Just got my graphic view! YAY! Possibly refinish it?

So I finally got my new-to-me Graphic View... Lovely!!! Still need to make a lensboard for it, and I will send my wolly for a CLA when and if my 100-300 Nikkor AIS lens sells, but it is just great to know it's here While perfectly usable as-is, it is in fairly rough cosmetic shape. I'm pretty sure refinishing it would kill the collector value, but I didn't pay all that much for it anyways. I am going to keep it the same sort of silvery colour, and thinking about using a spray paint like Tremclad, designed for working on metal? Would this wear too easily? I have a friend who could airbrush some parts instead. The tripod I have is slightly unstable with the weight of the Graphic View, so I will probably try to build one for find a somewhat inexpensive option. Any ideas on where to find instructions for DIY tripods? The usual camera building sites don't seem to have many details. Thanks for everyone who has helped me get to this point, I will be sure to post when I get my first few prints out of her!

- Justin

Justin:

Before you go building a new tripod, why don't you add chains to yours? A ring with three equal length chains, each attached to a tripod leg at the same distance from the top, about 1/3 of the tripod's height. The chains should be stretched when the tripod's legs are spread apart. For additional stability you can hang a sling from the ring, and place a large rock in the sling, to hang close to the ground.

If you like looking at the camera more than looking at photographs, refinish the Graphic. Any loss in collector's value might be offset by appeal to some photographers. The only refinishing a view camera really needs is perhaps to correct pinholes in the bellows or adjustments that need cleaning or tightning.

If you like looking at the camera more than looking at photographs, refinish the Graphic. Any loss in collector's value might be offset by appeal to some photographers. The only refinishing a view camera really needs is perhaps to correct pinholes in the bellows or adjustments that need cleaning or tightning.

Click to expand...

That's perfectly said!
What do you want a good looking camera to be stolen or working camera that gets used?

Or a good looking camera that gets used, strip it down, sand lightly, spray paint with Krylon enamel paint, it will stick like steel and will be pleasing to look at too.

Good luck,
Curt

personally I would put a lens on it and see what it will do for you like Jim said. Wait until some winter day to refinish it. With the weather now shouldn't you be photographing instead of do camera finishing? Did you try the dollar stores for some glass or plastic trays and containers?

Yes, that's a good point! I made a cardboard lens board and it seems to work I have to say that looking at the ground glass is absolutely spectacular, it's like watching a colour security monitor in a mirror while suspended from my ankles... I actually got dizzy for a minute or two. I took two test shots, my cable release got stuck slightly so I've no idea how they'll turn out, especially without a loupe, but... It doesn't matter... 20 square inches of fuzzy overexposed heaven... I will develop in minutes... I think I've got a new addiction... :rolleyes:

pardon the smileys...

Justin

It's 12:14 and no results yet? Too tired and hit the rack? I don't blame you, it's been a long day.

Hey, how's that camera doing?

Curt

cafeharrar said:

Yes, that's a good point! I made a cardboard lens board and it seems to work I have to say that looking at the ground glass is absolutely spectacular, it's like watching a colour security monitor in a mirror while suspended from my ankles... I actually got dizzy for a minute or two. I took two test shots, my cable release got stuck slightly so I've no idea how they'll turn out, especially without a loupe, but... It doesn't matter... 20 square inches of fuzzy overexposed heaven... I will develop in minutes... I think I've got a new addiction... :rolleyes:

pardon the smileys...

Justin

Click to expand...

Run with it.

The four finest moments in my photo life (Except for David Akiba, a teacher, telling me..."Not Bad" after looking at one of my photos) were first developed B&W film, first developed 4x5 negative, first time I saw an 8x10 B&W negative, and my first 5x7 developed in Pyro.

All amazing transpostitions from the unknown to the unreal.

Welcome.

tim in san jose

Figures, I get my camera and spend the next day in bed :rolleyes: One test shot came out pretty underexposed, with some strange features (it looks like I can see through my roommate's head) I think because my cable release got stuck. The other one looks great, pretty soft, but should print nicely. My 4x5 enlarger is not operational yet, but I will contact print tonight. And of course, more shooting!

Justin