Graflex Speed Graphic 2x3 w/ Kodak 101mm lens - with three sheet film holders and metal case

The Graflex Speed Graphic 2x3 with a Kodak 101mm lens is a vintage medium format camera highly regarded for its robustness and versatility. Here are some key points about this classic camera:

Graflex Speed Graphic Overview:

1. Manufacturer: Graflex Inc.
2. Format: The Speed Graphic 2x3 uses 2.25 x 3.25 inch sheet film, which is smaller than the more common 4x5 inch format.
3. Shutter System: It features two shutter systems:
   • Focal Plane Shutter: Allows for higher speeds and more versatility in lens choice since it doesn't rely on the lens having a built-in shutter.
   • Lens Shutter: The specific lens used often has its own shutter mechanism, which can be more convenient for certain types of photography.

Kodak 101mm Lens:

1. Focal Length: 101mm, which is roughly equivalent to a normal lens (standard field of view) for the 2x3 format.
2. Lens Characteristics: Kodak lenses from this era are known for their sharpness and quality. The specific optical formula and coating would vary, but they are generally well-regarded for both clarity and color rendition.

Features and Usage:

1. Versatility: The Speed Graphic is renowned for its flexibility, suitable for a variety of photographic applications from portrait to landscape photography.
2. Build Quality: These cameras are known for their solid construction, making them durable and reliable even many decades after they were manufactured.
3. Focusing: Usually equipped with a ground glass focusing screen for precise manual focus, often augmented by a rangefinder for quicker, easier focusing in the field.
4. Movements: Limited movements compared to larger view cameras, but it typically includes front rise, fall, and shift which can be useful for perspective control and compositional adjustments.