3.5 100mm lens used on the premium Medalist cameras. The Medalist lens was coated on interior surfaces. I'm not sure about the f/3.7 105mm. At any rate, the lens should even yet be a decent performer, and a saleable item.
Posting Permissions
