Graflex.org

Dave J. · Joined: 18 Jun 2019 Posts: 3

Hi, I received my Grandmother’s Speed Graphic a few years ago, and am hoping to get more information on it. It has a Zeiss lens, which is dated to 1938 based on the serial number, and the serial number on the camera itself I believe dates it to 1939 or 1940. If anybody has any additional information it would be greatly appreciated. Serial # is 248206.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165

Pre-Anny. S/n 248206 was in a block of serial numbers assigned 12/11/39.

But the front viewfinder frame is the test. Folds down in front of the front standard, Pre-Anny. Slides up out of the front standard, Anny.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

Pre Anniversary: single focus knob, right side of bed; wire frame finder (aka sports finder frame) folds down over the front standard and has a curved top.
Anniversary and later: focus knobs both sides of the bed; sports finder frame slides into the front standard and is flat on top.

The block of serial numbers is assigned to 3 1/4 X 4 1/4 format cameras commonly called 3 X 4. It can easily be an early Anniversary.

Dave J. · Joined: 18 Jun 2019 Posts: 3

Wow, thanks for the great info. It has a sliding flat rangefinder so it sounds like it’s an early Anniversary model. I wish I could figure out how to post a picture on here. It’s definitely a 3x4. Would it be normal for an early Anniversary to have a 1938 Zeiss lens?

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

To post a picture on this site first upload it to an image hosting site then link to it here or use the image hosting sites code for embedding into other posts.

The rangefinder has nothing to do with the camera model.

Its not uncommon for lens to be up to a year older than the camera they were on when new.

Click on the different camera model links at
https://graflex.org/speed-graphic/graphic-models.html

Dave J. · Joined: 18 Jun 2019 Posts: 3

I mistakenly said rangefinder when I should have said sports finder frame. It has focus knobs on both sides of the bed. Did they make Anniversary models in 1939?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/no8StZEufMJac1Qc8

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

Its definitely a Anniversary.
http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/Anniversary.pdf
http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/AnniversaryService1.pdf

The date the block of numbers were listed in the book is not when the cameras were made. A new model may have been made 6 months before its official introduction. Yours was likely made in early in 1940 and sold a month or two later. Do you have the original sales receipt?