Graflex.org

mwdake · Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Florida

I'm so excited as I just got me a RB Graflex Series B.

OK, it is a 3 1/4 by 4 1/4.
It is in excellent shape and all seems to work. And, I only paid $25.
It was very dirty. The ground glass was filthy but it cleaned up at least what I could get to.
The lens had condensation in between the elements but they just screwed apart and I took care of that

Can anyone tell me when it was made, the serial number is 182654.

I know film is limited in this size but still available. I have a cut film magazine that came with the camera although it has a hole in one corner. There is even still film in the magazine.
Are these magazines still useful?

Am I correct in assuming that I need to find film holders with the grooves down the sides?

Is there any other tidbits I should know?

Sorry for so many questions any help will be appreciated.

mopar_guy · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 3:02 am Post subject:

There is on Shutterfinger's list a 3x4 series B serial number 182582 from 1933. Your camera should be roughly the same date.
If you camera has a Graflex back, double sided film holders with a slot down the side will work with your camera as sheet film holders. I have several of these and cut down 8x10 sheet film to 3 1/4 x 4 1/4. There are more types of film available in this size. I believe that Pacific Rim Camera has some of these available at $15 or $20 each.
There are also available a knob-wind roll film holder made by Graflex to fit these cameras.

Regards,
Dave

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

182654 is in a block 182525 - 182674 of 3x4 RB Ser B serial numbers assigned 7/5/33. The next block of 3x4 RB Ser B serial numbers assigned was 183140-183142, on 11/24/33.

So 182654 was probably made in 1933, but this isn't guaranteed.

mwdake · Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Florida

Wow, 1933.

Thanks for the great answers guys.
Now I just need to track down some slotted 3x4 holders.
I have 4x5 film so I may try cut that down.

mopar_guy · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 8:13 pm Post subject:

These are the correct holders for a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Graflex SLR:

ebay item #380146064910

Dave

mwdake · Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Florida

thanks mopar_guy.

I thought I did a good scout of ebay, I guess I missed them.
So, I just bought them.