The 5×7 Auto Graflex was produced from 1906 to 1922. Some sources believe the production may have run into 1923.
Resources: Graflex 1906 Catalog and Graflex Auto Instruction Book.
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1906 Graflex Catalog Announcement
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Original Lenses Shipped with the 1906 Camera:
- B&L Zeiss Unar Series I B F4.5
- B&L Zeiss Tessar Series II B F6.3
- B&L Zeiss Series VII A F6.3
- B&L Plastigmat F6.8
- Cooke Series III F6.5
- Goerz Series III F6.8
- Goerz Type B F4.8
Most of my creative work falls into the Pictorialist realm, so I typically use vintage soft focus lenses on my Graflex cameras such as the Spencer Port-Land lenses (6-inch and 9-inch versions), and Wollensak Verito 8 3/4 inch lens.
Original 1906 Sales Brochure
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Here is a copy of the original sales brochure for the Auto Graflex.
Original Photos Before Refurb
I purchased this camera from Pacific Rim Camera on May 23, 2024. As you can see in the photos below, I was fortunate to get an early model with the pleated focus hood.
I immediately shipped the camera to Jerry Gordon (Graflex Garage) for repair and refurb. Jerry is the best in the world at what he does, and I know I can use this camera with total confidence when I get it in my hands. I am counting down the days until I receive it. I highly recommend Jerry for any type of Graflex service, from a simple CLA to a complete refurb and restoration project.
Jerry Gordon (Graflex Garage) Info
Jerry Gordon
Graflex Garage
4317 N Addison St.
Spokane, WA 99207
509-638-8921
Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/2688289148074171/
Serial Number
The Serial Number of my camera is 10.312, as shown in the photo below. Based on the serial number, this camera was produced in 1906.
According to Thomas Evans, “The Auto Graflex was introduced in 1906. Serial number 10312 is very early (the existing job order book begins in 1915 at 47162) and could date from that year. Does your 5×7 Auto Graflex have an accordion-type focusing hood? Is the release a button rather than the later lever? Both of these were used until 1910.”
My answer to Thomas’s questions is that I have the early model pleated hood and the push button release, indicating I have one of the earliest models of this camera, dating back to 1906, most likely, but definitely no later than 1910.
Original Listing Description
GRAFLEX 5X7 AUTO GRAFLEX, EARLY PLEATED HOOD, 210/4.5 ZEISS TESSAR, SHUTTER RUNS AND CURTAIN LOOKS GOOD, BUT THE MIRROR WON’T FIRE THE SHUTTER (THE LINKAGE LOOKS LIKE IT HAS A NON-ORIGINAL SCREW AND NEEDS SOME ADJUSTMENT), GLASS IS CLEAN, LENS BOARD HAS A CORNER BROKEN OFF, MISSING THE FRONT LENS DOOR, LEATHER IS POOR, LOOKS EX-/VG+ .
Graflex Brief History
The Graflex story begins with the founding of the Folmer and Schwing Manufacturing Company in New York City in 1887 by William F. Folmer and William E. Schwing. Initially, the company manufactured gas light fixtures, chandeliers, and bicycles, eventually expanding into cameras.
In 1909, George Eastman acquired the company, relocating it to Rochester, New York, where it operated as the Folmer & Schwing Division of the Eastman Kodak Company. Due to anti-trust regulations, Kodak divested the division in 1926, forming the Folmer Graflex Corporation, which later became Graflex Inc. in 1946. The company changed hands several times, becoming part of the General Precision Equipment in 1956 and later the Singer Corporation in 1968.
Graflex became renowned for the Speed Graphic camera, a staple for photojournalists in the first half of the 20th century. William F. Folmer, co-founder and inventor, guided the company as it shifted focus from gas lamps to photography, releasing the first Graflex camera in 1899. By 1905, the company had fully transitioned to photographic equipment under Eastman Kodak’s ownership. Following a series of ownership changes and anti-trust divestitures, Graflex operated independently until its acquisition by the General Precision Equipment and later the Singer Corporation, continuing operations until 1973.
From 1912 to 1973, Graflex produced a range of large and medium format press cameras, including the Speed Graphic and Crown Graphic models. These cameras varied in film formats from 2¼ by 3¼ inches to 4 by 5 inches, and also included rangefinder, SLR, and TLR cameras in sizes from 35mm to 5 by 7 inches. The Rochester plant also manufactured the Century Studio Camera, marketed under both Kodak and Graflex brands.
The first Graflex-branded camera, released in 1898, was the Graflex Reflex, an early single lens reflex (SLR) camera. It featured a swinging-mirror, through-the-lens viewing mechanism, making it popular for sports and press photography due to its focal plane shutter that enabled fast shutter speeds. The Graflex Reflex was also favored by fine art photographers, leading to the development of specialized soft-focus lenses.
The Speed Graphic, produced from 1912 to 1973, was a folding camera with a focal plane shutter, popular among press photographers for its lightweight, rugged design and versatile lens compatibility. The Speed Graphic’s distinctive focal plane shutter movement, which caused wheels in photographs to appear oval-shaped, became a graphical symbol of speed. Crown Graphic models, similar to the Speed Graphic, lacked the focal plane shutter, allowing for the use of wider angle lenses due to their more compact design.
Graflex cameras, particularly the Speed Graphic and Crown Graphic, remain popular among fine art photographers for their unique image creation capabilities and straightforward mechanical design. These cameras continue to be used for their ability to accommodate specialized lenses and create distinctive photographic effects.
