Graflex.org

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

The other day I was offered a Crown 23 with a Graphic roll back. I did not take it (yet) as there were a few odd things about the rig (I like my cameras original). One of the odd things was the roll back, which had a chrome metal wind lever. I have never seen anything but the plastic levers; did Graflex make this, or is it somebody's backyard fix? Unfortuantely I did not study the back closely and cannt provide more clues right now. I will look at it more thouroughly next time I go to that shop. But I would like to hear if someone knows that the wind lever is or is not original.

Graflite · Joined: 08 Nov 2001 Posts: 103 Location: Southeast US

I don't recall whether it was actually a chrome metal lever or a chrome plated plastic lever, but I have found the "chrome levers" to be usually paired with the 2 x 3 RH/10 roll film inserts.

graflite

FixerFiend · Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Posts: 42 Location: Washington D.C.

Ditto the above. I have a 2x3 RH-10 that is plastic with a VERY convincing fake chrome finish lever. The top of the lever is missing an insert that sits on the round section, so I don't know what material this was originaly.

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BTM

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

those that have a chrome lever will usually say "Singer" on the body of the holder. These were the later versions of the roll holder and it's interesting to note that the inserts will not fit into the holders designed for the plastic color coded inserts.

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

So of course I bought the outfit a few days ago and am now the proud owner of this RH-10 holder with two inserts, one each for 120 and 220. I cannot tell if the crome levers on either insert are metal or plastic. The center of the lever is a writable white plastic chalkboard disk to note the contents of the holder or whatever. Both inserts are indeed marked Singer. The RH-10 holder has the blue dot.

I was surprised about the comment that the inserts would not fit the older lever backs, so I immediately tried the exchange out on my blue lever RH-10. It seems to fit perfectly, but I suppose the only real test is with film. On the other hand, when I tried the insert in an older knob holder it did not fit snugly, and had far too much slop to provide any measure of confidence that it would not leak light.

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

Dang double mouse tap posts twice.

[ This Message was edited by: disemjg on 2004-01-25 07:18 ]