Parts for Speed Graphic

[Trond]

I just got my Speed Graphic in the mail. It is in good shape, but the black tracks mounted inside the body are broken and need to be replaced.

I got this camera from an eBay auction, and I know I can get many parts from eBay as well. Are there others sources for Speed Graphic parts?

Thanks,
Trond

[juan]

Fred Lustig in Nevada has lots of parts and does restoration. He does not have a web presence - not even email. You can find his address and phone number by searching at graflex.org
juan

[Fotoguy20d]

You'll spend a lot more on small bits than they're worth - folks part out cameras on ebay because they'll get several times the worth of the whole. You'd be better off buying a trashed camera and using it for parts. I just picked up an Anniversary 4x5 with shot bellows (sellers description) - they turn out to be light tight although the outer layer is cracking in the corners. Anyway, it was fairly cheap given that I'm using the back, rangefinder, viewfinder, infinity stops and FP shutter + mechanism to fill out the bits that need repair on 2 other 4x5s and a 3x4. I'd be happy to sell you the rest cheap but the shipping would probably cost you more than the parts.

Dan

[Ian Grant]

Join the Graflex.org website, it's very helpful. But beware I asked for help finding the same parts and got very hostile response. One of the main attackers is banned from APUG

I was given a linkby an APUG member to a website with various Graphic parts and bought new rails there, they weren't cheap, but he had 3 or 4 sets, not sure that I have the link or email on this PC. I'll try & find the website for you.

Ian

[Ian Grant]

Luckily I turned on the attackers, and in my reply (on Graflex.org) and I mentioned where I found the parts.

Try Equinox Photographic, John Welch was extremely helpful, and supplied the rails, I only finished the restoration 2 weeks ago nearly 2 years after buyng the spare parts.

Ian

[Trond]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll give Equinox Photographic at try, and perhaps give Fred Lustig a call if that doesn't work out.

Trond

[Robert Budding]

Fred is very nice - I purchased a restored Crown Graphic from him a few years ago.

[wclavey]

I have rebuilt 2 Graphics from junkers and parts purchased on eBay, at flea markets, etc. - - both Crowns, although the parts have come from both Speeds & Crowns. I have found that there are minor variations in the short rails and guides that are actually mounted inside the body, especially in how they attach to the wooden body, so they are not all just plug compatible... you may need to do a little "adjustment" to make them work.

I have also contacted Fred Lustig for parts that I was not able to find easily and he has a HUGE inventory, but I have found that he is unwilling to separate himself from the parts unless he actually does the installation... at least in the conversations I have had with him. That might be OK for some people, but adding in the cost to ship the camera under reconstruction to him and back and pay his bench charge made the cost prohibitive.

YMMV...

[agman]

Fred Lustig is the man. I had a Crown Graphic overhauled by him last month and now works like new. I drove to Reno and left the camera with him and drove back in two weeks to pick it up. Not only did he do a great job, he showed me some things I did not know about that wonderful camera. And reasonable.

Steve

[Ian Grant]

When you install the rails there's some shims, you need to use these to make sure the rear and front tracks line up and the focus bed locates smoothly as you move it in & out.

Ian