Hello, I'm new to this format please bear with me !
I have a few questions :
-which lens are compatible with the speed graphics ? (I'm looking for a good portraiture lens (I'm assuming something around 200mm ?))
-which keywords do I search for to get more relevant results ? (when searching for the before mentioned lens)
-so I really need the rangefinder to focus or can I focus through the viewfinder ?
-is a film back like this one compatible with the speed graphic ?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GRAFLEX-ROL...365294?hash=item58fb3f81ee:g:LnUAAOSwc-tY3tx-
-which is the latest speed graphic with a focal plane shutter / the most desirable speed graphic with a focal plane shutter ?
-what should I look for when buying one ?
thanks !!
I always find being sent to look at graflex.org a little daunting since there's a lot of information, not really organized to my needs, and the forums aren't very active. You might be better off searching the web using specific terms to answer your question.
Basically you're looking at a few issues when asking what lenses are compatible. You're limitations are the length of the bellows extension. You'll run into limitations with longer lenses, and the lens not only needs to reach infinity (e.g. 200mm from the film plane for a 200mm lens), but further from the film plane to focus closer. Search for 'speed graphic bellows extension' online and see what turns up.
Also another factor to consider is the size of the lens, faster lenses are larger, and the lens needs to fit the opening on the front of the camera. Earlier models of the speed graphic had smaller openings, so opt for a post-war model (actually 1949 or later, because you'll want a Graflok back, instead of the older Graphic back in order to use a roll film holder). If it's not already mounted, you'll most likely need to custom mount the lens on a lens board. If you want to close the camera with the lens mounted, you'll be limited to relatively small, slow lenses.
The side rangefinder can be recalibrated to whatever lens you've purchased, but I think for a studio portrait camera, that is more trouble than it's worth. If you want more casual handheld shots, then the rangefinder makes sense. Otherwise, just use the ground glass back. The other viewfinder(s) are just to line up your shots, point and shoot style, and not for focusing.
Graflex cameras were made into the 1970s, so a late model one would be easy enough to obtain. I don't think there's any premium for later vs. newer, but Graflex did change hands at least once, so some models may have a better reputation (not sure). Since you're asking about focal plane shutters, I assume it's because you want to mount a barrel lens (one without a shutter). The most desirable in my opinion is the super speed graphic due to its rotating back, but it's also more expensive (and I can't remember if it has a focal plane shutter).
The major issues with the camera would be holes in bellows, uneven, bent struts, broken rangefinder (if that's important -- if you don't need it, it makes the camera a quite a lot cheaper). Make sure the interlocks work, that you can rise the lens and lock it, rack out the bellows and lock them into place, that the ground glass is not broken, and also, make sure the focal plane shutter doesn't have holes, and that it works. Also something to look for, make 100% certain you're getting a 4x5 camera and not a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4. They're very similar in size, and sometimes listed wrongly online. You can have the seller measure the opening in the back (should be about 4x5 inches), if there are no other clues available.
Final word, Speed Graphics are not highly sought after these days, be picky, the good ones don't go for much more than the bad. You should be able to get a decent one for $100-$150, often with a lens.
