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Daniel Kwon
Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Posts: 3 Location: Stockholm
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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 2:32 pm Post subject: To go portrait with Graflex, recomendings needed badly. |
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Hi!
Scanned the web for Graflex information for weeks now.
I want to try Graflex for portrait photography. But I still cant decide which model to buy. Please help out with your suggestions.
I've been looking at: Pacemaker Speed Graphic, Speed Graphic and the Series D. But Im totally stuck and confused right now. Maybe a Pacemaker Crown is enough for my needs? Im not a collector or in need of having tech-features that I wont need.
I want to go for 4x5.
Shoot portraits in natural light mostly, outdoor and inside. I want to shoot something like this but with a Graflex:
http://danielkwon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Foto12-1024x677.jpg
http://danielkwon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SKOGSKIDS-FINAL-ORIGINA31-1024x606.jpg
I've now started to look at a Pentax 67, but... As I said, im starting to go confused now. So many Graflex models and its features and Im not sure what I need for just taking portraits, im not gonna do a lot of landscape only. I love to shoot people.
Would be happy for leading me into the light of Graflex.
Thank you!
Best
DK _________________ Hey Ho Lets Go! |
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Billy Canuck
Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 165 Location: Calgary AB Canada
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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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Hello Daniel, I like your photographs!
What I would recommend is a 4x5 Pacemaker Crown or a Pacemaker Speed Graphic. The Crown is simpler and lighter -- it has just one shutter, mounted in the lens. The Speed has a rear focal-plane shutter as well, which you only really need if you want to use barrel lenses, i.e. lenses without a shutter.
The 4x5 Graflex SLR cameras are a bit more complicated to use; more steps to follow before you can actually take the picture. Also, Graflex SLRs are pretty hard to find in the 4x5 format and, if they're in good shape, more expensive than the Graphics. Most Graflex SLRs you'll see are in the smaller 3x4 or 2x3 formats.
The nice thing about Graphics is that you can use them handheld -- no need for a tripod -- by using the rangefinder. Most Graphics you'll see are equipped with a rangefinder, mounted either on top or on the side of the camera.
I would guess from your photographs that they were taken with a normal lens. Most Graphics come with a 127mm or 135mm lens -- slightly wide -- because that's what press photographers liked. They should be OK for you. The Ektars are the top-of-the-line lenses, but I've found the Optars very satisfactory for my purposes.
There's a lot of detailed information on the different Graphic and Graflex models on this website, take a look. |
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Daniel Kwon
Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Posts: 3 Location: Stockholm
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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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Billy,
Thank you very much for taking your time to answer.
The only up side for the Pacemaker Speed G over the Crown is that its cheaper to buy lenses?
DK _________________ Hey Ho Lets Go! |
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45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081 Location: Mid Peninsula, Ca.
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Daniel Kwon
Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Posts: 3 Location: Stockholm
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Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 12:49 pm Post subject: |
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Hi!
Thank you for your answer and the urls. Great.
Feels like you recommend the Super D or Series D, mainly of the possibility to rotate the orientation.
Thank you!
Best
Daniel _________________ Hey Ho Lets Go! |
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Sirius Glass
Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Posts: 162 Location: Southern California
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Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 8:57 pm Post subject: |
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For portraits I found a 1928 Graflex Model D in great condition. I bought it from Bert Saunders and he machined an adapter so that I can use the Grafmatic 45 six shot back. _________________ Nothing beats a good piece of glass. |
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1banjo
Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Posts: 492 Location: kansas
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Posted: Sun May 11, 2014 5:56 pm Post subject: |
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As for portraits I like my graphic view for studio work
My super graphic for outandbout as both you can put the
Backs to portrait or vertical & not have to turn it on its side |
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Billy Canuck
Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 165 Location: Calgary AB Canada
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Posted: Sun May 11, 2014 6:38 pm Post subject: |
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PS to my previous post: For portraits my favorite camera is a 1931 3x4 Ser B Graflex SLR equipped with a 2x3 (6x9cm) roll film holder. On 6x9 the 6-3/8 in. lens is roughly equivalent to a 75-80mm in the 35mm format (frame is the same proportional shape).
The uncoated lens is flattering. |
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arleneandreea
Joined: 08 Sep 2017 Posts: 1
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 5:14 am Post subject: |
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It's great if you like to shoot people photos, and yes, there are many models for portrait photography. I think you can take an expert advice who tell you about the models for portrait photography.
Product Photography Sydney |
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