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sauerwald · Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Maine, USA

I know that there have been what to get posts on here before, and I have read those, and despite that, I come back with questions

I currently own 2 4x5 field cameras, and have a darkroom which is well equipped for large format. My field cameras are a Walker Titan 4x5 and a Crown View with 4x5 and 3x4 backs. I have half a dozen LF lenses in shutters, 1 excellent, 1 pretty good, and a bunch that are adequate.

Most of my photography recently has been B&W, using the Walker Titan. When I am out and about, I usually carry a camera with me, usually a 35mm. Last week I took some pictures with the 35mm, which once they came out, were nice, but I really wished I had a larger negative - not the first time. It has led me to want to get a press camera to replace the function of the 35mm, something that I can use hand-held, probably using the rangefinder, and take some images where I don't have to worry about the grain of 35mm eating me alive.

I am thinking something like a Crown Graphic or Bush Pressman. Although my darkroom is now setup to handle the 3x4 film, the selection of films in that format is limited, so I would rather stick to 4x5. I know nothing about the 2x3 format and how that works - I assume roll film? Might that work for what I am looking for?

Love to get some feedback from this group.

Mark

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

Since you will be hand holding it, the Crown Graphic would be the way to go. Lighter and if the body release mechanism for the front shutter is working properly, it's easy to use. The 2X3 cameras, if equipped with a Graflok back and a properly calibrated rangefinder, can be set up with roll film holders in all popular formats. Smaller and faster to use. I prefer 6X7 format with these and have one of mine fitted with a Linhof anatomical grip. Roll holders on a 4X5 camera, in my opinion, is kind of silly for most things.

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

I agree with most of what Glenn says, the exception being a "working body release" . In my opinion it's easier to rig up a cable release to the left side than it is to find the non existant "working body release" I must have owned a dozen crowns and speeds by know and none of them had a body release that didn't take a heart beat to fire. And in that heart beat, the shot is missed.

Now for point and shoot, range findered (rangefound?) shooting I say go with a Crown in the size of your choosing. If you want to play with color, then your budget will want a 2x3 and a roll back. Stick with late model Singer/Graflex or Mamiya RB67 roll backs and a Crown with a Graflok back. 120 film still has the greatest variety of films available. 2x3 cut film is fun to use but I think we are down to three or four emulsions and all are B&W. Stay away from the knob wind roll holders.

If you aren't enlarging more than 11x14 I don't think you'll notice a great deal between a well made 6x7 negative and a 4x5.

Graflex Sid · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 221 Location: London,England

Good to see that the 2x3 CROWN is getting the recognition it deserves..

A Fab lightweight little camera:and with a roll film back,what else could you ever ask for.Well balanced in the hand without feeling the weight,and holding...a dream.

Pity they don't still make them for the modern generation to sample.