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tclune · Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 5 Location: Central MA

My father was in advertising in the early 1950s and had a Crown Graphic that he used to take photos for publication with. He had a pretty complete set-up, which I have photographed here. I would love for the camera to get use, preferably in a place like a museum. I would be very happy to give it for free to the right home, but I have no idea how to find such a place. The camera needs some refurbishing -- the shutter seems to have gotten gunky enough that it fires more slowly than it should and it needs a general cleaning. But it is a truly wonderful camera that deserves a better fate than wasting away in my back room. Does anyone know how the old girl can receive the treatment she desrves? TIA

--Tom Clune

BrianShaw · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 71 Location: Los Angeles, CA

that is a pretty nice set-up, Tom. Crown, plus flash handle, plus Weston meter, plus Graflarger. Seems to be in really nice condition too. All have value to users and getting that shutter overhauled is a $65 - $135 investment. I don't know how much interest a museum may have since it is fairly run-of-the-mill Graphic gear. But I've never asked. I would think that you could sell real that gear easy if that is your desire. There are many who would love to own such gear and would use it too.

tclune · Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 5 Location: Central MA

Hi, Brian. Thanks for replying. I really don't want to sell it. I think it would please dad to be part of some sort of more public use. I learned on that camera, and it is certainly a pedagogical dream. Maybe a photography school would be able to explain paralax and the like using the ground glass and adjustments of the bed. Double-extending the bellows certainly takes the mystery out of macro photography! It just seems that something of that sort would make my dear departed dad smile.

BrianShaw · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 71 Location: Los Angeles, CA

I understand your desire. Honoringyour father is a wonderful thing to do. Since you are in MA (my home state) ahve you considered approaching a museum like the Charles River Museum of Innovation? http://www.crmi.org/

45PSS · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:38 pm Post subject:

what is the serial number of the camera?
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

tclune · Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 5 Location: Central MA

tclune · Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 5 Location: Central MA

45PSS · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 12:31 am Post subject:

965120 is #326 of order number 21795 for 1500 Pacemaker Crown Graphic cameras listed to be built on 4-21-1950. The next order for Crowns was 5-17-1950.

The camera has the less common Hugo Meyer side rangefinder. The Kalart side rangefinder was the most common one in use.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

tclune · Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 5 Location: Central MA

Thanks!

ltcray · Joined: 30 Mar 2013 Posts: 2 Location: New Carolina

45PSS · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 6:24 pm Post subject:

ltcray · Joined: 30 Mar 2013 Posts: 2 Location: New Carolina