4X5 Lives - All hail the Speed Graphic

Thanks for info on Graflex SLR ( forgot about difference between a graflex & graphic models). Doesn't look any easier to use than a press camera.

In Mexico section of his daybooks, Weston frequently mentions using an enalrger; but never mentions brand or technique. Saw citation from Adams' letters saying he thought Weston didn't own an enlarger after returning from Mexico.

Beaumont Newhall's note at the end of Book I of the _Daybooks_ ("Mexico", p. 206), states that Weston made enlarged negatives from the 3x4 Graflex negs using a glass interpositive and that he "never printed by projection."

I don't think I've seen an original Edward Weston print larger than 8x10", though I've seen some that were obviously contacts from the 3x4 negs (sometimes cropped), 8x10" contacts, or 8x10" contacts from enlarged negs.

I can't seem to pin down that shot of Weston stalking through a field with his 3x4 Graflex SLR, but it's pretty well known and shouldn't be hard to turn up. There are some shots on the web with Weston and an 8x10" camera (Seneca, I believe), mislabeled "Edward Weston and his Graflex."

I love my Speed Graphic. It's fast, precise and has a great lens. Also, it got me back into 4x5 for about $200. I'll never give it up.

I cut my photographic teeth on a Graflex while doing my time in the Navy. Wow what a camera, that thing took pictures better then anything I have seen today. If you want to learn photography then the Graflex is the perfect tool. Thanks for the memories

And they make such wonderful doorstops.