Progressive changes to Speed, Crown and Century Graphic cameras - adapted from graflex.org
For quick identification click on the yellow text see photos of the various models |
| Produced | Model name and sizes | Features
|
1912-1927 | 'Top Handle' Speed Graphic
5x7 (1912-1924), 4x5 (1912-1927), 3-1/4x5-1/2 (1912-1925), 3-1/4x4-1/4 (1915-1925) | These early cameras have smaller lensboards and cannot use the big fast f2.5 and f2.9 lenses that came out in the 1920's. All models have the flip up optical finders and the Graphic (spring) back was standard. The Graflex back was a factory option after 1916. |
1928-1941 | 'Pre-Anniversary' Speed Graphic
5x7 (1932-1941), 4x5 (1928-1939), 3-1/4x4-1/4 (1935-1939) RB 2-1/4x3-1/4 (1937-1938) | The big improvement in the 1928 Speed Graphic 5x7 and 4x5 cameras over the top handle versions was the 4 inch square lensboard for tele and speed lenses. All models except the 5x7 have a wire hoop viewfinder with curved top. Lenses in shutters available as an option in the early 1930s. Metal hardware on shutter plates and drop bed is satin grey. The Revolving Back 2-1/4x3-1/4 model is VERY rare. |
1938-1946 | Miniature Speed Graphic
(2-1/4x3-1/4 only) | The first non-Revolving Back 2-1/4x3-1/4" model. Has dual focus knobs, metal bed, focal plane flash sync and curved top folding wire sports finder. Very first version has a flip up optical sight and after 1939 has the usual bakelite tubular viewfinder. |
1940-1947 | Anniversary Speed Graphic
(4x5, 3-1/4x4-1/4) | Metal hardware now satin black with chrome trim (1940-42). Wartime model has no chrome, all black metal parts(1942-45). Last version (late 1945-46) has satin chrome and bright chrome metal hardware. Early 1940s saw lenses in shutters as standard issue and front shutter flash synchronisation became common. Bed and body track rails linked, allowing focusing of wide angle lens within body. Solid wire frame viewfinder and wooden lens boards. The last batch of 75 4x5 Anniversary model cameras was made in January 1947 and the last batch of 300 3x4 Anniversary cameras was made in February 1947. |
1947-1970 | Pacemaker Speed Graphic
(4x5, 3-1/4x4-1/4, 2-1/4x3-1/4) | Post-war production brought coated lens, a body release for front and rear shutters, folding infinity stops. Side mounted rangefinder replaced by top rangefinder on 4x5" Graphics in 1955. First use of metal lens boards with rounded corners and built-in light traps. Graflok back available from 1949. |
1947-1973 | Pacemaker Crown Graphic
(4x5, 3-1/4x4-1/4, 2-1/4x3-1/4) | Identical to the above Pacemaker Speed Graphic but made without the focal plane shutter, which reduced weight and increased access to wide-angle lenses. |
1949-1970 | Century Graphic
(2-1/4x3-1/4 only) | The plastic-bodied ('Mahoganite') Century Graphic is without a focal plane shutter but has a built-in Graflok back. Imported 2-1/4" cameras led to the design of the popular Graflex roll film holders. Flat bar viewfinder, followed by flexible wire viewfinder. |
1961-1970 | Super Speed Graphic
(4x5 only) | All metal body, including flash computer, electric shutter release, front standard had swing capability, & featured revolving back. Fitted with Graflex-1000: 1/1000 front shutter. No Focal Plane Shutter. |
1958-1973 | Super Graphic
(4x5 only) | Same as above Super Speed Graphic but usually with the standard Graphex shutter with speeds to 1/400th. After 1973 Super Graphics were still made by Toyo in Japan. |
