Graflex.org

45PSS · Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:04 pm Post subject: Serial number abnormality

I just received a side handle 4x5 Speed Graphic from ebay.
Its serial number is 56090 This serial number comes up in the middle of an order for 200 fingerprint cameras in 1916.
The lens is a Wallace Heaton No1 Zodellar - Anastigmat 135mm f4.5. Its in a Dial set Compur with a top speed of 1/200. The serial number of the Compur is 628374. There is no serial number on the lens.
The lens/shutter is mounted on an aluminum lens board stamped HR enclosed in a circle on the top right corner and a HR solenoid is on the bottom of the board.

According to Graphic Model history https://graflex.org/speed-graphic/graphic-models.html the side handle started in 1928 and is confirmed by catalogs at http://piercevaubel.com/cam/catalogs.htm
According to Compur serial numbers available on line the shutter is from (edit) 1925.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

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

Charles, are you sure that the s/n isn't mutilated? 156090 is a 1926 s/n, but for a 3x4 RB Ser. B.

As for the shutter, P-H Pont's chronology says 1925. Since it was almost certainly a replacement for the camera's original lens, its date seems irrelevant.

45PSS · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 7:51 pm Post subject:

Photos and link removed.

Paint on the serial number removed with Acetone Nail Polish remover and a cotton swab.

There is a 3/8 rounded brass on the bed under the focus shaft near the edge of the bed. My 1936 Speed (4x5) does not have this on the bed.
EDIT: Turns out to be a brass head thumb tack. Someone replaced the retainer pin for the focus knob with it. I will make and install a new pin.

Its definitely an early side handle Speed Graphic.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

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

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45PSS · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 11:06 pm Post subject:

56090 is also stamped on the inside of the back.
Flickr album now public.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.