Large Format newbie questions

Rhodes

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2009
Messages
521
Location
Figueira da Foz, Portugal
Format
Multi Format
I went to the monthly antique/flea fair here in my home town and bought a Speed Graphic 4X5 in a normal condition with some signs of wear, but apperantly in working order and with the lens with no fungus, scratches, etc. Even if the camera is not working fine, I can go to the fair next month and throw it at the seller .

First question is about the plain film holders, can I use it any one (from any brand) or I have to use only the ones from graflex?

Are the bellows real leather? If so can I use the same products for caring leather? What I have to look also to see if the camera is in order, besides the normal things?
Thank you!
 

Ian Grant

Subscriber
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Messages
23,273
Location
West Midland
Format
Multi Format
Yes it takes modern International fit 5x4 film holders. The bellows aren't leather they are a rubber matrial so can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Ian
 

jon koss

Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2004
Messages
748
Location
Boston, MA
Format
35mm
Just to ward off Murphy's Law, it should be mentioned that some Speeds were equipped with a Graflex back which would require the slotted holders.

Enjoy the camera! (And don't worry, I'm sure it will take the standard holders.)

J

Ian Grant said:
Yes it takes modern International fit 5x4 film holders. The bellows aren't leather they are a rubber matrial so can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Ian
Click to expand...
 

PanaDP

Member
Joined
Sep 9, 2008
Messages
78
Format
8x10 Format
Before you buy anything, just look at the back of your camera. Pull the groundglass back a little bit and on the side where you would slide in a holder, on the face toward the lens, there will either be a slot or a ridge. The slot is for a ridge on corresponding international holders. These are the common ones. The ridge would require the slotted graflex-specific holders. It will probably have the slot and take normal, common holders.
 
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