Graphlex Military 4x5 model KE-12 Press Camera
Photo thanks to David Stuckman - [email protected]
The KE-12(1) is the military model of the Pacemaker Speed Graphic for WWII. The typical
lens as noted in the photo description was a 127mm f/4.5 Optar lens. The camera is
readily identifiable thanks to its olive drab leather covering. A number of military
repair and use manuals for such 4x5" military press cameras dating back to WWII are
on the market, and can often be found
in U.S.G.P.A. (government printing office) depository library bookshelves as well (or
via interlibrary loan).
A metal lens board is used, along with a cable release from the shutter to the body release.
The sports finder telescopes up (versus hinged mounts). There are left and right focusing
knobs on the drop down bed. The Pacemaker Speed Graphic was available in other formats
(2 1/4" x 3 1/4", 3 1/4" x 4 1/4", and 4x5").
The later related KE-12(2) model used the super speed graphic (1959-70) as its design base (also in olive drab). These models had additional features that makes them more valuable to users, although they lack the focal plane shutter needed for use with barrel lenses.
Graphlex KE-12 olive green miltary camera. This camera is in very nice shape mechanically and looks very good. It does not have a lens but there are a lot of 127 optars on the market. These cameras are hard to find in decent shape.
[Ed. note - thanks to Daryl L. McCutchen for sharing these notes and tips!] Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: KE-12 The large format Graflex is fun to look at, but remember, the Anniversary model Graflex 31/4 X 41/4 was not always painted OD green and the Navy Photographers used this model unaltered from Graflex on board ship. The 4X5 Graflex, with blackened metal to reduce glare on the battlefield was not always OD Green. Compare the dates of manufacture of all Anniversary models and tell me if it is reasonable to assume that all Anniversaries were manufactured for the Military. As so many ads in period magazines attest, the civilian market had to wait until the end of the war to enjoy new Graflex cameras. The war effort consumed their resources. I have both the 'Baby Graflex' and the 4X5 with 1st Army markings. Neither the Baby Graflex or the 4X5 is finished in OD green. Just a note of interest. Daryl L. McCutchen 165th Signal Photographic Company, Cincinnati, OH