Cameras/super speed graphic
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Question
I have a 4x5 super speed graphic camera, flash, developing tanks, water bath and print developing tube. The camera is in decent shape (for 50 years old). Since it is just collecting dust, I would like to sell it. Any idea how much it might be worth? How might I go about selling it.
Keith
Hi Keith,
Although it's a small niche market, there are still studio photographers out there who use a lot of 4 x 5 Speed Graphic cameras for portrait and industrial work. Of all the various Speed Graphic models, I'm afraid the Super is a bit problematic. It doesn't come with the focal plane shutter in the back, and then the unusual Graflex 1000 front shutter is a notoriously picky bit of mechancial nonsense. It's also considered a bit too "new" (1959-1970) to have collectible value yet. However, in truly excellent condition with the flash and a decent selection of film and/or roll holders, you should still get around $250. Forget about the processing equipment. These days you can hardly give it away. But the camera is sellable. The problem is assessing condition, and then locating buyers. If you'd like to send a couple of small JPEG digital images to my personal e-mail <silver@well.com> I'll gladly look it over, and then get back to you with some recommendations of honest folks you can contact for a quick stree-free transaction.
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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