I just bought a Vintage Graflex Camera to feed my interest in Vintage Photography. It is a 3 1/4 X 4 1/4 Pre Anniversary Speed Graphic. It came with a side-mount rangefinder, and spring back. Also came with several film holders and film. Were do I begin? I need to know how to use it. clean it, and take care of it. Can't wait to get started!

Thanks
-Chris

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: cmp1223 on 2002-07-30 21:57 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: cmp1223 on 2002-07-31 05:54 ]</font>

Well the first place is to find some film for it. Kodak hasn't made 3x4 sheet film for a very long time. A company called Freestyle in California can custom cut film for you but you'll need a sheet to get the exact dimentions, or trim sheets of paper for a perfect fit. Film For Classics sells 3x4 film, but it's more expensive than 4x5 film from kodak.
***** I didn't see that you said you had film. How old is it? If it expired in the last few years then it would be okay to learn with. I suggest tray processing in D76 to begin with. That's the cheapest way to get a usable neg without a lot of dedicated space.

Look around your area for somebody that can process B&W sheet film. A lot of the places use a process that hold the film on a rack, and they won't have a rack for 3x4 film. If they use a roller transport system you might be okay. If not you'll have to process it yourself.

You can see why I've haven't mentioned Color neg or transparency film.

3x4 format was a neat size, but at this point it takes a dedicated person to shoot it. What you end up with is a format that either costs more than 4x5 to shoot and you get a smaller negative, or you convert to roll film, in which case you are carrying a bigger camera around than you need to as a Mini Speed will do the same thing with less weight and bulk.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2002-07-31 08:00 ]</font>