The Graflex Ke-12B is an exceptionally rare and coveted 4x5 inch large format graphic military signal corps camera, hailing from the mid-20th century. This particular model, featuring the Optar 135 lens, is a true gem in the world of photographic equipment.
The Graflex Ke-12B boasts a robust and durable construction, built to withstand the rigors of military use. Its body is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and reliability, even in the most challenging environmental conditions. The camera's design is ergonomic, allowing for comfortable handling and easy operation, even when wearing heavy military gear.
The Optar 135 lens attached to the Graflex Ke-12B is a testament to the camera's exceptional photographic capabilities. This lens is renowned for its sharpness, contrast, and overall image quality. Its wide aperture allows for excellent low-light performance, making it an ideal choice for photographers working in various lighting conditions. The lens also features a high degree of optical clarity, ensuring that every detail in the image is captured with precision and accuracy.
The Graflex Ke-12B is not just a camera; it's a piece of photographic history. Its rare status as a military signal corps camera adds a unique charm and allure to this already impressive piece of equipment. This camera is a must-have for collectors, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the past while providing the opportunity to create stunning, high-quality images in the present.
Pros of buying Graflex Ke-12B Rarest 4x5 Graphic Military Signal Corps Camera Optar 135:1. Rarity and Collectibility: The Graflex Ke-12B is a rare and highly sought-after camera, especially with the Optar 135 lens. Owning such a unique piece of photography history can be a satisfying experience for collectors and enthusiasts.
2. Excellent Optics: The Optar 135 lens is renowned for its high-quality optics, providing sharp and clear images. This makes the camera an excellent choice for serious photographers who appreciate the traditional large-format process.
3. Versatility: 4x5 format cameras offer a wide range of creative possibilities, from landscape and architectural photography to fine art and portrait work. The Graflex Ke-12B's large negatives allow for exceptional detail and resolution.
4. Historical Significance: This camera was used by the U.S. Military Signal Corps during World War II for aerial photography and topographical surveys. Its association with military history can add an interesting narrative to the camera's story and value.
Cons of buying Graflex Ke-12B Rarest 4x5 Graphic Military Signal Corps Camera Optar 135:1. High Cost: Due to its rarity and excellent condition, this camera can be quite expensive. Potential buyers should be prepared to pay a premium for such a unique piece of equipment.
2. Complexity and Maintenance: 4x5 cameras, especially vintage models, can be quite complex and require more maintenance than modern cameras. This may include cleaning, lubrication, and occasional repairs to ensure proper function.
3. Limited Portability: Large-format cameras, such as the Graflex Ke-12B, are not as portable as smaller cameras. This can limit their use in situations where mobility is a priority, such as street photography or travel.
4. Learning Curve: Shooting with a 4x5 camera requires a certain level of skill and understanding of the large-format process. Potential buyers should be prepared to invest time in learning how to use the camera effectively.
Conclusion:The Graflex Ke-12B Rarest 4x5 Graphic Military Signal Corps Camera Optar 135 is a unique and valuable piece of photography history. Its high-quality optics, versatility, and historical significance make it an appealing choice for collectors and serious photographers. However, its high cost, complexity, limited portability, and learning curve should be carefully considered before making a purchase. Ultimately, whether or not to buy this camera depends on the individual's budget, interests, and photographic goals.
Recommendation:For those interested in adding this camera to their collection or expanding their photographic capabilities, I would recommend conducting thorough research on the camera's history, condition, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, it may be beneficial to seek out a knowledgeable expert or community of large-format photographers for advice and guidance. Ultimately, the decision to purchase should be based on a balance of personal interest, financial feasibility, and the practical considerations of owning and using a large-format camera.
Details:
And to top it off, the rangefinder works. With an operating focusing scale on the top!, this camera was in estate of a major collector with many signal corps cameras and items. No example or explanation has yet surfaced. Bye-bye, anniversary.
Body is very nice, some light handling and use, leather handle as viewfinder shield. Outstanding bellows, crystal clear viewfinder ground glass, Graflex synchronize 2772, 2 cell flashgun untested and included as display only. The former military issue KE-12B supers impossible to locate. I cannot find another anywhere.
A true Graflex collectors showpiece and a piece of military photographic history. With a solid second image. This may be the only one of these on market, ever. Body has very little wear.
Read that again, no example has yet surfaced, I cannot find anything online or in the archives that details model b, and that's saying a lot since there are volumes of historical data million collectors boards to comb through with no mention b. In the Graflex historic quarterly v12/i2, 2007, signal corps history and model's are discussed with a special note for model b: although ph-104 set anniversary speed graphic was shown in 1959 11-487f, it stated future procurement's of this type equipment will consist another unit designated still picture camera ks-4a not only would this make a fantastic display piece, it also be at home working in the studio or out field!, fast shipping, worldwide.
The woollens graphed shutter operates like a dream. The Graflex optar 4.7/135mm is as clear they get.
specifications filmamm:
- brand: Graflex
- mpn: Ke-12b
- series: Ke-12
- format: 4x5 In
- focus type: Manual
- country/region of manufacture: Usa
returns filmamm:
- policy: no returns
offer filmamm:
- availability: in stock
- started: june 1, 2024
- prices: $53.39–$3594.50
- item condition:
- Used
- New
- For parts or not working
- Unspecified
- Occasion
- options: ship-to-home
- best offers: true
- in stock #: 5
- sold #: 29
shipping filmamm:
- service: usps priority mail, fedex ground or fedex home delivery, ups ground
- transit: 4-9 days
- type: calculated
- class: expedited, standard
- carrier: usps, fedex, ups
payments filmamm:
- credit card: mastercard
- wallet: paypal
seller filmamm:
- # reviews: 574
- city: rockford, michigan
- rating: 99.7%
general filmamm:
- category: Camera & Photo > Photography > Film Cameras