Graflex Series B 4x5 SLR Camera - Tim Layton Fine Art

I own a regular Series B (without the revolving back) and one with the revolving back (RB). Both are in excellent cosmetic and working condition.

Graham Burnett, who worked for Kodak, states that my Series B was one in a batch of 200 that was ordered for production on July 18, 1928.

The Graflex Series B was an SLR produced by Folmer & Schwing from 1923–1951. Two different models were produced in a few different sizes: The fixed back Graflex Series B was available in 3¼x4¼, 4×5, and 5×7; the Revolving Back (R.B.) was offered in 2¼x3¼, 3¼x4¼, 4×5.

I have the Series B 4×5 fixed-back and revolving back models.

The Series B uses plates or film, in a cut film magazine, slotted film holder, or roll film holder. I have film and plate holders, and a film magazine that holds 12 sheets of film! The old timers had this stuff figured out.

It has a top shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. The Graflex Series B was the lower price offering for the graflex SLR lineup throughout the 20’s and 30’s, with the 2¼x3¼ size remaining in production into the 50’s. Series B cameras are distinguished by their lack of dedicated lensboard and front standard, instead having a metal bracket with threading to accept a barrel lens. Some models had several lenses available for them. The 2¼x3¼ size camera can make use of the Graflex 22 and 23 roll film holders produced later. (The graphic type will not fit without modification.) [Wiki]

Manual – https://www.cameramanuals.org/pdf_files/graflex_series_b.pdf

Graflex Series B Overview

The Graflex 4×5 cameras were produced by the Graflex company from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century. Here is a summary of the various models and their production years:

Production Years

Early Production: Early 1900s to around the 1950s

Various Models

Graflex RB Series B

Production Years: 1923 – 1941
Description: The RB (Revolving Back) Series B was a popular model that allowed for easier composition in both portrait and landscape orientations without having to rotate the camera.
RB (Revolving Back) Online Manual

Graflex RB Series D

Production Years: 1928 – 1947
Description: The Series D offered improvements in shutter design and lens compatibility, providing photographers with more versatility and better performance.
Graflex.org Series D info.
RB (Revolving Back) Online Manual

Graflex RB Super D

Production Years: 1941 – 1954
Description: The Super D introduced further enhancements, including a faster shutter speed and improved focusing mechanisms, making it a favorite among press photographers.
Graflex.org Super D info.
RB (Revolving Back) Online Manual

Graflex RB Tele

Production Years: 1928 – 1946
Description: Designed for telephoto work, the RB Tele model featured a longer bellows extension and was ideal for capturing distant subjects with great detail.

Notable Features Across Models

Revolving Back (RB) on Some Models: Allowed photographers to switch between portrait and landscape orientation without rotating the entire camera.
Focal Plane Shutter: Provided a wide range of shutter speeds, essential for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Interchangeable Lenses: Offered flexibility in choosing the right lens for different types of photography.
Robust Construction: Camera bodies are constructed using mahogany wood and covered with Moroccan leather to ensure durability and reliability for professional use.

My Graflex Series B 4×5 SLR

This regular Series B version does not have a revolving back (RB), which means all exposures are in landscape orientation unless you hold the camera sideways.

The camera is one of the smallest and lightest Graflex cameras, and I have no issue holding the camera sideways to take a vertical (portrait) composition.

This model is lighter than the RB version. It came with the original leather case. I also own an RB model, that is shown below.

Note how the exposure badge with the tension and aperture curtain settings is located on the focus hood on this model and on the RB, it is located on the side of the body.