Graflex 3A Reflex View Camera
Photo thanks to Richard Hunt
[email protected]
This Graflex 3a reflex camera is a nice example of an early classic
reflex camera. The obsolete 122 film produced a post card sized image
(see link above for listing of related film sizes, sources, and use of
adapters to provide film for this camera). The use of a mirror in this
reflex format meant that the image was right side up (unlike conventional
press or view cameras). It is only a short step to both twin lens and
single lens reflex camera designs.
Our obsolete films pages described 120 rollfilm
adapter construction to use 120 rollfilm in such obsolete film format cameras.
The original idea of this design was that by using a large film area, 3 1/4" x 5 1/2"
here, you could simply do a contact print without needing an enlarger. The result
was a postcard sized print that you could send through the mails. Simple!
A few vendors like Film for Classics have reportedly offered respooled #122 film in the past.
Other users have adapted aerial film slit to the desired width.
Most users opt to use lower cost film adapters as the cost of such respooled film can quickly exceed
the cost ($125-200+) of the camera.
One interesting feature on some models is an autographic feature on some of the post 1914
models (e.g., out of production dates from 1907 through 1926). Using this feature, you
could pop up a flap and write or scratch notes into the black coating of the film to
describe the scene or persons in the exposure.
My own interest in such camera styles is for possible
panoramic photography uses. That 5 1/2" film opening with a 120 rollfilm adapter
means you might get a 6x12cm or even 6x14cm 2:1 or better panoramic format. Our
postcard panoramic homebrew camera pages describe one such
project. Since these Graflex 3A cameras are more like $100+, I prefer the cheaper Kodak
#1A and 3A style postcard folders for such projects.
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