Posted by Tony Brent on August 10, 2000 at 14:23:51:
In Reply to: Which Speed Graphic to Buy? posted by SuZan Brakebill Cole on August 10, 2000 at 02:17:49:
: Dear Graflex org,
: Please bear with a this novice. I could search for
: days in you literature and not find the answer that
: I'm sure someone at you organization could answer in
: just a few minutes. Thanks.
: I own a photography studio in a small town of 7000. It
: is my desire to acquire one the these awesome cameras
: to use for local events and news worthy photos. Can
: you suggest one to meet my needs? In my studio, I use
: a Mamiya RB67. For newspaper publishing I want
: something fast perhaps a Polaroid back. For others, I
: could use 120 film, I suppose.
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I use a 4x5 Pacemaker Speed Graphic with a Polaroid 545 back to
make photos for our weekly county newspaper. My town is also around
7000 population. I also use it at many of the events that are held.
The antique car show, antique tractor show, Victorian Art Fair,
Memorial Day and Christmas parade etc. For the Victorian themed and
antique shows I use Type 56 sepia tone, and present the prints in
TAP Victorian style mounts. I have good success selling these on
the spot at the various events, and they also generate some
additional photo business as well.
A 120 back is certainly do-able.
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: Again, I must plead my ignorance. What do you use for
: flash? Are the original attachments still functional?
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Yes. Flashbulbs are available. See "Where to get" at the left of
this page.
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: Or is there a more modern solution? I recall several
: years ago using a reflector/bulb type flash. I think
: it was a Norman. Can the cameras accomodate newer
: flashes? What are you suggestions?
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I use a Norman 200c portable flash outfit with the above setup. It
gives me a guide number of 148 at ten feet with 400 speed material.
Plenty of light. I went a step further and mounted the electronics
in a Graflite flashgun. See my article at:
http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~qtluong/photography/lf/misc/misc-equipment.html
The Flashgun clamps that fit the bracket on the Graphic cameras take a 1 1/2" diameter tube, which can be found at the hardware store in the plumbing dept. A rubber crutch tip to fit the tube with a 1/4 - 20 screw in it will hold the Norman and other flash heads.
Paramount Sync Cords in New York has cords to fit the bi-pin flash connectors found on many of the Speed Graphic original equipment lenses. They can also make custom cords so you can use the Speed Graphic with your studio flash equipment.
Check the "Where to get" link at the left hand side of the message
board page for more resources.
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: Thank you for your time and patience. This is a great
: website.
: Sincerely,
: SuZan Brakebill Cole
: PS. How I envy you all that got to use these awesome
: cameras in their heyday. I'm 35 and missed it all.