Speed Graphic to buy

[George Collier]

A friend wants to sell a Speed Graphic set (see below) for $160. He used it as a journalist, but was more a writer than a photographer, so my guess is it is in good shape. Does the price seem ok?
Also, if I want to use some of my view camera lenses (a couple of Caltars - 90 and 210) and a 135 W Nikkor, how hard would it be to adapt them to the Speed Graphic? Are boards available? I've always wanted something smaller than my Cambo for field use, and as I get older, the smaller camera is more appealing.
Some of this stuff I'm not interested in, or have, and would sell off cheap.
His gear:
4x5 Speed Graphic
f/4.7 Graflex Optar lens, with hood
Cooke 15-inch telephoto lens (with lens board and lens hood)
2 4x5 cut film holders
Film pack adapter
Polaroid back
Flash gun with 5-inch and 7-inch reflectors
Solanoid shutter trip
Graflex vulcanoid carrying case

[alexhill]

Jump on it

[juan]

Grab it. There's not a lot that can go wrong with one.
juan

[okto]

If you don't want it, I do!

[BradS]

with regard to the price...as with all used cameras, the fair market value depends very much upon the vintage and condition. If it is a late model, is complete and in good working order, then that price seems quite reasonable. Without seeing some photos however, it is difficult to say. Old beat up speeds go for as little as $40. Late model speeds can fetch upwards of $400.

Yes. Lens boards are available. MPEX still sells them brand new (for the Pacemakers) and decent reproductions and nice used Graphic lens boards are readily available in the usual used marketplaces.

My mom was a writer who carried a camera. I don't think it is a good assumption that just because a journalist is primarily a writer...that the camera is in good condition. To her, the camera was just a tool...one that she wasn't particularly fond of. Some of her used gear ended up in the "for parts" bin at the newspaper. I think the greater proportion of it though, ended up in the big "unrepairable" bin behind the building.

[brian d]

If you don't want it, I do!

Uhh second dibbs?

[okto]

OT: brian, if your sig is serious, I have a stash of #22 bulbs I can't possibly use all of. PM me.

[C A Sugg]

If that's who's I think it is -- then trustworthy seller.

[Ian Grant]

For that price it's a bargain. Don't hesitate

Ian

[Jim Jones]

There are Speed Graphics, and there are other Speed Graphics. Graflex.org has much useful information. The pre-anniversary model (prior to 1940) is less versatile than later models. It and the Anniversary model (1940-1946) both use 4 inch square lensboards that are easy to make from plywood, hardboard, etc. The Pacemaker series Speed Graphic and Crown Graphic (1947-1973) use the stamped boards that BradS mentions. They have the advantage of fold-down infinity stops, useful when two or lenses are regularly used. If you use the rangefinder, the top rangefinder model lets you swap cams for different focal lengths, while the side rangefinder can be adjusted for only one focal length. The Crown lacks a focal plane shutter, but is slightly lighter and more compact. Unlike earlier models, both have somewhat inconvenient front tilt capabilities. The Vulcanoid case is a valuable asset for anyone on the road. Another valuable asset is Graphic Graflex Photography, by Lester and Morgan or Morgan and Morgan. The 8th edition covers up through the early Pacemaker cameras. The 11th edition even covers the Super Graphic.