Graflex.org

[Ivan J. Eberle]

Paul Klingenstein (who conceived the Meridian, and later killed it off by bringing back imported Linhofs) passed away in 2003. His obit mentioned a total of 2000 cameras. According to Ray Grossman, more of these were 45B's than were 45A's.

Gauging from what I've seen of the S/N, (my 45CE likely being either the last one or very near the last S/N's at 2739), and from what I've gleaned of others S/N, I have to surmise that like most series they didn't start from 45A0001... like most S/N start they'd from some other integer than 1. If it was 750 there could have been nearly an equal number. But if there were actually more B's than A's then the series starting from 1000 would seem to make more sense. BTW, what's the S/N on your 45A, Bruce?

Incidentally, there is a pristine-looking 45B with a Kalart and a clean Wolly 162mm closing soon on eBay with the S/N of 45B1836. With Christmas a week away I'd expect it go for the most that any 45B has this year. Even at the top of the range ($600? $750+? Who knows?) nice ones are very usable and still terrific bargains compared to Technikas.

But the nastily clapped-out, corroded POS questionable parts camera that closed this afternoon for over $200-- Yuck. I wouldn't have touched THAT one with a ten foot pole (not even the surf rod that would have been needed to hoist that thing out of the Chesapeake Bay).
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Taking only pictures, leaving only footprints

[bruiser]

Hi Ivan,

My Meridian 45A is serial number 45A1312 and has a Wollensak Raptar f4.7 135mm lens in a Rapax full synchro (M,F and X) shutter. It's definitely not in perfect cosmetic condition but it is solid as a rock and everything functions as it should.

I'm guessing the serial numbers maybe started with 45A1000.

Thanks for your info.

Cheers,
Bruce