I have found a 1920's speed graphic 4x5 camera with a tessar lens. Are there any problems associated with this type of camera and what is a fair price for the camera with five film holders. Any other need to know info send along as well.

-- David Futch (swint66@aol.com), April 26, 2000

Answers

I'm no expert on the Speed Graphic, but I've owned a couple of them. It is pretty old (if it's really from the 20's) and should sell for $200-$250. If it is absolutely pristine, it might go for as high as $350. The later Speed Graphic cameras had what is known as a Graf-Lok back, which allowed for the attachment of accessories like a Graflarger and a 120 roll film back. Without the Graf-Lok back, all you can shoot in the camera is sheet film--you might want to consider that before buying it. There is an excellent site on Graflex cameras at http://www.graflex.org/.

-- (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), April 26, 2000.

My dad used a Speed Graphic(pre-anniversary) for many years, his model did not have the Graflox back or perspective controls. The lens Is a Zeiss i'm not sure if it is a Tessar. It is a very sharp lens never the less. Because of the lack of perspective controls and the lack of a roll film adapter it has been relegated to display status.It is a beautiful device however. He is now using a Linhof Tecnicka with a 6x9 roll film back.

-- Robert Orofino (rorofino@iopener.net), April 28, 2000.

Honestly, 1920's seems a bit old. Tessar is good for fast etc. See Graflex.org. Go for a late 40's 50's. You get some perspective controll but it ain't a view camera. Equinox is a good source if you want pricing comparisons. The Graflex page tells you how to date the lens by the serial #'s on Kodaks. I have a '49 speed and it's great. I love it, but it still doesn't do what my view does -- it's a large viewfinder realy. See if the Kalart rangefinder is calibrated. That's what makes the camera. There are tons around and they arn't colectables so don't settle on the first. My two bits though.

Dean

-- Dean Lastoria (dvlastor@sfu.ca), May 04, 2000.