Large Format Debate

I take it you are not looking for a camera to use as a journalist, and just want a "fun" 4x5.

IMO, if you think you will use movements, get the field camera. If you think you will just shoot straight on all the time, get the Graphic. Graphics do have some movements, but practically none in comparison to a "real" field camera.

If you want the best of both worlds, get a Super Graphic (or Horseman for a bit more). They are later Graphics ('60s, I believe) that added a whole bunch of useful features over the Pacemakers. They're not as pretty or classic looking as a Pacemaker, but they are far more versatile. They are closer to a Linhof Super Technika than to a Pacemaker Graphic. (Cammed rangefinder, rotating back, decent amount of movement, distance scale, etc.) Best value out there in a field/technical/press-type camera IMHO.

The chances of it being a "Baby Deardorff" for $1,000 is nil to none. But a 'Dorff with a 4x5 back only needs an extra back for 5x7. To someone with no enlarger that's an advantage. I think the 5x7 shape is more pleasing too.

Lots of working photogaphers make their money with digital. Then do their personal art with "real film". A Deardorff once used, is something that must be pryed from the cold, dead fingers of a waterfall photographer.

Never pass up a reasonable 'dorff!
A Speeder is a great camera, but realize that it is retro to the extreme. My local paper wants digital and they don't want to wait--the images are sent to the editorial office directly from the field.
You can't do that with a Speeder as far as I know
Still, there are great images to be made "Graflex style" but it'll likely be in the Sunday edition, not the late breaking Weegee stuff of legend.
The solution: buy both!

You mention PJ but not whether you have a capable DSLR system?

Better be dual format and willing to jettison the burden of the bellows camera, tripod, and film holders for a DSLR at a moments notice, lest it become a serious handicap. You'll miss a lot with either a MF or a Speed/Crown/Super and especially a Deardorff that you'd hit bang on with an AF, 10 FPS, auto-ISO camera.

(Photojournalists use these for good reason nowadays-- it's not likely you're going to re-discover much about earlier PJ era beyond the reasons why the world moved on).

Too, not being David Burnett, you don't have a tremendously successful 40+ year backstory to justify the decision to use a Speed with an Aero Ektar. Most everybody else would've run into a brick wall with their photo editor. There is simply no time and no patience for film in this industry and there hasn't been for an entire decade. (Whether there's any money or a living to be made in PJ anymore, that's another issue entirely.)

Of course, if you want to get into collecting old cameras and/or doing work with them that's more personal, nothing wrong with that. The only caution here is that this pursuit could too easily be at cross-purposes to PJ requirements by tying up capital and time better spent toward your stated goal.

Pupfish said:

You mention PJ but not whether you have a capable DSLR system?

Better be dual format and willing to jettison the burden of the bellows camera, tripod, and film holders for a DSLR at a moments notice, lest it become a serious handicap. You'll miss a lot with either a MF or a Speed/Crown/Super and especially a Deardorff that you'd hit bang on with an AF, 10 FPS, auto-ISO camera.

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The reason I mentioned Photojournalism is to explain the appeal of the Speed Graphic. I do collect cameras. Currently, I work for the student newspaper and shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II. A Speed Graphic would not be involved in this.

2F/2F said:

I take it you are not looking for a camera to use as a journalist, and just want a "fun" 4x5.

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Exactly, I want a fun 4x5 and have come down to these two choices

Darkroom317 said:

Exactly, I want a fun 4x5 and have come down to these two choices

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Whew! (Rant over)

So snap up the Deardorff as a can't lose investment-- provided it's not some rickety-split clapped-out POS. Prices on collectibles won't remain this depressed forever ;-)

Unless you are really caught up in the cosmetics of the Pacemaker or earlier Graphics, I would suggest a Super Graphic or Super Speed Graphic, for the reasons I mentioned previously. It is the best compromise between the Graphic and the field camera, at the greatest value (bang for your buck).

That 5D Mk. II is big time overkill for newspaper work. While news picture agencies always do use the latest and greatest gizmos (for three reasons: to be competitive with other agencies, because they beat their cameras to death and need new ones, and because many of them are loaners from Canon or Nikon), that is well beyond what a college student or even a pro needs. Why use a 20-some-odd megapixel camera to shoot for a use that requires medium jpegs at best? Sell that, get two or three old 1Ds (Mk. I, 4 Mpix) for under $500 each, and use the money for film equipment and supplies!

Truthfully speaking, however, if I was still shooting for a newspaper, I'd rather have two or three 1Ds than a single 5D Mk. II.

The camera isn't actually mine. It is my grandfather's. He lets me use it for this.

my 2 cents

I'm not a deardorf fanantic. I feel that in Large Format, the camera is essentially just something that holds the lens and the film, and the darkness in between.

So if the lenses are worth the $$ definantely go for it. If you are getting 3x scheider 210/370 convertibles, don't bother. (not that I have anything against the schneider, its just the cheapest lens I could think of at the moment)

You really want swings and tilts? get something on a rail like a cambo - which is cheap.

I just asked the seller about the lenses and received this back:

Kris, I have about three or so lenses ranging from wide angle to semi-long
focus.
If I sell the camera it will include the camera, lenses, carrying case and
lots of (4x5) sheet film holders, all in one package. The price will be
more than the thousand because the Deardorff (4x5) Special as it is known as
is worth quite a bit as a collectors item I have been told.
bh

At this point, I'm not going to go for it. I'm probably better off spending my money on film. I'll make the jump to large format later.

totalamateur said:

I'm not a deardorf fanantic. I feel that in Large Format, the camera is essentially just something that holds the lens and the film, and the darkness in between.

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Then you never shot with a Deardorff.
The most amazing camera as far as placement of controls I have ever used. I put my head under the darkcloth the first time and knew exactly where everything was. Right under the fingertips I was going to use.

Try that with a C1 or a B&J field camera.

tim in san jose