Graflex.org

[Jgee]

A friend recently passed and left me with this camera.

A Graflex Still Picture KE-12(1) that has been modified to hold 2 Prinz lens on a lens board. The camera is in good condition with a good rear curtain and bellows; although it does not have a rangefinder attachment or flash. The attached plate reads: US Signal Corp. US Army Serial No 1512. Contract No. AF33(600)-25078. Not being a camera affectionado I have only used the Internet to obtain info. The PN on the lens opening table reads 34609-PI

I am interested in knowing what value it has and given the 2 lens mounted on the lens board, how was it used.

Thanks .........for any help or direction.

Jerry Gee
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Jgee

[45PSS]

It sounds like you have a Stereo camera. Stereo cameras use two lens and make two images of the same scene simultaneously. Viewing the prints in a Stereo viewer gives a 3D effect.

Now to the camera itself. The military numbers are basically meaningless.
The military assigns the number according to the purpose the camera was to be used for. The same camera body with a lens for landscape photos was given one number while the same camera model with a lens for portraiture was given a different number.

To post a picture here upload it to a image hosting site then link to the image or embed it here. Otherwise describe the camera as best you can.
Graflex placed their serial number in various places on the camera body depending on the vintage. The common places are the lens door, the under side of the camera top, behind the view hood, in the lip of the view hood opening, or in the edge of the body trim. The serial number will be 5 or 6 digits depending on the vintage, all numbers no letters.

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graflex KE12 was used from 1953 to 1955. The only standard production Stereo Graphic was the 35mm fixed lens made from 1955 to 1962.

I won't hazard a guess as to what model you actually have.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[Jgee]

The Graflex Serial was on the bottom. It reads 893260. Here is a link to several pics.

https://closeoutassistant.box.com/s/quuslsgwz6w571usn1ib

It sounds like a camera made in the early 50s.

Value???

Appreciate the help......

[45PSS]

Middle of an order for 2300 Pacemaker Speed Graphics listed in 1954.

See http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_5.html , the operating instruction manual for this vintage although it appears to have a Graflok back which will be covered in this guide book: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html

Looking at the pictures it appears the stereo lens configuration is attached to the front standard via a lens board adapter. Try to remove the stereo lens assembly by releasing the lens board locks. If the front standard has not been modified then the camera is very usable as a standard 4x5 Speed Graphic. It appears to be in great condition.
I'll leave it to others as to its value.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[Jgee]

I appreciate your help very much...
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Jgee

[Dan Fromm]

It isn't a Pacemaker, it is an Anniversary Speed Graphic, serial number notwithstanding.

There's a notation in the s/n book "for PH-104 contract".

[Jgee]

How does the Anniversary Edition designation effect the value?

What is PH-104?

As per your suggestion, I removed the stereo lens assembly; it does not look like anything has been modified. (Keep in mind, I am a novice and may not see any modification)
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Jgee

[willysmb]

PH-104 is the equipment set for WW2 signal Corps.

http://www.speedgraphic.fr/PH-47E_UK.html

[45PSS]

[45PSS]

[Jgee]

I am reading into the posts that this is a Military Pacemaker, correct?

Another question is how (where) would I acquire an Optical view finder that is compatible with this model?

Thanks
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Jgee

[Billy Canuck]

From your pictures, it looks like the camera has both the so-called sports finder on the front standard and the peep sight on top of the back. The sports finder pulls straight up; the peep sight swings up.
The optical viewfinders are notoriously inaccurate. When I use my Graphics handheld, I always use the sports finder, which is OK as long as you get your eye right behind the sight and look straight through the frame. On the Pacemakers the sports finder frame has parallax markings in feet at the bottom of the sides. In any case it's a good idea to frame loosely!
Should be a lot of fun shooting stereo on 4x5 film.

[Dan Fromm]

[45PSS]

[Jgee]

You all have been a great help. My interest is growing the more I read. Your comments and info is wonderful. I use a digital camera with no experience with a Pacemaker-like camera, but I would like to explore buying a Lens for the Camera to take some photos.

I assume that if I decide to sell the camera, having another lens would not affect the value.

What Lens (in addition to the Stereo Lens) would you recommend? It seems to me from my research the lens that came with the camera was a 135mm f/4.5 Graflex Optar. Would that be the logical choice?

What about film and the development of the film?

I have added 2 images (New_01, 02) that show what is behind the Stereo lens board plus 2 images (New_03, 04) that show the film holders that came with camera.

https://closeoutassistant.box.com/s/quuslsgwz6w571usn1ib

Thanks again.
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Jgee