Graphic Jet 35?

[rbiemer]

Just came across this RF camera:
GRAPHIC JET 35 .
Umm, a CO2 powered camera? It looks pretty cool but a gas driven camera? Any body know any thing about these? Does the gas power shutter and film advance?
I am knid of tempted, I have to admit but this isn't anything I can see getting any actuall use out of. Just a curiosity for you folks.
Rob

 

[wlewisiii]

There is some info hiding on the board at http://www.graflex.org/helpboard/ if you search on graphic jet. Basically what I learned by doing just that is that was a strange contraption built by Kowa for them that came in two varieties - one with a co2 and a manual wind and a later model with manual wind only as the co2 was a bit impractical. Uses film plane adjustment for focusing rather than moving the lens. Also reputed to be fragile.

William

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I first read about it in an early '70s Pop Photo article by Jason Schneider. Mentioned as an oddity, it certainly is as unique as it gets. It would be an interesting conversation piece.

 

[Pherdinand]

hmm, tempting thing...
how's the f/2 50 optar, by the way?

 

[rbiemer]

hmm, tempting thing...
how's the f/2 50 optar, by the way?

Don't really know but I'm hoping for 2" groups at 25 yards... 😀
This thing is just such an odd combination of different technologies that I am sorely tempted but I'm going to watch it for a couple of days before I decide if I want to try for it. I asked the seller about the cartridges it uses and he's sending me some pics of the cartridge. Soon as I can I'll attatch 'em to this thread.
Rob

 

[wlewisiii]

I think they are the same ones used in co2 air guns. Cheap and available at most sporting goods or hardware stores.

If I had any money, I'd go for it just because it's such an odd little beast and was only available for barely a year (9/61-10/62). Grab it Rob so we can all see some shots from it!

William

 

[rbiemer]

Also reputed to be fragile.
William

Wiliam,
Something like the Kiev5 is supposed to be I wonder? 😉
Thanks for the link.
Rob

 

[rbiemer]

I think they are the same ones used in co2 air guns. Cheap and available at most sporting goods or hardware stores.

If I had any money, I'd go for it just because it's such an odd little beast and was only available for barely a year (9/61-10/62). Grab it Rob so we can all see some shots from it!

William

But I'm not planning on flying any where soon 🙄
I did put a bid on it (cheap but not a "play" bid--as much as I'm willing to spend)
Rob
Edit:
The one other bidder wants it more than I do; what ever his max is it's higher than I'm willing to go. Just as well I guess.
Rob

 

[wlewisiii]

Wiliam,
Something like the Kiev5 is supposed to be I wonder? 😉
Thanks for the link.
Rob

Isn't that the truth? Some cameras really are though, but more than a few of the ones that are called that (Kowa (interestingly enough) seems to be prone to this reputation) are quite good if you don't abuse them.

William

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I'm pretty sure Jason Schneider had to use the phrase "The CO2 film advance went over like a lead balloon." It uses standard cartridges. I would worry about the pressure seals.

 

[neelin]

Found this background for the Graphic Jet, page 7: Graphlex History Quarterly