the famous Auto Graflex c1940 courtesy of Larry Boccioletti
Toronto. Back in late 1986, the late Larry Boccioletti (co-founder and past president of the PHSC) wrote in the “Treasures from my Collection” column about his amazing find of a near perfect ‘Auto Graflex’ camera originally purchased (perhaps used) by the seller in 1940. The camera remains undated but that model was made from 1917-1941.
Here is Larry (Lauro) beginning to discuss his find, “Every collector has a piece that has a special spot in his or her collection, and perhaps a story to go with it. I have several such pieces, of which one of my favourites is a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Auto Graflex with a revolving back.
“The body and mechanics are in excellent condition, but the original lens board has been replaced with a fibre board fitted with an 8” Cooke lens. It is quite obvious from its condition that the camera was rarely used.
“Yard sales have rarely yielded any real gems for my collection. This time was an exception. On my way home from my weekend retreat in Sutton, Ontario, I stopped at a sale on Highway 48 and, as I usually do, asked if there was any photographic equipment for sale.
“I got the usual negative reply from the lady in charge, but she added that her dad, sitting under the tree “over yonder” had an old camera at his place. Naturally I asked the gentleman about his camera. He described it as an “old beast” with a thing on top that unfolded and you looked into it to focus and take the picture. I began to get excited as further questioning confirmed that it was almost certainly a Graflex.”
Back then, members could read the rest of Larry’s story in the hard copy issue of Photographic Canadiana (issue 12-3). Members who joined more recently could see this and other issues on the DVD sent to all members via Canada Post. This DVD includes volumes 1-40 of Photographic Canadiana. It’s easy to join and get your copy of our DVD as a bonus. See the menu item MEMBERSHIP above or the right hand sidebar item on membership and payment through our PayPal account (anyone can use PayPal for payment)
