Graflex Speed Graphic

Graflex Speed Graphic 

Graflex Speed Graphic Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 105mm f/4.5 - Good Condition | Iconic 2.25x3.25 Miniature Press Camera with Premium German Optics & Focal-Plane Shutter

Introductory Paragraph The Graflex Speed Graphic (specifically the highly maneuverable 2.25x3.25 Miniature Speed Graphic variant) is the definitive choice for the serious enthusiast and collector who values the raw mechanical power and historic prestige of mid-century photojournalism. Famously known as the ultimate press camera that captured the defining news events of the 1940s and 50s, this versatile machine is celebrated for its dual-shutter system, incorporating a massive built-in mechanical rear focal-plane cloth shutter. This premium variant comes equipped with a highly prized Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 105mm f/4.5 lens (S/N: 2217698) set into a front Compur leaf shutter. Delivering exceptional vintage micro-contrast and razor-sharp central resolution, this Graflex masterpiece provides the absolute peak of industrial, heavy-duty analog engineering.

Key Features

• Advanced dual-shutter exposure architecture, utilizing either the front lens leaf shutter or the high-speed rear focal-plane cloth curtain shutter.

• Premium Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 105mm f/4.5 lens, utilizing the legendary 4-element "Eagle Eye" formula for timeless, painterly micro-contrast.

• Versatile miniature medium-format press layout, natively accepting traditional sheet film holders or adaptable to 120 roll film backs.

• Comprehensive front standard movements, including adjustable rising and shifting mechanisms to master architectural perspective correction.

• All-mechanical spring-wound rear shutter tracking, capable of executing rapid exposure speeds up to 1/1000s entirely independent of batteries.

• Dual composition focus verification loops, featuring both a side-mounted optical Kalart rangefinder and a rear hooded ground glass panel.

• Heavy-duty leather-wrapped mahogany and aluminum frame, built like an industrial tank to survive demanding field assignments.

Condition Report Good condition. Body: Shows normal signs of light use, minor cosmetic paint wear on the metal bed rails, and typical vintage scuffing on the black leather wrap consistent with its historical field handling. The internal folding bellows are supple, flexible, and completely light-tight. Sensor/Optics: The Carl Zeiss Jena 105mm lens elements are clean and clear; free from internal fungus, heavy separation, or deep glass scratches. The rear ground glass screen is fully intact. Mechanics/Electronics: Fully operational. The rear focal-plane cloth curtain is smooth and free of pinholes, discharging reliably across all spring tension steps. The front lens shutter trips accurately, and the bed focusing track glides smoothly without binding.

Specialist Note "The Speed Graphic is an absolute titan of photographic history—it is the camera that defined the look of golden-era American newsprint. What makes this 'Mini' edition so wonderful is that it shrinks that legendary 4x5 workhorse experience into a much more compact, agile hand-held chassis without stripping away any of the mechanical complexity. Having it paired with a genuine pre-war Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar from Wetzlar is a massive treat; the lens yields an organic, gorgeous tonal roll-off and a smooth bokeh sweep that modern computerized optics simply cannot match. It is an incredibly honest, tactile machine that demands you understand the fundamentals of light and exposure. Whether you are loading sheet film for fine-art studio portraiture or adapting a 6x9 roll-film back for mobile field landscapes, this Graflex setup is a top-tier investment."

What's Included

• Graflex Speed Graphic 2¼ x 3¼ Press Camera Body

• Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 105mm f/4.5 Prime Lens (S/N: 2217698)

• Integrated Compur Front Leaf Shutter Assembly

• Drop-Down Front Bed Extension Rails

• Rear Hooded Ground Glass Focusing Back
  

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Graflex

• Model: Speed Graphic (Miniature 2.25x3.25)

• Camera Type: Large Format Camera

• Film Format: 2¼ x 3¼ inches Sheet Film / Plate (Adaptable to 120 Roll Film)

• Lens Mount: Interchangeable Wooden Lens Board System

• Focal Length: 105mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5

• Shutter Systems: Front Compur Leaf Shutter & Rear Mechanical Cloth Focal-Plane Shutter (Up to 1/1000s)

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Large Format Camera