Don't lose your enthusiasm! You've got a great camera and you will learn how to use it and make some great photos with it!!!

But you may want t try calming down your impulses

Reading is good! But go the simplest route you can so your initial results are good and predictable. I still like D76 for negs. It keeps forever and seems to always give me good results. Use the most common films & chemicals so information and help is a lot easier to obtain. That tank you bought looks nice. I wish I would have seen that one... And maybe now that I have, I'll invest in one. So let us know how it works for you!

Just take your time learnig the camera. Remember that pretty much all cameras are the same. Just a container for dark with a lens at one end and film at the other. You _will_ make mistakes. We all do and enjoy each and every one! I've lost count how many times I've screwed up with the darkslide Although I have yet to load the film upside-down...

Just enjoy it...

Oh, by the way... Yes those holder at Charlotte will work. But in my own personal opinion, you could do better. It may be a good idea to buy a set of new ones so you know you've got something you can depend on. But I bought all my holders used and paid no more than 10 bucks a piece for them. If you buy used ones form a reputable dealer (like KEH), you should have no worries. E-bay is a crap shoot unless you know the seller...

And do you have a good exposure meter?

How about a loupe to focus on the ground glass? The general recommendation with Graphics is the Toyo 3.6 loupe, available at a good price from B&H.

A cable release comes in handy. I'd suggest a 20 inch minimum.

And of course a decent tipod.

Then you'd be all set to go

The tank and reel will work just fine. I use the same sort of setup just a touch bigger.

Okay, time to make another shopping list! YIKES! These are one time only though, so I may as well just do it now and have everything I need to make pictures!

hmmm .... I do have a Sekonik L-358? Won't work will it? Any brand or model recommendations?

I put the loupe is on my list! Never heard of it for focusing? Looks like I'll be learning many new ways.

Will any cable release do or does it have to be a brand name? I'll be sure it's at least 20 inches though!

hmmm ... I have a carbon Hakuba? With an Acratech Universal Ball Head? Will that work?

Thanks for helping me finish up my shopping spree!

The only reason to replace the Sekonic 358 [which I have and love] is if you want spot metering. Other then that you're set.

GREAT!!! So, I can use my Sekonic! THANKS! Whew!

   Hey,<br>
I've got an almost identical camera. Mine came with a 13.5cm Zeiss Tessar. I'll have to scan in a few photos to send you. You can get the instruction book <a target ="top" href="http://simmonsphotos.com/Graflex/Anniversary/Ann1.html">here</a>, and you can learn a lot about shooting large format <a target="top" href="http://www.largeformatphotography.info/index.html">here</a>. Give me an <a href="mailto:danimal_57@yahoo.com&subject=Shooting with a Speed">e-mail</a> and we'll shoot the breeze.<blockquote> Dan </blockquote>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: danimal on 2004-07-13 12:21 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: danimal on 2004-07-13 12:22 ]</font>

You certainly can learn to use an "Anniversary." It is similar to, and certainly no more difficult than, a "Crown." In fact, it's a bit more straightforward mechanically.

As for results, much depends the lens. The one you're getting is a well-respected design, and if it's clean and has not been abused, it is able to produce outstanding pictures.

The trouble with cameras that think for you is that they often try to outsmart you, and you can spend a good deal of time trying to work around the assumptions programmed into them by their designers.

You have only two exposure controls on any "Speed Graphic" (or "Crown Graphic), each of which also affects one other variable. All you need is an exposure meter, and maybe not even that!

Quote:

On 2004-07-13 12:13, Simplify wrote: Okay, time to make another shopping list! YIKES! These are one time only though, so I may as well just do it now and have everything I need to make pictures! hmmm .... I do have a Sekonik L-358? Won't work will it? Any brand or model recommendations? I put the loupe is on my list! Never heard of it for focusing? Looks like I'll be learning many new ways. Will any cable release do or does it have to be a brand name? I'll be sure it's at least 20 inches though! hmmm ... I have a carbon Hakuba? With an Acratech Universal Ball Head? Will that work? Thanks for helping me finish up my shopping spree!

As said, that Sekonic is a fine meter. I'm not familiar with the tripod? If it looks like it can handle the camera, try it and see! The Speeds are not that big or heavy and I used (and still do) my 35mm no-name tripod for it often...

Yes, buy a no-name standard cable release. If you buy the Toyo loupe from B&H, then I actually recommend their "General Brand" cable releases (see the thread in the general LF forum I think, for "Long throw cable releases").

The only hiccup I could think of is the rare chance this camera has a Gralfex back. I took another look at the pics and it looks to me like a Graphic (spring) back, but it's not shown. If it's a Graflex back, you'll need the old special film holders for it... But don't worry till you get it in your hands and see...

And Danimal, thanks for that link to the manual. I'll have the up on my site as a PDF soon

Put all your fears to rest. You are on the right track and when you print that first great 4X5 negative, you will be thrilled at the result of your efforts. Don't worry that you are beginning with a bigger camera. It's no different than an all manual 35mm. Until you see the results.

Thank You once again! You have all been so helpful and kind!

One more? Will this Fuji Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-A-Part Pack Film work so I can use it for my practice as I get to know my new camera? I just think it may help me with the learning if I could start with these.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=308996&is=REG&si=acc#goto_itemInfo

It looks like the cable release, loupe and maybe the above would at least allow me to quickly test the camera while it is still covered under my credit card.

Maybe I should write the seller and ask him about the back so I can order the proper thing.

Got It! Long throw cable release! Thanks for the keyword!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5847&is=REG

I'm putting all the links here in hopes it may help another newcomer. If you feel it's too many or out of line. Holler and I'll stop it!

Quote:

Reading is good! But go the simplest route you can so your initial results are good and predictable. I still like D76 for negs. It keeps forever and seems to always give me good results.

And if you want to go a route that keeps even longer, and is even easier to use, grab some tri-x and a quart of Diafine. I bought a gallon of it 15 months ago for $15, and have ran about 175 sheets and a bunch of 35mm rolls through it and it is still going. Still have more then 3/4ths the solution left as well. No real need to pay much attention to temperature & times aren't picky. I don't even bothe measuring chemicals as well, just start pouring, count to five, then stop. I've gotten nothing but excellent results with it in 4x5, just don't expect to do any zone system type work though.

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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sjixxxy on 2004-07-13 14:19 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-25 11:30 ]</font>

Quote:

On 2004-07-13 13:44, Simplify wrote: Thank You once again! You have all been so helpful and kind! One more? Will this Fuji Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-A-Part Pack Film work so I can use it for my practice as I get to know my new camera? I just think it may help me with the learning if I could start with these. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=308996&is=REG&si=acc#goto_itemInfo It looks like the cable release, loupe and maybe the above would at least allow me to quickly test the camera while it is still covered under my credit card. Maybe I should write the seller and ask him about the back so I can order the proper thing.

I honestly don't know? But my recommendation would be to buy a 545i Polaroid holder instead. There's a much wider range of film available including Type 55 P/N which produces a fantastic B&W negative. And since you like the links, here it is:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=71485&is=REG

and the link for the Toyo-View loupe:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=61094&is=REG

Now I would also recommend you buy a used 545i Polaroid holder unless you like new stuff. If you search around, you could cut the cost of the new one in half. And for me personally, at the new prices at B&H, I would go the extra few dollars for the 545 Pro. The built-in timer that is tied in with a built-in thermometer is fun and useful...


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"Ya just can't have too many GVIIs"
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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RichS on 2004-07-13 20:35 ]</font>