Starting around 1961, Graflex started date coding all cameras,
roll holders, flash, etc. with a date of manufacture. The code
consisted of a letter, single number and letter. The first letter
is the month (A thru M, I was not used), the number was the year,
ie. 4 would have been either 1964 or 1974 and the last letter was
the manufacturing change code, starting with "A". When a change in
manufacture took place the letter became a "B", then "C"
etc.
- On all press cameras this code was stamped in ink on the cross
piece of the lenstrack. To locate the code, rack out the track
until the outer crosspiece is beyond the bed, then look on the
bottom of it.
- Many lensboard/lens combinations were stamped on the back of
the lensboard.
- Xl's were coded inside the camera.(Remove Graflockback to view
easily)
- Roll holders were stamped on the butterfly spring which puts
tension on the roll film rollers.
Example D4E - April 1964, Fifth Manufacturing change.
- First Character
Letter indicating month of manufacture:
| A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
J |
K |
L |
M |
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Note:Graflex.org published this table incorrectly before July 1, 2001.
It was missing the letter "D" and included the letter "N".
If you dated your camera using this table before
please check it again. |
- Second Character
Year of manufacture (Unfortunately an 4 could mean 1964 or
1974.
- All other characters relate to changes in
manufacture:
- A Product as initially released
- B A change in the manufacturing process, such as an
added washer, a changed outside vendor for a part, etc. After
Z codes became AA, AB, AC etc. This
third digit would tell if it was of 1964 or 1974 manufacture.
Rarely, if ever, was a product manufactured for more than ten years
without a manufacturing change.
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