Graflex.org

Christie's · Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 1 Location: London UK

I just wondered whether anyone had seen a Ringside Graphic or could show a copy of the page from the 1940 Graphic and Graflex Photography book where the camera is mentioned.

We have what I believe is an example in for auction in May and I would like to confirm the model. I would be happy to provide a photo for the website to use.

regards

Michael Pritchard

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Sure thing.

Ringside cameras were custom built usually around the owner's lens, so variability is normal. Also most of the fastest lenses probably won't cover the full frame of the negative.

In the 50s Graflex sold a shutter assembly that was nothing more than a partially finished Speed Graphic. These could be finished to a wide angle hand held camera fairly easily by anybody in the photo business. This latter camera, since it wasn't finished by Graflex, wouldn't be considered a Ringside camera, but it would function the same.

Here's an article from the in house publication.
http://home.twmi.rr.com/lnphoto/shutterboxweb.jpg

Les Newcomer.

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2005-03-12 18:38 ]

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

Around 1946, the price of a Speed Graphic body (just the box & shutter) was about 110.00. Folks used them for all kinds of things, FP shutter to hang on a view camera, scientific work, camera builders (tinkerers),etc. To see my version of what to do with one of these, go to Photo,net and look in the classic cameras forum for the "one eyed monster" by Glenn Thoreson. Nobody has one but me (gloat).

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

I have to be honest. The thought of keeping these photos to myself has come to mind once or twice

every hour

all day.

But I guess that's why I get paid the big bucks to rise above petty jealousy and not to use my formindable position for my own personal gain.

Oh and if I catch anybody on this fourm outbidding me, they'll be band for life.

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2005-03-12 18:48 ]

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2005-03-12 18:49 ]

Top · Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 4:09 pm Post subject:

That's 'banned', with two 'n's. In any case, I'll honor your 'I saw it first' request, as I'm sure the rest of us will.
Why the hole on the back? Speed focus?
Top

RichS · Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 4:26 pm Post subject:

And what about flash?? No brackets and doesn't look like it was made for any?

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

Yes, quick focus. These things were made for photographing fast sports action under low light. They were equipped with fast lnses (f:1.8 or 2.9). Oversized focus ring on the helical lens mount made it easy to find in a hurry.

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Top,

no that's band, as in 'forced to listen to Jr High band music' for life

and no, I'm not really going to hold anybody to a "i got dibbs first", rule. If I was really that kind of guy, there would be a "sudden technical difficulty" getting the pics to load until just after the auction.

Les

PS yes the hole is for speed focus, and some suggest there may have bee a small loupe attached at one point, making a crude bright viewer. There are not flash attachments, This camera could have been ordered with a 3.5 lens and a flash sync., but why spend big money on an f2 lens and then use flash to stop down to f11?

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2005-03-14 08:56 ]

Top · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:32 pm Post subject:

[quote]
On 2005-03-14 08:53, Les wrote:
Top,

no that's band, as in 'forced to listen to Jr High band music' for life

Good God, NO!
I recant! I recant!
Top

Graflex Sid · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 221 Location: London,England

Up for auction this week,May 6th.at Christies in London.

Going price £600-£900 (English pounds)

Henry · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 4:26 pm Post subject:

Yipes! That'll buy me lots of Ilford XP2 Super! I pass....

Graflex Sid · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 221 Location: London,England

Henry,you took the words out of my mouth..

If I have the time,I might pop along and have a look at it on viewing days-I note they have a lot of fairly modern twin lens Rolleiflex's 3.5F also at auction,going at half the price.

Who knows,could end up as a telephone auction from someone in the States.

Henry · Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 11:55 am Post subject:

Nah, we can no longer afford gasoline so we can't drive our fat selves in the huge SUV to the phone booth which doesn't exist anymore because of the high vandalism rate and what the heck is a Graflex anyway and this stuff called "film"?? etc. etc.

Graflex Sid · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 221 Location: London,England

...meaning,you will not be bidding,Henry.

Henry · Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 11:02 pm Post subject:

Spot on, mate! (or as we say on this side, "F***in'-A-Right"!)