Help with Speed Graphic

juan · Jul 8, 2004

The only caution on the grafmatics - sometimes the older Speeds don't open quite wide enough to take a grafmatic. My 1945 Anniversary is an extremely tight squeeze. The older spring backs don't open nearly as wide as the later graflock backs. You might want to find one somewhere and be sure your camera will take it. Otherwise, just do some market research on price, and if you don't pay too much, you can always sell a grafmatic and get your money back if it won't fit.
juan

Cheryl Jacobs · Jul 11, 2004

Thanks for all the help, guys! I finally managed to shoot my first few frames today. Considering that I had no idea what I was doing, I was pretty happy that two of my six frames actually had an image on them. LOL. Seriously, it's so different. Between figuring out how to load the film holders, working with a quirky lens in need of some TLC, remembering that whole sequence of exposing the film, and figuring out tray processing, I consider 33% to be a pretty decent success rate. And it might have been an even 50%, but I'll never know -- I dropped a sheet on the way into the developer. Woops.

Dave Miller · Jul 11, 2004

Cheryl Jacobs said:
I consider 33% to be a pretty decent success rate.
So do I Cheryl, mine was nearer 10% first time around.

ThomHarrop · Jul 11, 2004

Cheryl:

I use my speed graphic every day and teach with it as well. I also live in Denver. I'd be glad to meet you sometime and show what I know about them

Thom Harrop

Cheryl Jacobs · Jul 11, 2004

Thom, that would be great! I'm pretty much all thumbs with it right now. Part of my problem is that I can't tell what's just me being clumsy and what might be a problem or quirk with the camera. I'll drop you a PM.

- CJ

harveyje · Jul 12, 2004

Cheryl Jacobs said:
Got my Speed Graphic today. Too cool!! The serial number dates it to 1941, which, to my hopelessly romantic nature, is enough to give me goose bumps.

- Clueless in Denver

Of all the possibilities I doubt that you are the one who is "clueless"

I am not quite old enough to remember 1941 but agree that it a significant date in history.

Congratulations on your new acquisition!

Robert Kennedy · Jul 12, 2004

How can it be significant? TV wasn't invented back then....

Seriously though, the Speed is probably one of the coolest, funnest classic cameras out there. And a GREAT LF camera for casual use.

ThomHarrop · Jul 12, 2004

Glad to help

Drop me a note and we can exchange numbers and get together.

Thom

Cheryl Jacobs said:
Thom, that would be great! I'm pretty much all thumbs with it right now. Part of my problem is that I can't tell what's just me being clumsy and what might be a problem or quirk with the camera. I'll drop you a PM.

- CJ

Help with Speed Graphic

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