Graflex.org

kenmcgrath · Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Ottawa, CANADA

Fascinated by large format photography (especially B&W portrait work), I recently bought a Speed Graphic camera. I have a serial # 389835 for the camera and I'm wondering if anyone knows how that might be used to determine the year that this beauty was manufactured.

The camera has a handle on the top and on the side. It has a curve in the metal wireframe viewfinder. It has black leather. It also has a "Kalart Synchronized Range Finder" on the side.

Because of these features, I have a feeling that it might be a "Pre-Anniversary" model made sometime between 1928 and 1939 but I'd love to figure out the exact year.

Anyone have any ideas?

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Kenneth M.F. McGrath
Ottawa, CANADA

Gandolf · Joined: 26 Dec 2001 Posts: 328 Location: middle earth

From the serial number it's a post war Anniversary Speed.

1946

kenmcgrath · Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Ottawa, CANADA

Thanks! That serial number is the one quoted to me by the seller but I have yet to confirm it for myself. I gather it's located inside the camera... Is that correct?

I really appreciate your help!

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Kenneth M.F. McGrath
Ottawa, CANADA

Rangemaster · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:02 pm Post subject:

If it is a pre, then the serial number should be stamped inside the case/frame of the camera in the wood.

Dave

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Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
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Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2004-07-29 17:03 ]

kenmcgrath · Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Ottawa, CANADA

Great! The serial number is 389835 which is what the seller indicated. So, based upon that earlier post - I will assume that it was made in 1946.

By the way, how did you figure that out? Is it from a catalogue reference or a serial number code value?

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Kenneth M.F. McGrath
Ottawa, CANADA

45PSS · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 6:11 am Post subject:

Some members have either THE ORIGIONAL SERIAL NUMBER LOG (from Graflex Corp) or an exact copy of it.
It's a very slipery item, only a few can hold on to it without it sliping out of their hands.

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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.