Graflex RB Series B 2.25x3.25 SLR Camera
Photo thanks to Ursula Mecking!
[email protected]
The Graflex R.B. series B SLR cameras came with a revolving back in three formats -
2 1/4" x 3 1/4" (1923-51), 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" (1923-42) and 4x5" (1923-42). The most noticeable
feature is the small pop-up front door that allows the lens (typically a relatively
fast f/4.5 Kodak astigmat) to be extended and focused. The 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" model shown in
the photo above is similar in body style to the RB graflex junior. The viewing hood and
mirror (hence, single lens reflex) design provided a convenient right side up image
of the subject (reversed left for right). As with many cameras that aren't rare enough to
be really collectible, but too old to be good users, you can often pick one of these up
for your display collection for only $100 and up.
Photo notes:
Hello,
I was just admiring your lovely web site, and came across the
following, on the page
http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/grafb.html
Graflex Series B, a compact 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 single lens reflex camera, made by
Graflex Inc. from 1925 to 1926. Very rare in this size. Stationary back.
I'm sorry to say that this info does not match the camera in the
photos, which is quite obviously an RB Series B 2-1/4" X 3-1/4"
Graflex, made from 1923-1951, and common as dirt (well, nearly).
I own two of those, and am absolutely certain of what I say here.
If you look somewhat closely at the photo showing the camera from the
right side towards the rear, you can see a small button just ahead
of the pack adapter, above and behind the tension setting knob, about
1/4 of the way up from the bottom of the camera. This is the button you
press to rotate the back. You can also see in that photo that the
back is oriented so that the long axis of the photo would be vertical;
Graflex never made a non-RB camera that was not horizontally oriented.
I can easily see how the camera was misidentified, as I just looked in
McKeown's 1995-96 edition, which has some very misleading information
and photos in it. If you simply compare the appearance of the cameras
illustrated there with the camera on your web page, I can see how one
could be fooled.
Really, though, the presence of the revolving-back release button, and the
vertical orientation of the back, are dead giveaways.
Just thought you might like to know.
Cheers,
Ross
------
Ross A. Alford email: [email protected]
Department of Zoology and Tropical Ecology
James Cook University, Townsville
Qld 4811, Australia http://www.jcu.edu.au/dept/Zoology/staff/alford.htm
[Ed. Note: Thanks to Ross for pointing this out, I have edited the above
original info ;-)]