Graflex Century Graphic économies 23, f4.5/103mm Trioptar, EXC but Kalart r/f needs attn

The Century Graphic was introduced by Graflex in 1949 as a lower-cost, scaled-down version of the postwar Pacemaker Graphic. Only available in 2¼" x 3¼" format, the Century Graphic was often later referred to (and marketed as) the Century Graphic 23. Alongside the Speed and Crown Graphics, the Century Graphic remained in production until 1970 or later (see photo 19 from the 1961 Nebro catalogue). The camera listed here (no.501630) is a superb and very early production example, dating almost certainly from 1949, the launch year. The camera is fitted with a Graflok back, a Kalart coupled rangefinder (an optional accessory until 1955 after which a top-mounted r/finder was available) and is supplied with a Graflex RH10 rollfilm back (10 exposures on 120 rollfilm). Instruction manuals for the camera and dissembly/adjustment of the Kalart rangefinder are available on the web.

The camera is fitted with a Graflex Trioptar f4.5/103mm lens mounted in a Graflex Century shutter (speeds T,B,1/10-200) with variable aperture f4.5-f32. Lens optics and shutter/aperture steps are all in excellent and working order. Note however that the Kalart rangefinder is not functioning and will require some degree of dismantling, servicing and adjustment. Cosmetically the camera is in excellent condition.