Graflex.org

[bd3]

I have always wanted to have a Graphic. I know that there are a few different film sizes. Which one should I purchase. Any help and suggestions will be very helpful. I have never had a Large format camera and all suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill

[Graflex Sid]

Whatever your heart desires.A strong arm & wrist,then a 5x4..something light weight,then a 2x3.

Others here,will give you a run down on the technical requirements if you wish.Im just here to welcome you aboard,and to keep the name of Graphic alive.

[office888]

4x5 is definately the way to go...

Crown Graphic if you just want to use lenses with built in shutters, so you lose the extra couple pounds of weight the rear focal plane shutter adds...

Speed Graphic if you want the rear shutter so you can use older lenses that don't have shutters. I hear using late 1800s shutterless lenses with 4x5 film produces interesting results.

4x5 film is pretty easy to come by too...

[primus96]

I bought a 4x5 Crown Graphic.
I'd urge you to get a Speed Graphic as you can then use shutterless lenses.
Go for one of the Pacemaker Graphics & make sure it has the Graflok back. You can get the lens panels brand new for a Pacemaker Graphic.
I have fitted a modern lens to mine but a Ektar or Optar in good nick is good up to 20x16.

Look right round this site and come back here before you make a move.
You are bound to have some more questions.

[Henry]

If you want to shoot sheet film in large format, go for the 4x5. With roll film holders either the 4x5 or 2x3 will do nicely, and in that application I don't know if there is anything to recommend one over the other except maybe portability. I use my Century like a view camera with roll film, but I don't try to enlarge images beyond c. 12x15 inches. A good 4x5 neg can go much bigger---I've seen 4x5-*foot* prints that look real good! And of course at the other end you can make 4x5 inch contact prints and save yourself the cost of an enlarger. Or go virtual darkroom: scan the neg into Photoshop and print out on the ink-jet. This works well with roll film too.

[slithy]

I'm sure many will disagree, but in my book, a big factor should be your comfort level with roll film vs. sheet film. If you think you might want to go 4x5, see if you can take a large format class at a community college and get a feel for film handling. I took a few steps down that road and decided it wasn't for me. I've been more than happy with my 6x9cm negatives, and my camera can do all the movements the big boys can do.

[Dan Fromm]

[bd3]

Thanks for all the replys. I'd like to have a 4x5 I think, but the smaller size and portability of a 2x3 is appealing as well. Sounds like from the posts here, and others that I have read, I need to make sure that what ever I get has the Graphlok back. I do think, however, that I want one with the focal plane shutter.

I have shot plenty of 120 and 35mm over the years. Processed most of it here at home too. I do know that I prefer the clarity of the larger negatives over 35mm.

I am monitoring a few auctions on "that site". I have spotted a couple of Graphics at some internet dealers as well.

Again, thanks for your advice. It has been most helpful.

Bill


[ This Message was edited by: bd3 on 2006-04-10 15:36 ]

[troublemaker]

Keep in mind there are a lot of 120 roll film back adapters around for mounting on the 4x5 with a Graflok back, and even some that work with the spring back. For verstility I suggest the Graflok back as more things are available, and the slide locks will hold a Grafmatic or polaroid holder much more solidly than the Spring back. I know, they will fall out when walking with a tripod and camera over your shoulder etc if not locked in place...
Also, the 4x5 will allow using longer lenses than the 2x3 for portraiture etc...
Up to a 15" (380mm) Tele-lens. The 2x3 will go 10" Tele which isn't bad either.
It does depend on what you wish to do with the camera so think about your style and where you want to go with your photography...
The above statements about the SPeed and using old barrel lenses can be a fun and interesting way to go, but keep in mind they will not carry a short wide angle less than a 90mm very well. The standard 135 and 127 lenses are pretty wide to begin with. 152-162 is the normal lens for 4x5's, but most come with the shorter version, which can be very good and can be cropped this way and that, so with that in mind, a pretty nice protrait can be produced by moving back and cropping in with a 135mm and using a 120 roll back. Very versatle cameras...
Have fun

[slithy]

[bd3]

Well, I have located a Busch Pressman Model D that I may be able to get at a good price. Of course it doesn't have a focal plane shutter like I wanted but the price may be right. Question is will it perform comparably to the graphics. I know it also uses a spring back.

If anyone has more information that will aid me in my decision I'd appreciate your input.

Thanks,
Bill

[Dan Fromm]

[SoCal Dave]

[bd3]

Well, I have purchased on ebay (yes, I know its a gamble) a Speed Graphic. I figured for a c note plus shipping I'd risk it. Anyhow, I'm excitedly waiting for it to arrive. I'll post here what actually arrives for those that may be interested. I expect to have it by the end of next week.

On a side note regarding the BP I asked about earlier, the camera had sat in a local shop for ages. I'm talking years here. Old gent said he'd sell for $50. Wasn't sure if a BP would be as good as a Graphic so I asked here first. When I went back with the $50 he said he had sold it.

Thanks to everyone who looked at this and replied. This is a great forum. I'm enjoying reading posts from years ago as well as recent ones.

Thanks again,
Bill

[bd3]

Well the Speed Graphic arrived earlier this week. Its in great shape. Both shutters seem to be working corrrectly. It looks good comesticly (SP) other than being a little dusty. It does have a spring back and it is 4x5. Now I'm searching for 4x5 film holders so I can start shooting. Thanks to all of you for your interest.