Graflex Revolving Back (RB) Auto Graflex

The Revolving Back (RB) Auto Graflex represents a significant evolution in professional large format photography during the early to mid-20th century. Produced by Graflex Inc. from 1906 to 1941, this camera defined the 4x5 inch format for many professional users, including portraitists, industrial photographers, and photojournalists. Its most defining feature was the innovative revolving back, allowing the photographer to instantly switch between portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) orientations without rotating the entire heavy camera body—a practical advantage crucial for efficiency in the studio and field. The "Auto" in its name likely refers to its development incorporating automation, such as improved focal plane shutters or film holders, building upon Graflex's earlier achievements. Constructed with robust materials like mahogany and brass, the RB Auto Graflex offered a sturdy platform for precise movements and critical image quality, solidifying its reputation as a reliable workhorse for demanding commercial and artistic applications.