Graflex.org

[aelder]

I just purchased a Crown Graphic on ebay as my first step into LF photography, thus my knowledge level is pretty low.

I'm fairly confused about film backs. The camera I purchased does not come with one and I need to figure out which one to buy and where to get it from.

I don't have access to a darkroom, so I'll be shipping my film.

I'm interested in shooting velvia and tri-x film, although mostly tri-x I imagine.

I've read through the sections on this site regarding graflex backs and ended up not finding answers, so any help would be appreciated greatly.

[R_J]

Hi there,

You might have seen this resource:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/cameras/pacemaker/

Is your film back the same as the one in this illustration? If so, that is called an 'international Graflok' back.

It means you can insert DDS (double-sided darkslides), Grafmatics (6x sheet cartridges), Polaroid, Fuji Quickload, Kodak Readyload holders and a host of others, in addition to 5x4" international film backs for various roll film by clipping out the rear segment of the holder.

If not, I'm sure someone can help.

Polaroid film is great if you don't have a darkroom, although there's no substitute.

Best of luck!

[aelder]

There's a shot of the back, it looks similar to the link you sent.
If so, then it should be fairly easy to just pick up a back then?

[45PSS]

The only thing missing off your camera is the focusing hood that snaps into place over the ground glass.
Your Camera is a Side Rangefinder Pacemaker Crown from the early '50's.
Top right of picture is
A. Side rangefinder, probably a Kalart, with a Focus Spot accessory.
B. Left of the focus spot is the Optical Viewfinder. Rotate the rear ring for paralex correction.
C. The piece with the ground glass is called the Focus Panel. View image from lens when focusing/composing on the ground glass. Insert Double sided film holder (mistakenly called a back by some), Grafmatic, or Polaroid holder by inserting any one of them under the two tabs on the right side of the focus panel and lifting it up slightly and pushing the holder between the focus panel and camera back. The rib on the right side of the holder will fit into a valley in the camera back for a light seal and the left edge of the holder will be against the left edge of the camera back opening. When removing the holder pull back on the focus panel via one of the tabs to take the pressure off the holder before pulling back and out on the holder. Double sided film holders will develope a light leak at the darkslide end of the film opening if the holder is pulled from the back without taking the focus panel pressure off it first.
D. Pressing inward on both the intermost chrome bars that are parallel to the focus panel at their knurled section then sliding to the right will remove the focus panel allowing access for roll film holders or other accessories. Installation is reverse of removal.
E. The chrome slider bars at the outermost edges of the camera back are the Graflok Sliders. When using a Grafmatic, or other film holder that tends to pull away from the camera back when operated, slide the graflok sliders tight against the holder to secure it in place. Use both the top and bottom slide bars. The Graflok slide bars are used to secure any accessory to the camera back with the focus panel removed.
F. Enjoy the camera!
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[Moopheus]

[45PSS]

Over at http://www.southbristolviews.com/ are user and service manuals for the Top Rangefinder Pacemakers. The only difference between the Side and Top Rangefinder Pacemaker is the rangefinder.
Settings of the infinity stops and scales may have shifted over the years espically if uneducated screwdrivers have been in use.
Open the bed and run the yoke full into the body then foward 1/8 inch. Unlock the front standard and slide it to the infinity stops and lock with both sides of the front standard in contact with the infinity stops.
At this point 1. the lens image at infinity should be critically sharp on the ground glass, use a loupe to check 2. the Rangefidner images at infinity should be in considence, 3. the focusing scales should have their infinity marks in perfect aligment. Set up procedures:
With the camera set up on a tripod and aimed at an infinity target at least 5000 feet away position the front standard so that the image from the lens is critically sharp when the front standard is locked down and square to the yoke. Slide the infinity stops into contact with the front standard and secure with the set screws. Adjust the rangefinder according to the service manual for the type of rangefinder on the camera. The Kalart RF manual is under the Technical information section on the home page. Set the infinity scales so that the infinity marks are in perfect alignment.

A Daytime moon is an excellent infinity target.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.