[Largeformat] Speed Graphic

[Verna Knapp <vernak@navicom.com>]

From: Verna Knapp <vernak@navicom.com>

A good many years ago my brother bought a Speed Graphic
from a photographer who was going blind. I now have
that camera. It is a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 format, complete with
film holders, and it appears to be in excellent condition,
at least inside the box. The exterior has obviously been
well used and well loved. I opened it up after many
years of storage. When I started to extend the bellows,
there was a creaky sound. They are a lovely black shiny
leather, at least to all appearances. I decided not to extend
them very far until I could get some advice on bellows
maintenance. I don't want to put holes in them. Does
anybody out there have any advice to me on this one?

I think the camera is useable. I suppose I'll have to
cut up roll film to get film for it. 

It looks like it was used for B&W work. There is a set of
filters. There is just one lens, a 115, I think it was. 

I've been doing 4x5 for a while with a modern camera. This
might be a fun thing to play with for medium format. 

Verna