photobyalan
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Mr. 'H' said:That looks like a neat camera set:
I wonder if it would be a good buy?
Buy maybe a bit too mo-dern for me ('55???)
That one appears to be a smaller format Graphic, probably 2x3 or 3 1/4 x 4 1/4. Film is available in those sizes, but your choice of vendors is... one... and your choice of different films is... two, maybe three. You could use a roll-film back on the Graphics, but shooting 120 film defeats the purpose of carrying a large-format camera. It also changes the field of view of the lens, so you need adapters for the viewfinder and the wire frame.
If you're planning to actually take pictures, I would recommend a 4x5 Crown Graphic. The Crown Graphic is very similar to the Speed Graphic, but does not have a focal plane shutter, so it is considerably lighter and a bit thinner.
If you're not planning to take pictures, then one of the smaller-sized cameras will do nicely, take up less room, and be easier on the wallet. Keep your eyes peeled for an "Anniversary" model. They would be the most historically accurate for a 1940's-era photographer. The Super Speed Graphic was not produced until the 1960's (and they look like it), so they'd be poor substitute.
You have already received a lot of good information and Graflex.org is a really good resource.
Your idea of picking up an entire kit at one swoop is excellent. It's almost always more economical to get it all at once than piecemeal. Look for a kit that includes at least one Grafmatic film holder. If you think flashbulbs are cool, wait 'til you try one of those.
You should be able to pick up a complete kit with a 4x5 Speed or Crown for around $300, depending on who else is bidding. A 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 or 2x3 should be considerably cheaper. I wouldn't waste time with local camera shows, my experience has been that Graflex equipment is ridiculously expensive and the dealers aren't willing to bargain prices down to ebay levels.
And, please, don't waste the flashbulbs. Only one company in the world makes them now, they only make three sizes, and they are very expensive. Vintage bulbs are still available but, as they get used, they deplete a supply that will not be renewed.