Graflex Graphic 35 (1955-57)

My first American rangefinder and at a same time one of the last American rangefinders. It is made by Graflex in the late 1950's. The aluminum die cast body is very robust and the build quality feels to be high. The gray leather covering is also high quality and gives the camera a nice appearance.This camera has several unique features. Some of them might rather be called as oddities.

PUSH-BUTTON FOCUSING: No twisting or twirling. Pressure on push buttons brings lens into correct focus

Graflex has a sliding lens tube that is pushed back and forth with a lever, actually with a buttons on each side of the lens.This looks like a good idea in but in practice it was not extremely loved by the customers. Focusing and holding the camera in vertical position could be annoying for the user who has used to the more conventional construction. And what about the rangefinder window which is separate from the viewfinder window and the shutter release which is like a self timer lever. Pulling it towards the outside of the camera, releases the shutter. I don't know if it is true but I have "heard", that Graflex went even further in design complexities, such as a film advance driven by a CO2 cartridge. This or that, Graflex Graphic 35 is a lovely piece of craftsmanship. Much better, than many of the plasticy contemporary European competitors.

1. Make sure the shutter speed ring is set to the right shutter speed.

2. Make sure that the diaphragm lever is set at the correct f stop.

3. Be sure the red dot on the shutter cocking lever shows that the cocking lever is set.

4. Check through the rangefinder window to make sure your subject is still in focus.

5. With your eye at the view-finder window check composition and framing. NOW trip the body release lever. You'll have a fine picture!

Flash

Specifications

Type: 35mm rangefinder camera
Lens: Graflex ® Raflar 1/2,8/50mm
Rangefinder: Split field range-finder coupled to lens actuated by pushbutton focusing.
Film advance: Large winding knob on the top of the camera
Shutter : Prontor SVS, 1 to 1/300 sec., B
Film rewind: By a knob.
Exposure meter: See the "attached" GE PR-1 exposure meter.
Accessory shoe : Yes
Flash synchronization: X" setting. For zero delay electronic (high speed) flash. Can also be used to fire all flash lamps up to 1/25 of a second and M-2 lamps up to 1/50.
"M" Setting. For standard flash (Type M) lamps such as the No. 5, Press 25, No. 2, No. 22, etc., lamps.
"V" for the self timer use.

Self-Timer: Approximate. 10sec.
Shutter Release : Body release lever on the front of the camera
Battery : No way
Dimensions: (W x H x D): 120mm x 75mm x 65mm
Weight : 410g.

Graphic 35 Carrying Case
A fine camera like your Graphic 35 deserves to be protected with this fine carrying case. Made of the "genuine top grain cowhide, made in the USA". Has removable front and adjustable neck strap for ever-ready use. I have always mused on what kind of an animal that genuine is. Now I know, that it is a cow ;-)

General Electric PR-1 "The meter with the memory"

Here is an exposure meter so easy to operate that the beginner can use it with the minimum of effort—yet it is so complete in every respect that it meets the demands of the most advanced photographer.
Improved techniques and new materials developed during the war enable us to bring you a meter that is the smallest in size and lightest in weight of any top-quality meter. Only the G-E meter gives you such exclusive features as the trident analyzer, the synchro-calculator, and the pointer lock.
Your meter can be used for reflected light, for incident-light,* in the darkroom, and for general light-measuring purposes. It has been designed for either movies or still photography and black-and-white or color films. Because of its sturdy construction it will, with reasonable care, provide many years of faithful service.

The meter with the memory means, that the meter has a very convenient needle lock feature also an incident light attachment is available.

The Camera Site

Graflex Graphic 35 (1955-57)