Hi there,

I've finally upgraded my Century Graphic to a Speedgraphic.

First impression is that the Speedgraphic is phenomenally heavy. I can just about wield it with one hand (recovering from a fracture).

It comes with a 135mm Optar lensboard and cam which does not seem to want to unscrew (I had intended to use a Rodenstock 135mm Sironar with this). There is an intricate triggering mechanism linked to the shutter release on the camera back: is it possible to switch lenses and still use this trigger?

Would like to hear if anyone has any recommendation for the widest lens use on this, particularly whether a 65mm Super Angulon will include the baseboard or not.

Kind regards,

RJ

RJ,

Is your new camera 2x3, 3x4, or 4x5? I ask because only top RF 4x5s have cammed rangefinders, but the cam isn't held by a screw.

If you got a 2x3, yes, you'll have to drop the bed with lenses shorter than 80 mm. If you want to shoot 6x6, I think the 1.75"/2.8 Elcan fitted to the Vinten F95 is the shortest lens that will make infinity on a 2x3 Speed. Expensive, not particularly good, and covers only 6x6.

I regard the body release for front shutter as an infernal device, remove the shutter actuating paddle. If I could do it easily, I'd remove the cable too. As far as I can tell the paddles are lens-specific. The paddle that works, say a 105/3.7 Ektar, won't work a 101, and so on.

Cheers,

Dan

RJ,
Go over to member RichS site http://www.southbristolviews.com/ (graflex manuals link on the left) and download Pacemaker Service Manual and /or Top Rangefinder Pacemaker Manual (user manual) then get back with the format and names for the items you have questions about.
It sounds to me that you have the cable release operated from the body side complete which interferes with lens board removal. Also lens that were tightned tight 50 years ago require a spanner wrench (retainer rings) or strap wrench (flange mount) and 30~50 foot pounds of torque to break loose.
The 4x5 Speed with 135mm lens, double sided film holder weighs in around 6 to 6 1/2 pounds.

Hi Dan,

It's a 4x5" Speedgraphic with a 135mm view cam and graflock back. For some (mistaken) reason, I thought these were hand supportable, although at over 6lbs, I'll have to rethink. It's absolutely huge: it's larger and heavier than my standard 4x5".

Thank you for explaining the actuator paddle system. That linkage seems to explain what is on this Speedgraphic.

45PS - you've described the same shutter linkage system which I'm facing. Thank you too for the extensive link. It'll take a lifetime to work through. Rich's site is immensely resourceful although perhaps a little hard to navigate around. I presume the version I have is a 'top rangefinder pacemaker' speedgraphic model in which case... 6.3 megabytes doesn't download quickly ..

Why guess???????? http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/pacemaker-speed-graphic.html (www.graflex.org>cameras>Graflex Graphic Model History) picture at the top of the page is a Top RF and the second picture is a Side RF.

Thanks -

The pdf has now downloaded. It looks very much like the one you pointed out in the illustration.

Having second thoughts about this upgrade, since I'm happy with the Century Graphic (except the absence of a focal plane shutter). The Pacemaker Speedgraphic is too heavy to hand-hold. I'm finding that there's a thin line between dropping it and giving up on it all together.

I wonder if anyone has dismantled the front bed from the body of the camera before? I'm thinking of turning this into a wide-angle 65mm lens Speedgraphic and would appreciate the lighter weight. Is it possible to detach the front bed and return it to use in the future?

Otherwise, if anyone has any suggestions to advance the weight reduction of this camera I'd love to hear.

Thank you.