I'm pretty sure it is a Graflex, model unknown. Once folded open, it's got a large, tapered hood with a felt-like edge that you look down in to see the un-prismed and quite dim image. It really makes you appreciate early action photography! I received it from a coworker about a year or two ago. He was pretty sure it was a camera, but it was all folded up in its box shape. Kind of funny watching us trying to figure out the magic spot to open it! The shutter was a little slow at the higher end, and I still haven't used it (shame!), but man, it sure was a real beautiful example of craftsmanship! And the aroma of it when opened up was entrancing...but I digress.

I like to use 35mm Canon AE stuff and my Mamiya RB67, but the Speed Graphics really need a serious overhauling. I spoke with a guy about three years ago down in the San Fernando valley that rebuilt Speeds and Crowns, but I haven't sent them in yet.

The neat thing about the RB67 is that even though you have the flexibility of a whole range of lenses, filmbacks etc. you really put more effort into putting critical thinking and planning into the shot, because it's a lot of effort hauling that thing around, and you're really much more limited on chances to get the shot than if using 35mm. The 35mm is great for making sequence shots for slide shows, or tight and quick work like street photography, but if time is available, I like the medium and large formats for their sharpness.