Posted by Jim on August 10, 2000 at 14:31:32:
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.
: Again, I must plead my ignorance. What do you use for
: flash? Are the original attachments still functional?
: 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?
: 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.
You can attach any flash that the front shutter is synched for and you can find connections for. Flash bulbs are not practical, hard to find, and very expensive.
There are a couple of models of Polariod Backs for the Graphics,
for pack and for one-sheet at a time shooting.
If you get a Graphic, get one with a Graflok back, it removes, and, with the same kind of back as the Mamiya, you can put roll film backs on it.... the 4x5 requires a different back than the Mamiyas, get the Graphic roll film holders for 4x5 with the lever advance (holds film flatter)-they come in 2/14 square, 6x7 and 6x9 models, they are no longer made, so examine what you get carefully for cracks, etc.
The large camera is slower to operate than medium format studio cameras, even the RB-RZ types. The 4x5 Speed Graphic is about the same weight as those cameras. It is more expensive to use 4x5 cut film, but in enlargements above 16x20 inches, that large negative will "blow away" results from normal speed range roll film and 35mm film. We're talking murals here.
Processing your own film is more work, and requires different hardware than for 35mm. Outsourcing film processing will be far more expensive-but you will be making fewer exposures (due to the more careful shooting process of the large camera) so this might not make a difference.
The SLR finder of the Mamiyas is much handier than the eye pieces of the Graphics for portraits, but, the eye piece does not black out as the shot is make, so you can see "blinks" and whether your flash has gone off.
I'm not sure what you are calling news photography-for action stopping-sports, accidents, fires, whatever, the 4x5 a long time ago was replaced by faster to use 35mm slr's with a far larger variety of lenses and films.
Good luck, Jim