Help Figuring Out A Fair Price

[snausages]

I'm trying to figure out what would be a fair price for a Crown Graphic 4x5 with a 135 Schneider Xenar. It comes with a Grafmatic back and a Graflock Polaroid back as well as 4 filters.

The shutter is apparently slow at 1/25 and slower.

I can have it for $300, but that feels a bit steep, given it will need some work.

Or maybe it's fair, because of the backs?

What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for any input...

 

[Pickett Wilson]

$250 if it's in nice shape. Most of these lenses could stand a CLA.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I'm trying to figure out what would be a fair price for a Crown Graphic 4x5 with a 135 Schneider Xenar. It comes with a Grafmatic back and a Graflock Polaroid back as well as 4 filters.

The shutter is apparently slow at 1/25 and slower.

I can have it for $300, but that feels a bit steep, given it will need some work.

Or maybe it's fair, because of the backs?

What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for any input...

I think the price would be too high if it didn't come with the Polaroid back and filters, but then again, if the shutter speeds at and below 1/25 sec. are sticky, I'd skip it. Replacing the shutter may be cheaper, but you'd have to scourge eBoy; buying a new one may prove your total cost too much. Also, if the lens is a stop slower than f/4.5, I'd say skip it. Not for that price.

 

[snausages]

Thanks for your quick replies, guys. Very helpful.

The seller has said that it would cost about $40 to lube the shutter and then it'd be good to go. Don't know if I believe that, though.

The lens is f4.7.

 

[dazedgonebye]

I recentlly bought a crown with 2 old polaroid backs, flash and film holders for $200. I think I got a good deal...but not an unheard of deal. Mine has the Optar lens and the shutter is good.
I sold the flash and the backs for about $50, lowering my total cost to $150.
The backs are not worth much and if you don't intend to use them (where would you find the film?)...they're worth even less.
Offer him $250. You could still beat that, but you'd have to be patient.

 

[snausages]

I'm a LF newbie (actually, since I don't even have a camera yet I haven't even achieved Newbie status - still stuck at Wannabe), so please forgive my ignorance, but does Fuji not now make instant film that would be compatible with these old 4x5 Polaroid backs?

 

[dazedgonebye]

I'm a LF newbie (actually, since I don't even have a camera yet I haven't even achieved Newbie status - still stuck at Wannabe), so please forgive my ignorance, but does Fuji not now make instant film that would be compatible with these old 4x5 Polaroid backs?

Depends on the back.
You will need either a Fuji back, or a Polaroid 550 back. No idea of the cost or availability of those backs.
Be sure first what back comes with the camera.
The old 545 backs that I had are pretty much useless.

 

[bmattock]

I'm a LF newbie (actually, since I don't even have a camera yet I haven't even achieved Newbie status - still stuck at Wannabe), so please forgive my ignorance, but does Fuji not now make instant film that would be compatible with these old 4x5 Polaroid backs?

There is a lot of confusion out there. The quick answer is 'no'.

Fuji makes 'quickloads' that will indeed fit in some Polaroid backs, but they are not designed for that and they are not 'instant' film.

Fuji makes instant PACK film which will fit in a Fuji or Kodak pack film 4x5 back. Not the famous 545, although I have read several people stating they will - they won't.

Unfortunately, people read "Fuji is making instant film" and interpret that to mean that Fuji film will fit in Kodak cameras and backs. With only a few exceptions, it won't.

 

[nikon_sam]

I believe anyone with a Polaroid 545 now has a nice paperweight...and that includes me too...🙁

 

[thetooth]

I believe anyone with a Polaroid 545 now has a nice paperweight...and that includes me too...🙁

i sold mine on ebay awhile back , within the week polaroid announced they were going to stop making film . one of the few times the crystal ball worked for me .

on the camera note i would say it's high . $200.00 to $225.00 would be my limit on it and i prefer the optar lens . i have 1 with a optar that i paid $170.00 for .

 

[snausages]

I'm trying to discern from the seller whether the "Graflok Polaroid Back" is for sheet film or pack film.

Though, even if it is compatible with Fuji Pack instant film, what I'm understanding is that I'd have to remove the ground glass focusing screen and change it out for the Polaroid back, which seems a bit tricky (if I assume I can't count on the RF to be accurate).

 

[thetooth]

I'm trying to discern from the seller whether the "Graflok Polaroid Back" is for sheet film or pack film.

Though, even if it is compatible with Fuji Pack instant film, what I'm understanding is that I'd have to remove the ground glass focusing screen and change it out for the Polaroid back, which seems a bit tricky (if I assume I can't count on the RF to be accurate).

if this polaroid back is what iam thinking of they do not make film for it anymore . one came with a graphic i bought awhile back and polaroid stopped making film for it in the late 1980's . if it's a polaroid 545 or a 545i you could use it . the 1 i am speaking of was a 10 pack .

check the link if this is it it's a doorstop .

 

[thetooth]

sorry i copied the link wrong it's item number 280303152883

 

[snausages]

A new wrinkle:

The seller says,
"The Polaroid back takes both Fuji and Polaroid brand 3.25” x 4.25” film."

 

[thetooth]

A new wrinkle:

The seller says,
"The Polaroid back takes both Fuji and Polaroid brand 3.25” x 4.25” film."

did you find out what it looks like . also how much polaroid film do you think you will actually use it's pretty expensive stuff .

 

[snausages]

well, here's what the kit looks like:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pho/1007039410.html

 

[thetooth]

well, here's what the kit looks like:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pho/1007039410.html

yes that polaroid back is usable . i still think the price is high . check out this forum you probably get a better deal and it's the large format forum . http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/ . you must become a member to view the classifieds but if your getting into large format you will probably want to join anyways . good luck . i would sell you mine but they are to convenient to have around .

don't get won over by some of the accessories if you get a good camera and a couple of film holders your golden . check out the price of polaroid film and see if you would actually buy any .

 

[snausages]

Okay, cool, thanks for the guidance.

The 3x4 instant film appears to be only about $14 for a ten pack, so that's not too bad compared to the 4x5 stuff.

 

[venchka]

In summary:

Polaroid 545 holders: Fuji Quickloads and Kodak Readyloads (while you can stil get them-Kodak discontinued Readyloads)
Polaroid 405 holder: Fuji 3 1/4"x4 1/4" 10 exp. packs.
Polaroid 550 holder: Fuji 4x5 10 exp. packs.

Carol Miller charges $50 plus round trip shipping for a shutter CLA. She's the best and worth waiting for.

$300 is way high.

On the other hand, my Grafmatic cost me as much as my Speed Graphic, 2 lenses, 5 holders & flash. Go figure.

 

[snausages]

Thank you for everyone's thoughtful, insightful input. It was a nice change of pace to not buy a camera.