Glass Focussing the Graphlex Anniversary Speed Graphic camera...Help!

Hello All,

I just purchased the Graphlex Anneversary Speed Graphic camera and I am at a loss when it comes to the glass focusing of this camera. I have the manual and tried to follow the procedures for focusing using the ground glass, but have not achieved any positive results. Can someone just provide me a step by step response on what I have to do focus this camera. I have a project that I really want to use this camera for and want to get started on becoming proficient.


thank you!

to focus on the ground glass you are essentially using the camera as a view camera -- this is not the camera's primary design, but it can easily be done.

Put camera on tripod.

Open camera and extend lens to infinity stops.

Crank front shutter open -- either set it on "T" or "B" or there is usually a way to open it after you cock it. Many shutters are different, so you have to figure this out yourself.

Set rear shutter to "O" for open.

Open rear focusing hood and you should see a fuzzy inverted image. It helps to open the shutter diaphram in front wide open. Put a cool black cloth over your head and wrap it around the camera so you can see the image.

Focus.

Close whichever shutter you are going to use. If you intend to use the rear shutter, leave the front shutter open, wind the rear shutter to the speed you want. Set the lens opening up front.

Insert film. Remove dark slide.

Take picture.

Put dark slide back in. There you are.

Make sure the glass is installed correctly, that could affect your focus. The side that is ground or rough should be towards the lens so it is in the exact location that the film will be. The thickness of the glass is enough to affect focus.

Moved to the LF Forum.

"Feedback and Discussion" is only for discussion of APUG itself and its software.

My first LF camera was Aniversary. It had just ground glass and it wasn't as easy as with later removable focusing screen on Crown I have now.
It is for the case if you see something on the ground glass.
If light is behind you and it is coming the glass it is next to impossible.

If you don't see anything it could be in two reasons.
Camera bellows are not extended correctly to match lens and focusing distance.
Or the aperture, front and back shutter isn't open.

It is great camera to use it with RF/VF for quick focusing and framing.

Cheers, Ko.

You can purchase a long loupe (due to the hood) to help critical focus or you can just buy some readers at the Dollar Store for a dollar.

For more information about the camera and your problem go to www.graflex.org and www.graflex.org/forum

Welcome to APUG