Graflex.org

Orangecicle · Joined: 21 Oct 2020 Posts: 1

Hi, I'm new here. I'm a former news photographer from back in the late 80s. I shot Nikon FM2s back then. After years of shooting digital, I've started shooting film again and discovered medium format (Voigtlander Bessa II, Voigtlander Bessa, Voigtlander Perkeo, Mini-Crown (6x9), etc.) as well as large format. I have my first Crown Graphic incoming. It looks as if it was made in about 1948 (lens date code "EI" and serial number beginning "97." The camera comes with the Graflok back and without film holders.

What would be the best option for a good film holder? I see a number of Riteway holders that look appropriate on FleaBay, but I come to large format with little knowledge. Up until this point, all of my film has come in rolls.

Also, I develop my own B&W at home. I haven't tried C-41 yet, but that is on the horizon. What say you about 4x5 development tanks? I see the SP-445 type of tank that suspends the film in the tank without folding it. That sounds like the best option to me, but I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/holders.html

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

Well, the camera you pictured has a Graphic rangefinder on the top of the body. This configuration is known as the Top Rangefinder Pacemaker Crown/Speed Graphic. It was introduced in 1955.
Download the guidebook from my google drive
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sPJkp-MdghM0RuVXpkZnRnbVk/view?usp=sharing

For 4x5 sheet film development:
Jobo multi tank 2 , previous versions 2500, 2521, 2523 (cog lid). All the same tank.
Jobo 2509n 4x5 reel
Jobo roller base.
Jobo 2502 adjustable reel for 35mm, 120, 220

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=jobo%20tank&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

Rotary processing uses 300ml chemical and requires reversing rotation direction ever minute to eliminate streaks. Worth every penny.

Henry · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 1662

Orangecicle, another option would be to shoot 120 roll film using a 4x5 roll film holder back. For example, Ilford XP2 Super, a chromogenic b/w film, develops in C-41 chemistry. Of course, you won't be getting a 4x5 negative out of that combination.

hsandler · Joined: 27 Apr 2016 Posts: 40

I use old Kodak hard rubber open tanks with film hangers. The disadvantages are that you have to do the whole development process in the dark, and they need about 1.5 L of chemicals. You can do about 8 sheets at a time. When I only need to do 1-3 sheets I do them « taco style » in a Patterson 2-reel tank with reels removed. You can see the technique on youtube.