[LargeFormat] A New Toy

[Patrick Lee]

Thanks for all the info and the detail instructions. Getting a Grafmatic 
from ebay is a risk
as it is not possible to get repair done here in the East.
Is there any retail outlets in the US where I can make enquiries?
Any URL where I can take a look at it?

Lee



At 10:49 PM 08/04/02 -0700, you wrote:
>Grafmatics are plentiful, but there  are variations that you need to be
>aware of. Don't get into a hurry or you'll bend a septum every time and
>watch what you buy on ebay.  This is one place where I'd ask what the return
>policy is if the septums are bent, if they have an attitude, then walk away
>from the computer.
>
>Just for 4x5 there are two versions that fit a Graflok back and one that
>fits a Graflex back. Graflex backs are found on the big SLR type Graflexes
>(RB series B, Super D, etc. and occasionally a Speed)
>
>They are not interchangeable, and the Graflex versions are much more rare.
>
>They are noted on the back as either "Graflex Grafmatic" or "Graphic
>Grafmatic" and I think the part number is 1268 on the Graphic.
>
>There was a slight change during the model run. Late versions will lock up
>completely when the counter reaches X.  Early versions lock up the film but
>will still allow you to pull the assembly in and out as though film was
>being shuffled even though it isn't.
>
>
>that was clear as mud. Lets try again.
>
>To operate a Grafmatic you put the holder in the camera, pull the darkslide,
>(one sheet of film pops forward) and push the darkslide back in (behind the
>film).  You then expose the film, grab the silver lever next to the
>darkslide and pull the stack of film out (which allows the exposed sheet to
>fall to the back of the stack)  As you push the stack back in the counter
>advances. In the early version, when you get to X you cant pull the
>darkslide, but you can pull the stack out and back in.  With the later
>version the whole thing locks up.
>
>
>As for a build date.  Graflex wasn't great about keeping good records or
>even good methods.  Serial numbers were assigned in large lots and then used
>as needed. As you get into the 50s the lots tend to be around 1500-3000 and
>there can be two years or more between the first and the last.
>
>this number is from a batch of 25,000 dated 2/21 probably '49.
>
>Les