My top mounted viewfinder has a #3 mask in it. Do I take it out when using 4x5 sheet film and put in when using 23 roll film holder and do I use the ponts for framing 2x3?
4x5 Crown viewfinder mask
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What lens do you have mounted? You'll want different mask dimensions for, say, a 180 mm vs. a 135 mm.
See the table in this thread.
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For Sale - Viewfinder masks for Speed, Crown & Century Graphics
Masks adapt the optical finder for various focal length lenses and rollfilm backs: $11 each shipped within the USA for the following masks in good condition. Paypal OK. Please repy by PM. #2 (have 1) #3 (have 2) #6 (1 only) #7 (1 only) *9 (1 only: SOLD) #10 (1 only) #11 (have 2) #12 (have 2)...
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I bet there'd be a market now (this year) for one that matches the field of a LomoGraflok. Set your infinity stops back by the right distance, mount the back, and use the RF and viewfinder. I'm pretty sure I'd buy one sized for 135 mm lens...
In my experience, the optical viewfinder is not accurate enough to really worry about using the points versus using the "full frame". I recall reading in Graflex documentation that the points were, as you suggest, the framing guides. But given the FL range each mask covers I have no idea how they can seriously mean that.
I used a Crown Graphic in Turkey, also a Super Graphic, with a 90mm, 135mm (or 150mm) and 203mm lenses, I l used the rear sights and wire frame finders and never had a problem, even when using some front tilt. Often I had to work hand-held and quickly found it was remarkably easy, and I could frame accurate enough.
Ian
Ian
To add to that...
Graflex made a mask for the wire frame finder that really helps when using roll film backs. They are rather common and affordable on eBay last time I looked.
Aha! Now that's something I could pretty readily make myself for use with the LomoGraflok. Setting the infinity stops back would make the main wire frame "wider" than the field, but the frame masking of the LomoGraflok means I could still match a mask to the film...
When you look at the Graflex literature the masks are a plus or minus 15% some of the masks are listed as usable with 2x3 and 4x5 depending on the lens in use. I have found that the wire frame finder is more accurate and much faster to use. It even works with lens rise. I use both the super graphic and speed graphic. The wire frame mask could be made from plexiglass if unable to procure.
Don't you need the markers to make sure you subject is in the right spot since it's a 2x3 image and not 4x5?
I should add that they made both a telephoto mask and a roll film mask.
Yes the markers are on the clear plastic mask insert for the roll film holders.
I think I am confused, I am referring to the top viewfinder, not the one for focus. Is there some other accessory I don't know about?
Like Donald, I'd make my own mask. There is one made from card taped to the similar wire finder of my 9x12 Ihagee Zweiverschluss Duplex camera, the owner must have used a Rollex or Rada 6x9 roll film holder. The Duplex part means the camera has both a Focal Plane for up to 1/1000, and a Leaf shutter.
My Crown Graphic has a spring back, and is up for sale here in the UK, but I do have Pacemaker Speed Graphic with a Graflok back and 3 Wray Grafmatics.
David Burnett shoots that way with a Speed Graphic hand held, and great images.
We are talking about the wire frame finder that you pull up out of the front standard, works with any lens, movements etc. There are click stops for closer work to overcome parallax.
Ian
My Crown Graphic has a spring back, and is up for sale here in the UK, but I do have Pacemaker Speed Graphic with a Graflok back and 3 Wray Grafmatics.
David Burnett shoots that way with a Speed Graphic hand held, and great images.
We are talking about the wire frame finder that you pull up out of the front standard, works with any lens, movements etc. There are click stops for closer work to overcome parallax.
Ian
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Am I correct in the #3 mask is for the 150-162mm lenses.
The masks in the link provided are for the optical viewfinder, the one you look through with your eye, not the rangefinder. Generally that is on the top right of the body. Replacing the #3 mask that you have.
The wire-frame mask mentioned above is for the wire-frame viewfinder that is pulled up from the lensboard part of the camera.
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That is correct when shooting 4x5 film. For a roll film holder, look in the column with the specific roll film holder format.
Your #3 mask is good for a 151 - 161 mm lens on 4x5 or a 82-92mm lens of 2x3 film.
Don't overthink things, these cameras are great to use, although movements are limited.
Ian
Ian
I want to use it more as a point and shoot but don't want to practice with sheet film. The lens on it now is the Xenar 135mm but I do have the 152mm ektar with proper cam also. I paid $28 including shipping for the 23 roll holder but didn't realize it didn't have the dark slide so I made a temporary one out of a 4x5 dark slide.
I don't blame you for not wanting to practice with 4x5 film. It's expensive! The ektar 152mm is a very good lens if in good shape. Every bit as good as your Xenar. Do to the fact that it has a larger image circle the corners may be better than the Xenar. Sometimes the balsam in the rear group would get cloudy and it has to be re cemented a job for S K Grimes. If you are going to practice with roll film the corners won't matter. For your 2x3 film back you need a #10 mask though.
The masks are good approximations of the field of view because what one sees can be dependent of the eye location.
TBH... for years I used a #3 mask with a 135 lens when "point-and-shoot"ing 4x5 film. I didn't noticed that it was the wrong one for that FL until I started procuring masks for my various roll film holders. A #4 is easy and affordable to procure, but don't think that you'll blow your 135mm shots without it. "Good approximation", as mentioned above, is an apt description.
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