Les and Bruiser-
Catalog illustrations of 1913 Speed Graphic shows pull-down style cable release, folding key. Have reprint of 1918 Speed Graphic instructions, show fixed key, threaded cable release. Both illustrate tall, thin cameras (probably 3-1/4 x 5-1/2 inch).
Catalogs are reprints from auction sellers. Much cheaper than originals. If I spill coffee on them, don't feel I destroyed history! I have original 1936 and 1938 catalogs. I enjoy researching my old cameras, as well as using them.
{I have a very early Auto Graflex-s.n.8039-features contradict Paine's book-stamped as "Made in N.Y.C.". Would like your opinions on when it was made-post answer in Graflex REFLEX forum.}
I'd put images of cameras in my posts like you guys did but I don't know how it works. I can't put my jpegs in with my postings, they don't open.:(
Les, I live in upstate NY. Would really enjoy attending your lecture, and purchasing this book. Is it open to the public and/or members of R.P.H.S.?

Best of luck for finishing the book in time Les!

Let us know when it is off the press as I'm sure it will be a great read and a fitting tribute to the F & S/Graflex journey.

Best regards from Downunder,
Bruce

Please post when the book is available. Best regards.

Actually I will be posting AS it goes to the press. Those guys want a lot of money before they let me at my books, and pre-ordering is a good way to judge the run needed and help offset the bill. I'll have to talk with Leigh how to work things out maybe a link to a website?. As I doubt I'll get on Oprah's reading club with this, I'll be selling through ebay, and a website. Not sure about amazon.

I, I am very interested in this book, What is the title, so I can find it on Ebay?
Greetings from Denmark from a user/collector.

Here's the cover mock up, subject to last minute tweaks by the printer.


But don't go Searching Amazon just yet. Right now the book is nothing more that a mad confusion of computer files and jpeg photos.

and as the subtitle says, there was no time to do anything with the reflex line of Graflex cameras, Just the Speed, Crown, and Century (though I do add the Crown View and Graphic View, and a few really weird cameras Graflex made based on the Speed.)

Nice cover Les...love the lens!!!!

Cheers,
Bruce

It's been a while since I pulled the Photoshop file up,but if memory serves, there's about 20 different layers to the lens/shutter image. The ring around the glass is tied to the bright supermatic but the glass itself is from a 50's 203 ektar. The Graflex 1000 shutter was the worst, because it had perspective and did not want to play nice between the Compur and the Graphex shutter.


Opinion poll !!

The original version of this had the bottom chrome lensboard rail the same length (width) as the top slider. I decided I wanted to be true to the camera and made it the proper size (spanning the width of the lensboard. After keeping this up on the fridge for a while, my Graphic arts / Photographer side is saying it's too big visually, and so is the solenoid (though I think I actually shrank it a tad.

Okay everybody crit time, what say you?

Should I shrink and or shorten the bottom chrome rail under the banner of "It has to look right before it is right"

or

Damn the esthetics and keep it historically accurate, even though you don't see the lensboard frame or the rest of the standard.

An amazing job requiring plenty of skill and even more patience

Personally I would leave the illustration as is, being basically correct and all. If you change the width at the bottom everyone will think you found another Graphic version and the hunt will be on for one!

Great work again, Les

Cheers,
Bruce

Les,
I like the cover illustration as-is, no changes necessary. I also will be looking to buy a copy of your book. Best of luck.

Dave

mopar_guy wrote:

Les, I also will be looking to buy a copy of your book. Best of luck. Dave

Me too...

Laurent

As is Les. This is a classic in the making, with a cover to match.

Les:

My top handle Speed is number 101084, and has the folding handle.

I'll want you book when it comes out!

I never did figure out how to add photos to my posts; I can email you the pix of my top handle. But how do you add the photos?

John

disemjg's 3x4 Top handle






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Hi Les,
I know that you are always looking. Have a kook at eBay item #280338029954.

Dave