I just acquired a fairly beat up Grafex 22 with the f3.5 85mm lens, max shutter speed of 1/200. I need to know if there is some sort of instruction manuel for this, what it's features and abilities are and if it's worth fixing up. I'm prepared to try a roll of film to try it out. Thanks

Yes, it is worth giving the camera a try, the Graflex 22 can be a great little camera.
Manuals are sometimes available on online Auctions. or look for the book in used book stores, Carroll, John S. Photography with the Graflex "22". New York: Morgan & Lester, 1954.
Craig Camera lists a manual
http://www.craigcamera.com/ib_graflex.htm

The basic operation of the Graflex 22 is quite simple. Most "older" photographers should be able to help you out. Sutter speed and f stops are right on the front.
1. Move the f stop lever to set the correct f stop.
2. Rotate the shutter speed ring to set the correct speed.
3. Press the silver button on the top of the back, the fiewfinder should open. Look down in to the ground glass, turn focus knob. when the subject is in focus press the shutter lever.
4. The film advance is simple like the old box cameras, slide the black button in the middle of the back up to open the round red window. After each exposure, turn the advance knob on the right side and advance the film to the next #.

To load the film, move the empty film spool from the bottom to the top. Push the empty spool to the left, the center post will pop out to the left side of the camera, no press the spool to the right and it will pop rigth out. Pop the top left center post out by pushing from the inside outward. Insert the empty spool in the top, press the spool to the right and push the center post back in to lock the spool. Insert the new roll of film in the bottom (should unroll from the bottom with the paper feedign up ward, black side toward the lense)and push in the center post. Tear the paper band around the film, unroll enough to put the tab in the slot on the top spool. wind till the arrows appear across the paper. close the back. Hold the window open and turn the film wind lever, watch for the #1 to show up in the red window.

Hope this helps

I found the manual for the Ciro-Flex, which is the same camera as the Graflex 22, online at one of the free camera manual websites. Search the Internet using the search words "camera manuals" and you will get there (I forgot the website, otherwise I'd tell).

Edit: I went and looked and found the place. It is: http://mikec62.tripod.com/manuals.html

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ragc on 2002-09-14 23:22 ]</font>