The Graflex Super D Part II

        Winter last year was surprisingly cold and had a lot of snow, for us anyway. So that led to some nice shooting opportunities as well as some time to work on and tweak some gear. Many of the old cameras I shoot need continuous TLC. Or you miss something and it needs to be fixed or cleaned. So last winter left me with plenty of time to work on stuff.  As well as take a few photos. 

Graflex Super D (3.25 x 4.25 Version) Shot with Medium Format film in Graflex "23" (6x9cm) back.
Kodak Portra 160 Film Rated at 125 and self processed at normal times.
 Oaklands Historic Mansion 

Graflex Super D (3.25 x 4.25 Version) Shot with Medium Format film in Graflex "23" (6x9cm) back. 
Kodak Portra 160 Film Rated at 125 and self processed at normal times.
 Oaklands Historic Mansion 

Graflex Super D (3.25 x 4.25 Version) Shot with Medium Format film in Graflex "23" (6x9cm) back. 
Kodak Portra 160 Film Rated at 125 and self processed at normal times.
 "Side Door"

Graflex Super D (3.25 x 4.25 Version) Shot with Medium Format film in Graflex "23" (6x9cm) back. 
Kodak Portra 160 Film Rated at 125 and self processed at normal times.
 "Stumped"

      
      While continuing to work on and clean up the 3x4 Super D, I came across a 4x5 version. It is a curious example and supposedly has an interesting history. I bought this particular Super D, a 4x5 version, from "Victory Camera" out in Colorado. They have great service and great products. I buy quite a bit of vintage gear from them. This particular Super D was supposedly owned by Colin Cantwell, the designer of many of the Starships from the original Star Wars films. Since the original light sabers were made from Graflex flashes called the "Graflite," I have to wonder if the flash for this camera became a light saber? Who knows? True or not all of these camera not only bear histories, they are history themselves. 
          So when I received it I did a little work on the mainspring and bearings as well as clean it as best I could. The grip was not original and I made a nylon strap to hold as a temporary replacement. There was a metal shield inside to protect the hood from the screws from the grip handle screws. I had to see how it worked and I made a handful of exposures. The old workhorse still functioned after decades of non-use. A testament to the longevity of these cameras.

Graflex Super D (4x5 Version) . 
Ilford HP5+ and self processed at normal times.

Graflex Super D (4x5 Version) cropped
Ilford HP5+ and self processed at normal times.

Graflex Super D (4x5 Version) . 
Ilford HP5+ and self processed at normal times.
"Roots"

           After testing I knew it was special and had to sent to be CLA'd (clean lubed and adjusted) by Charles Monday, THE Graflex expert. He did an amazing job, as well as clue me in to the history of this special camera. It was made in 1947. An interesting date as the 4x5 Super D's official release isn't listed until 1948. But Graflex was shifting ownership during this time and the records are unclear. What is clear is that there were two runs made in 1947. This camera was in the second run and was number 422 of the first 1000 to come off the line. 
         Not surprisingly, a camera this old has some problems. The grip needed to be replaced. The rails have teeth for the focus knob gears to engage. They are quite worn near infinity focus. So it's a little rougher to focus at that distance, but not impossibly so. The second and more serious issue was the mainspring. This spring controls the curtain shutter. This shutter has slits that yield a varying speed for exposures. The springs loose tension over time and this one was no different. The max speeds are quite slower than spec. But the good news is, they are consistent which make compensation much easier.            
         In any case, when Charles returned my Graflex it was like new. I cannot recommend him enough if you obtain a Graflex and need work on it. The Graflex, in and of itself is a classic work of art, made in a time of great craftsmanship and American innovation.
         I apologize for the delay in posting, the last year was a very busy and hectic one with one occurrence after another vying for my attention. It is my hope this year to do a great deal of shooting with these wonderful cameras as well as introduce you to some more examples of these American classics.           
        
Once again thanks for reading and until next time, search for beauty and creativity in the great world around us!