Graflex Press Cameras

Dave Pritchard · Jun 1, 2009

I spotted a small collection of Graflex cameras in an auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...m=&sspagename=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&salenotsupported

This got me thinking. Would the small size of a press 4 x 5 make up for the lack of swings, etc..
I am mostly thinking of a backpacking camera for landscapes. What about the typical lens on these? Would a 135mm cover the edges of a 4x5 without falloff?

EASmithV · Jun 1, 2009

135mm would cover fine. Personally, I have nothing but positive things to say about the Graflex press 4x5s, they are a good investment and a lot of fun. The later coated Graphex lenses as well as the Ektars are actually really good too. If you are looking for a landscape camera, this is fine, as you probably won't be swinging a whole lot anyway.

EASmithV · Jun 1, 2009

Speedographic?

walter23 · Jun 1, 2009

Haha, so much for anybody getting a deal on that lot now..

Dave Pritchard said:
I spotted a small collection of Graflex cameras in an auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...m=&sspagename=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&salenotsupported

This got me thinking. Would the small size of a press 4 x 5 make up for the lack of swings, etc..
I am mostly thinking of a backpacking camera for landscapes. What about the typical lens on these? Would a 135mm cover the edges of a 4x5 without falloff?

BrianShaw · Jun 2, 2009

EASmithV said:
Speedographic?

That's the rare underwater version. It has the fast lens, too.

BradS · Jun 2, 2009

you only see them around pools though....too embarrasing to bring the speed-o-graphic to the beach (well, except in Europe).

DBP · Jun 2, 2009

What a huge lot! I spotted two Speed Graphics, a probable B&J Press, an RB67, at least one enlarger, two timers, and who knows what else in a 389lb pallet. Pity they didn't break it up a bit. I always wonder with these whether someone has a local connection with the government agency, as they could make so much more by breaking it up so that shipping wasn't in the $400 range.

Dave Pritchard · Jun 2, 2009

I can get a cheap round ticket air fare for about $250. Rental car adds $50. What is Oregon like this time of year?

Dave

waynecrider · Jun 2, 2009

I think in backpacking 4x5 that a Graphic is good, depending on the what else your carrying and how far. If it's say 10+ miles I'd probably go with a Quick Load system thats lighter. The camera does usually weight in at +/- 6lbs plus stuff and some of that stuff is a tripod, and don't forget that water isn't light if your in arid territory. Watch when buying an appropriate lens for the general distance of the vista. Usually a couple of lenses are best to cover short and long. If you want to go light without spending alot of money a 2x3 Graphic might do better, albeit in a smaller format.

JRJacobs · Jun 2, 2009

I backpack with a Speed Graphic - works great! They are very fun cameras to use, and are very durable.

Those ones in the photos look like they are the older type with the spring backs instead of the Graflok backs, though.

greatplainsphoto · Jun 2, 2009

I have a Speed Graphic that has gone on trips with me. Camera and 6 film holders don't take up much room. Going back to Alaska in July. Camera will make it's second trip in the suitcase....

Dave Pritchard · Jun 3, 2009

Well, if I get this stuff...
The Speed part of the Speed Graphic is really not needed. I've heard that the focal plane shutter is just extra weight and bulk. I just need a leaf shutter for a backpacking 4x5 camera.

I have an Orbit 4x5, but that one has the solid steel monorail. It is really heavy and only travels well in its case. The lighter cameras would be much better in a pack.

I got some 4"x5" technical pan film in the mail today. Watch Out! I'm gonna be dangerous.

Wade D · Jun 4, 2009

I use a Speed Graphic Anniversary. The Supermatic shutter on the original 127mm Ektar is sticky and needs a CLA. The focal plane shutter still works good and I've been able to make landscape shots just fine with it. The camera, 5 holders, changing bag, extra film and other accessories are quite portable and maybe weigh in at 15 pounds. Throw in a good light weight tripod and it's still only 20 pounds.
My old Majestic tripod weighs 15 pounds by itself so I don't venture far from the car.:rolleyes:

Dave Pritchard · Jun 22, 2009

Well, I was lucky enough that someone else "won" that pallet of photo gear. Thanks to all who lurk and bid.

I did just get a new camera. It is a pre-anniversary Speed Graphic, made about 1936. The focal plane shutter needs CLA, as it is very sluggish. It has a Zeiss 135mm lens in Compur shutter. The leaf shutter works just fine, so I'm in business. I can wait to get the focal plane shutter working. Eventually, I'll want to use it with an old Ilex Paragon 7 1/2" barrel lens.

I now have the backpacking camera I have wanted. The only problem now is a tripod. I just started to research tripods. I checked out Karen Nakamura's web site comments on tripods. (I love Karen Nakamura!). Ouch! Tripods are pricey. Sigh... What to do?

archphoto · Jun 22, 2009

The Graphic is not that heavy..... you could try a Manfrotto 055 tripod, it will hold your camera with ease......

Congrad's by the way !

Peter

k_jupiter · Jun 22, 2009

Dave Pritchard said:
Well, I was lucky enough that someone else "won" that pallet of photo gear. Thanks to all who lurk and bid.

I did just get a new camera. It is a pre-anniversary Speed Graphic, made about 1936. The focal plane shutter needs CLA, as it is very sluggish. It has a Zeiss 135mm lens in Compur shutter. The leaf shutter works just fine, so I'm in business. I can wait to get the focal plane shutter working. Eventually, I'll want to use it with an old Ilex Paragon 7 1/2" barrel lens.

I now have the backpacking camera I have wanted. The only problem now is a tripod. I just started to research tripods. I checked out Karen Nakamura's web site comments on tripods. (I love Karen Nakamura!). Ouch! Tripods are pricey. Sigh... What to do?

What to do?

Go used and go a little smaller than you think. The Speed isn't that heavy, especially if you are using a normal type lens. No sense killing yourself over a tripod. That takes the fun out of overland hiking for your art. Don't go with a ball head, they are too unstable until you get into large (and heavy) sizes.

I use an old "Star" for my Speed. I won't handle the Deardorff or the B&J 5x7, but the Speed works pretty good on it. And it weighs 1/3 what my Bogen does.

tim in san jose

.

JCT · Jun 24, 2009

You can definitely get away with a lighter tripod with the Graphic.

I have started to take my Super Graphic on business trips because it is so compact. I invested in a Gitzo 1541T (not cheap), but it is by no means as rigid as my 1325 and for the graphic it is *fine*. With some digging you should be able to find something small and rigid enough to take along for around $110 with a simple pan-tilt head. I think Velbon and or Slik make some perfectly decent models.

Just make sure that they are not too heavy or you'll leave it behind.

I love my Super -- I shoot far more LF now that I bring it along all the time.

At some point look into a Grafmatic -- nice and compact!

JT

Graflex Press Cameras

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