[LargeFormat] Auto Graflex RB Model Identification

[tripspud]

Hi Clive,

     I had a nice RB Auto 3 1/4 x 4 1/4.  This had the
double extension bed as well as front rise and fall.  One
of these models in 4x5 would be most desirable as it
would further allow Polaroid film.  I sold the smaller
one because of the film issue.  The reflex mirror on
mine had started to blacken at the edges.  Re-silvering
is possible but expensive.  I suppose you could DIY.

Cheers,

Rich Lahrson
Berkeley, California
tripspud@transbay.net

Clive Warren wrote:

> At 02:45 13/09/2003 -0700, Richard Knoppow wrote:
>
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Clive Warren" <Clive.Warren@megacycle.co.uk>
> huge snip
>
> > > The serial number is on the underside of the flip up
> >section that holds the
> > > lens cover and is 43705. There is a plate on the bottom of
> >the camera that
> > > extends across its width. It has the patent information
> >and is marked at
> > > the top, R.B. GRAFLEX. It was nickel plated but a lot of
> >that has worn off
> > > to show the brass underneath. There is a plate on the side
> >of the camera
> > > marked Auto Graflex with shutter speeds, but it may have
> >been relocated
> > > there from the viewing chimney as there are four small
> >holes and a mark
> > > that is the same size as the plate. I guess that a
> >previous owner became
> > > irritated with having to look away from the controls to
> >set shutter speeds.
> snip
>
> > > As for the rotating back, the pin spring seems fine so it
> >must be a worn
> > > pin. Is the pin supposed to hold the back in position
> >until you release it?
> > > That would make more sense to me.....
> snip
>
> >   This sounds like an early model Auto Graflex.  The later
> >version called the R.B. Auto Graflex has a folding bed with
> >double focusing tracks. The bed is the front door of the
> >camera.
> >   The older Auto Graflex has a front similar to the later
> >Series D. front is a shallow box with a flap door on the
> >front. There are no wings on it as there are on the Series
> >D. These cameras have a fixed back, i.e. it does not rotate.
> >The speed chart is on the front of the focusing hood.
> >   This sounds like an old type Auto Graflex modified with
> >the revolving back of an R.B. Graflex and a Graflok back.
> >The Graflok back will fit several of the 4x5 Graflex
> >cameras. I have one on my Super-D.
> >    I was hoping to find some illustrations on the Graflex
> >site but it doesn't seem to be working now. Its worth a try
> >later. It may help identify what you have.
> >http://www.graflex.org
> >   I had a partial list of Graflex serial numbers from Roger
> >Adams but can't find them now.
> >---
> >Richard Knoppow
> >Los Angeles, CA, USA
> >dickburk@ix.netcom.com
>
> Hello Richard,
>
> Thanks for the further info. The camera may be a transition model as it is
> marked RB GRAFLEX on the bottom plate that definitely appears to original,
> but the shutter speed plate simply says Auto Graflex. The rotating back
> mechanism appears to be native to the camera rather than a grafted on
> addition from a later camera but I could be wrong! The Graflok back is of
> course from a later camera.
>
> I did have a good look through the graflex site before posting here and
> couldn't find much of any relevance to these earlier cameras.
>
> When you come across those serial numbers it would be interesting to try
> and date the camera and work out which model it really is..... It may well
> be a transition model or perhaps the first version of the RB Graflex. Would
> that make it a Model A?
>
> Cheers,
>           Clive
>
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