Questions About Speed/Crown Graphics?

apconan · Jul 14, 2010

Ok, this is the big one for me, I couldn't find any information:
Can the Graphics be focused by ground glass, or only a rangefinder?

Sorry if this is a dumb question, It seems pretty obvious but I searched already.

Also, can all the Graphics be interchanged with a variety of lenses? I remember reading that some can only be used with certain lenses. If so, what are some good models that are good for a first large-format camera that can used with a variety of lenses, and if possible can be focused with ground glass?

Thanks!

Fotoguy20d · Jul 14, 2010

Yes - I only use the GG with my Speed and Crown. Yes, lenses can be interchanged. Getting focus wiht short lenses can be a problem and you might need to drop the bed to get it out of the frame. Without a telephoto lens, the longest focal length is aorund 12".

As for which model, depends on how much movement you're looking for, whether you want to use a roll film hodler with 120 film, whetehr you want a focal plane shutter. Short answer (try www.graflex.org for lots of info) - if you want a focal plane shutter you need a Speed Graphic, not a Crown. The models after around 1948 are known as Pacemakers (Speed and Crown) - prior to that there was only the Anniversary Speed. Pacemakers offer more front movements (still not a huge amount but does have front tilt). If you want to use any roll film holder (and not be limited to adapt-a-roll or Calumet C2), you need a Graflok back, not a Graphic (spring) back.

Dan

degruyl · Jul 14, 2010

If you don't want the rangefinder, there is very little benefit to a crown / speed graphic. But it can be used.

I would suggest that a nice used field camera will provide all your needs if you intend to focus via groundglass. And it will probably be half the weight (or in many cases, less). On the other hand, you can't really shoot a field camera handheld.

Press cameras are very nice to use, but by their nature limited in what you can do with them. The Crown graphic can be focused (via rangefinder) with a variety of lenses, but you have to change the cam or adjust the rangefinder and adjust the infinity stops if you change lenses. If you are changing between two lenses of the same focal length, you probably will still have to adjust the infinity stops (I do, with two 135mm lenses).

When used with ground glass, you do not need the infinity stops, so it is much easier to change lenses. Especially if you have multiple lensboards.

apconan · Jul 14, 2010

degruyl said:
If you don't want the rangefinder, there is very little benefit to a crown / speed graphic. But it can be used.

The main benefit that I see is price. Most field cameras seem to be very expensive, and being a student I don't have a big budget.

Sirius Glass · Jul 14, 2010

apconan said:
Ok, this is the big one for me, I couldn't find any information:
Can the Graphics be focused by ground glass, or only a rangefinder?

Yes, Speed and Crown Graphic can be focused:

Using a scale if it is properly set up on the focusing rails.
Using the range finder.
Using the ground glass.

You can frame the photograph:

Using the tubual optical view finder.
Using the open frame finder.
Using the ground glass.

apconan said:
Sorry if this is a dumb question, It seems pretty obvious but I searched already.

Not a dumb question. The only dumb question is the one that is not asked. In May I started looking into getting an LF camera and I was asking some of the same questions.

apconan said:
Also, can all the Graphics be interchanged with a variety of lenses? I remember reading that some can only be used with certain lenses. If so, what are some good models that are good for a first large-format camera that can used with a variety of lenses, and if possible can be focused with ground glass?

See the articles on graflex.org about lenses. The open frame can be used for normal and telephoto lenses, not wide angle lenses. Focusing scales can be added by a Graphic repair man. The ground glass can always be used.

See my post on the thread about latest LF purchase.

Steve

Wade D · Jul 15, 2010

apconan said:
The main benefit that I see is price. Most field cameras seem to be very expensive, and being a student I don't have a big budget.

On the auction site I have seen Speed Graphics go for almost as much as a field camera. Then again some don't even sell with a starting price of $19.99.
It all depends on the seller's terms and conditions. I'm sure you'll find one at a reasonable price somewhere. There are many to choose from.

photobum · Jul 15, 2010

One thing that Sirius left out. If you have the top mount rangefinder and it has a battery door on the back you also have a projection beam rangefinder focus. This is neat for low light focus.

Do not "adjust" your infinity stops. Once set for a given lens leave it alone. Buy a second or third set for other lenses.

I keep my Crown cammed and set for the 135mm. I have infinity stops set for 90 and 203mm. I do not re-cam. I just check focus with the ground glass.

While a lot of the more modern Plasmat lenses will fit a Speed/Crown they have so much movement that it makes for overkill. The smaller, lighter lenses that where designed for press cameras, such as a Schneider Xenar 135 or the Ektar 203 are quite sharp. A lot of photographers made a living for 50 years with these cameras. They will do the job.

apconan · Jul 16, 2010

Thanks everyone. Sirius, your new Speed Graphic looks great, I hope to pick up a Crown this year.

rob644 · Jul 21, 2010

hopefully someone sees this. i'm also looking toward getting an LF camera. but what i have been reading is that the ektar and xenar lenses that are usually standard on graphlex cameras don't have great movements because they were made for 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 cameras (or so i've read). Are there any inexpensive lenses that provide good tilt/swing movement?

jforney · Jul 22, 2010

OT

I briefly skimmed the posts in this thread so maybe this was covered, otherwise its OT, but one of the attractions of the Speed Graphic is the focal plane shutter. If you are looking for potentially cheap/old/barrel lenses than the Speed is great since the shutter is built in. If you are looking for movements etc than its not the camera type for you.

premo · Sep 25, 2010

B&J,or Busch

If you don't need the focal plane shutter, the B&J and Busch press cameras have more movements. If you want to use barrel type lenses, speed graphic is the answer.

2F/2F · Sep 25, 2010

Come on, now. Dumb questions are no big deal, but don't b.s. us that you have actually tried to find an answer before asking them. If you haven't found the following site, you couldn't have really searched the Internet: http://www.graflex.org/.

These are the first two Google hits when I type in "Crown Graphic" (without quotes):

1. http://www.largeformatphotography.info/cameras/pacemaker/; it is an article entitled, "The Pacemaker Crown Graphic 4X5 as a field camera."

2. The same link I posted above: Graflex dot org.

So, I highly doubt your claims, "I searched already," and "I couldn't find any information."

Failing actual reading, pictures alone should answer your question. Here is the first item that pops up in an E-Bay search for "Crown Graphic" (without quotes): http://cgi.ebay.com/Graflex-Crown-S...587934128?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item19bf8df5b0. A quick look at the pictures and you have your answer about the ground glass. (Note: This one is horribly overpriced, even with the case and Grafmatic. I am very surprised that it has been bid up so high.)

monkeykoder · Oct 4, 2010

Graflex.org is awesome when it comes to learning about Graflex cameras They really know their stuff and you learn a lot (some of it rather disappointing if you've already made a purchase...)

Questions About Speed/Crown Graphics?

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