Decisions, Decisions: The Graflex Graphic and accessories were purchased at an estate sale thirty or so years ago. The shutter wasn't working so it was sent off to a repair shop...

DRam11 Loc: Polson, MT

The Graflex Graphic and accessories were purchased at an estate sale thirty or so years ago. The shutter wasn't working so it was sent off to a repair shop somewhere in California and, after a several month wait, came back working like new. I used it for some years, but less and less as a Nikon 8008 came into my life. Digital came along, and now it has sat unused for a decade or more.

A couple days ago in the midst of a cleaning / reorganizing fit, I dug it out. My first thought was to sell it and let someone who uses film put it to use. Then I opened it up, ran the shuttter through its paces, focused it, messed around with the flash, and in general admired it.

There is something about it that is really engaging. The mechanical complexity, the size, weight - I wonder if I can let it go. On the other hand, the chances that I will ever use it are vanishingly slim.

Sigh. Decisions. If I decide to let it go I'll post it in Members Buy Sell Trade.

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Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

OMG how could you forget something like that. No decision for me: I would keep it, use it and pass it on in my will.

Gilkar

That was my first "professional camera" . I always regretted giving it up. Keep it.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

It is a nice outfit - a Century Graphic. The meters and flash are quite outdated but the rest is useful ! I would have an interest in it .......thanks for sharing

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Quite an outfit there. I have two MPP 1940/50's cameras, one roll film back. The other items that work with the cameras are more of a universal nature, not dedicated MPP items. Thanks for showing.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

DRam11 wrote:

The Graflex Graphic and accessories were purchased... (show quote)

I have let go many of my sheet film camera's. I know my two sons and daughter will not want or use them. It was not hard to let them go as I had no emotional attachment to them. Neither did I have any issues selling my Hasselblad camera's and lenses when I retired from wedding photography, or my Nikon F, FTn, F2AS, F3HP, F4 and many, many AIS Nikkor lenses. I usually sold on ebay and just used the money to buy more current models. I have kept that up and soon will sell my mint Nikon 200-500, D5, 200-400 f4 and my 600 f4. Probably when I get back north.
I do not like leaving my camera's lay around without using them, everything I have sold I am sure are well used by their new owners. If equipment lays around gathering dust, it is helping no one.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

BebuLamar

Curmudgeon wrote:

OMG how could you forget something like that. No decision for me: I would keep it, use it and pass it on in my will.

I would keep it but as for passing on in the will? Make sure you will it to the right person as some would hate to inherit something like that.

Bill 45

Being you have the back for using 120mm film, I would not sell it. Wait until spring ,take it out and use it.

Gilkar

billnikon wrote:

I have let go many of my sheet film camera's. I kn... (show quote)

Well said, and totally agree, still nostalgia plays a part and I will never forget loading holders in total dark, Taking one picture that had to be right because there was no auto everything, and then the wonder of processing and printing, watching that photo materialize in the developing tray. Yes, we have come a long way and I have no desire to go back but I still have wonderful memories and remember those times dearly.

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Bill 45 wrote:

Being you have the back for using 120mm film, I would not sell it. Wait until spring ,take it out and use it.

Good idea.
Graphics don’t work in the winter.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd keep it. But, that's me. I like cameras that are functional and would use it. I still use my Graphic View II 4x5 and Arca-Swiss 4x5.
--Bob

DRam11 wrote:

The Graflex Graphic and accessories were purchased... (show quote)

Tom70 Loc: NY

Had chance in 66 (Vietnam), to use a Speed Graphic 4 x 5 with Polaroid back, for a few months, loved it, could not take a bad picture if I tried. Don't remember any other spec's but man what a camera, into digital now and which I could some good shots like I did in 66. Play with it and keep it.

Jere40Merc Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina

I would keep it as a heirloom. I have many great memories using a speed graphic serving in the Navy in the ‘50’s. The best one was when I was on the USS Northampton which was the flagship for the 2nd Fleet,(3 star Adm), the ship had metal decks which got slippery when they were wet. One day the Chief of Naval Operations came aboard, with him was Princess Lilliane of Belgium. It had been raining and the decks were wet and I was shooting with the 4x5 speed graphic using the Tri-X film pack which had as I remember 12 shots per pack. Backing up in front of them as they came aboard I stepped on the edge of one of the safety markers around the gun emplacement and my foot slipped out from under me, fell flat on my back knocked out cold. When I came to the Princess was kneeling down holding my head in her lap and the Admiral was gathering up the camera and broken flash unit. They stayed on the ship until they knew I was okay.

Jere40Merc Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina

I would keep it as a heirloom. I have many great memories using a speed graphic serving in the Navy in the ‘50’s. The best one was when I was on the USS Northampton which was the flagship for the 2nd Fleet,(3 star Adm), the ship had metal decks which got slippery when they were wet. One day the Chief of Naval Operations came aboard, with him was Princess Lilliane of Belgium. It had been raining and the decks were wet and I was shooting with the 4x5 speed graphic using the Tri-X film pack which had as I remember 12 shots per pack. Backing up in front of them as they came aboard I stepped on the edge of one of the safety markers around the gun emplacement and my foot slipped out from under me, fell flat on my back knocked out cold. When I came to the Princess was kneeling down holding my head in her lap and the Admiral was gathering up the camera and broken flash unit. They stayed on the ship until they knew I was okay.

jcraigtexas Loc: Des Moines, IA

Oh, my gosh, I'm in love. I hope there's a similar camera in my future. Already started the research.

I had to learn how to use one in college. Later, on my first job after graduating, I was issued a twin lens Mamiya. I hope there's one my future.