Just got a Miniature Speed Graphic

[gdi]

I bought a Polaroid 600SE today and the seller also had a Miniature 2x3 Speed Graphic and a boxed set of a Kodak Pony with Flash that he threw in.

I got a decent deal for the 600SE with a back and 127mm. Everything tested out good and I loaded some FP 3000B and tried it out - all was well.

I was checking out the little Speed and thought I might actually try it out, it is so small and light. Then I went to take try some flash shots with the 600SE and as I focused the lens felt a little rough and then simply froze! I cannot focus at all. The quickest failure I have ever experienced with any camera!

So, now I know I need to sell the Speed to help offset the repair costs and need to know what kind of price these things go for.

It is in nice shape, but the leather shows wear and the rear viewing hood fabric pieces have disconnected. It has a few wood holders and an Graphic pack film holder (worthless I assume), as well as a Series VII Hood and filters, and a Flash handle and reflector. I think it is a 1947 model - at least the 101 Ektar lens is so dated.

Any ideas what these should go for these days? Here is a pic:

 

[gdi]

Ok I see that the ones with a Graflok are going for $150 or so. I am thinking I would go about half that, any comments?

thanks

 

[graywolf]

They used to go for around $90 to $100 on eBay. But I have seen them going for up to $150 or so lately. Of course the non-photographer dealers think they are valuable antiques and list them for $400-500 BIN. Sometimes they even manage to find a sucker, err... buyer at those prices.

BTW, last time I checked you could still buy 2-1/4x3-1/4 sheet film from Freestyle.

 

[bigeye]

The light sabre flash handle might be the most valuable part. There are better 6x9 choices, so they don't get much interest. It would be fun to make a couple of nice 6x9 shots with it. I'd put it on the shelf in my office (then, hire an admin named "Lois").

.

 

[Tom A]

If the rear shutter is operating and the curtains are OK - it is an interesting camera as you can put virtually any lenses on it. I used to shoot close-ups with a 135 Rodagon enlarging lens (home made lens board) and I also adapted a Telyt 200f4 Leica Visoflex lens to one of these. used it with a Graflex 6x9 roll film back.
As for value - probably in the $100 range - and sell the flash gun to Star Wars afficinados - should bring almost the same!

 

[HoodedOne]

and sell the flash gun to Star Wars afficinados - should bring almost the same!

It's not the correct flash for Star Wars fans 🙂
Most of them are looking for the Graflex 3 Cell.

 

[FPjohn]

The Ektar as the best of the supplied Kodak lenses. Perhaps $80 - 120 by itself.

yours
FPJ

 

[gdi]

Thanks for the information.


Graywolf - Yeah I see a lot of outrageous prices for everything on eBay - there is one with a what appears to be a spring back and a pretty cloudy looking lens that is u to $99 right now. And I checked - you can still get film from Freestyle (Efke).

Tom - the rear shutter works, of course I can't really check the timing. I have 4x5 Speed Graphic, so I can use about any barrel lens that covers on that camera. I think $100 sounds about right, sans flash. If it had a graflok back i would definately keep it and try some roll film in it. But with the spring back, I think it may end up being another project. Though I have heard that an Adapt A Roll back will work, but they are a pain since they were designed for 620.

Bigeye and Hooded - I have a couple of 3 cells in a box - I like the 2 cells for practical use as a handle for an electronic flash. I use a Sunpak 120j. I have a "Graflite Jr." without the trigger button I may sell with this one.


FPJohn - thanks I guess if someone has nice camera and wacked lens it would be owrth it. It look very nice...

 

[gdi]

Well I am trying to talk myself out of selling it! I found an Adapt-A-Roll back that should work with my spring back. Now if anyone has any old 620 spools lying around let me know.

 

[ChrisP]

Spools

Spools

I have a bucket full of spools I found at my cabin (we've been cleaning since my grandpa passed away). No sign of any cameras larger than 35mm. If you give me the dimensions I can see if I can find anything that would work for you.

 

[gdi]

I have a bucket full of spools I found at my cabin (we've been cleaning since my grandpa passed away). No sign of any cameras larger than 35mm. If you give me the dimensions I can see if I can find anything that would work for you.

Thanks Chris,

There is a picture of one on this wikipedia page - the photo at the top left shows a 620 spool in the middle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/620_film


They are metal with a quite thin center. There is room between them for a 60mm or 2 1/4 inch wide length of film. The dimensions given on Wikipedia are: 620 2.468" width, 0.905" flange, 0.280" core

 

[ChrisP]

Sorry, they all seem to be 116 and 127 rolls (but thanks for inspiring me to do a little research on what I have)

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

I got a decent deal for the 600SE with a back and 127mm. Everything tested out good and I loaded some FP 3000B and tried it out - all was well.

...Then I went to take try some flash shots with the 600SE and as I focused the lens felt a little rough and then simply froze! I cannot focus at all. The quickest failure I have ever experienced with any camera!

This is a particular weakness of the 127mm Mamiya Press lens. The helical is aluminum on aluminum, prone to galling. Upon slightest roughness on the 127mm focusing, get it re-lubed right away.

 

[chris00nj]

I got mine via ebay for $75. It is older but has a Zeiss Tessar lens (uncoated)

 

[gdi]

This is a particular weakness of the 127mm Mamiya Press lens. The helical is aluminum on aluminum, prone to galling. Upon slightest roughness on the 127mm focusing, get it re-lubed right away.

I found that out - thanks! It will be on is way to Tony Sansone in a day or two. I spoke with him and he can likely fix it for a reasonable price.

 

[graywolf]

The Miniature Speed Graphic came with a graphic back. You can use graphic roll holders on it, but you have to unscrew the GGB clamps, change the backs and screw on the clamps to hold the roll holder in place. In other words it works, but can not really be called interchangeable.

 

[donkee]

I am happy that you are considering keeping and using it. I have a stripped down baby speed that I love taking out every now and then. Would be more often that that but working for a living just doesn't leave that much free time.

 

[gdi]

Sorry, they all seem to be 116 and 127 rolls (but thanks for inspiring me to do a little research on what I have)

Thanks for checking!

 

[gdi]

I am happy that you are considering keeping and using it. I have a stripped down baby speed that I love taking out every now and then. Would be more often that that but working for a living just doesn't leave that much free time.

I have limited time too - but hopefully I can have what I need in to try it out in a couple of weeks. I found out my Polaroid will not cost as much to fix as I feared, so I'll hang on to this little Speed to see what it can do., at least for a while.

 

[gdi]

The Miniature Speed Graphic came with a graphic back. You can use graphic roll holders on it, but you have to unscrew the GGB clamps, change the backs and screw on the clamps to hold the roll holder in place. In other words it works, but can not really be called interchangeable.

Yeah - I have a Pacemaker Speed that has a spring back, now and then I use a Fuji PA-45 back and I simply add some small spcers under the spring screws and it works fine. But it is a minor pain to switch. I 'll try the Adapt-A-Roll out and see if I can stand the hassle it is famous for...