Cameras/Graflex - 5 x 4 Speed Graphic Camera
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Question
Hi
My husband was a press photographer for several years. When he started in the 1950s he was issued the above camera complete with case and 16 double dark slides. Are you able to give me a rough estimate of value?
I can provide images if necessary.
Many thanks
Sheila Fresco
Hello Sheila,
The first thing I want to do is apologize for the delay in responding...but it was not my fault! I went on vacation May 27th, which was duly noted in my AllExperts profile (I just turned my profile back to "active" status a few minutes ago), I got home a few hours ago, but for some reason the AllExperts system allowed your question to sneak through despite my "inactive" status, and then it sat here neglected all this time! I'm really sorry for the system glitch, but I'm here now, so let's get to work!
There are four distinctly different models of 4 x 5 Speed Graphic camera that would have been available to your husband in the 1950's, and two other models that were manufactured earlier yet remained popular into that time. Six possibilities, and a rather broad range of values. These are difficult cameras to identify through question and answer alone, it's best if I could see a picture (in which case I could identify the exact model immediately). If you can, please send a single small JPEG image showing the camera's general overall appearance (no super close-ups or details are necessary!) to my personal e-mail address <silver@well.com> and I'll get right back to you with an identification and appraisal. If you do not have the ability to take and send a digital image, I'll have to ask you a series of questions about the camera.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
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