Speed Graphic Focusing

[SuXarik]

Hello all!
Got my first LF Anniversary Speed Graphic. My main question is how do I focus? Well I understand that I should use a ground glass, but what about a lens shutter? I have Ektar in Supermatic. Do I need to put the shutter to B, then put the focal plane shutter to T, wind and release the Supermatic shutter so it will stay open. Then focus, close the Supermatic shutter, input film holder, take the shot. Or is there a more correct way?
Thanks everyone.

 

[Ian Grant]

You've got it right except use T on the Supermatic as well. Also you need to open the aperture on the shutter to focus, then stop down when you shoot.

Ian

 

[Rhodes]

http://www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pdf/speed_graphic_anniversary.pdf
page 8

I also have a speed graphic. There is a button - Press Focus Button in the lens to hold the shutter open, no need to use the T or B.

 

[SuXarik]

You've got it right except use T on the Supermatic as well. Also you need to open the aperture on the shutter to focus, then stop down when you shoot.

Ian

Thanks Ian!

http://www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pdf/speed_graphic_anniversary.pdf
page 8

I also have a speed graphic. There is a button - Press Focus Button in the lens to hold the shutter open, no need to use the T or B.

Thank You! Now I know what this button's for!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Focus with rangefinder. Frame with viewfinder.
This is how I was focusing with this camera.

 

[peter k.]

I use the rangefinder as well as the ground glass on my Anniversary (3x4) but you will have to 'prove' that the range finder is set up for the lens in the camera, by focusing on the ground glass at different distanced focal points, and verifying that the range finder is also showing correct focus.

If not you can adjust it.
BTW ... Is it a 4x5 or 3x4 Anniversary?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Not only RF has to be set for focusing, the mask in VF also has to match the focal distance of the lens.
Here is also wire frame finder and to scale focus with this one, the distance scale also has to match the lens.
I've got all of it matching the lens and ground glass focusing was last option to me.
This camera is great for handheld shots on 4x5 with wide open lens of something which is not fundamentally static.

 

[peter k.]

Very true... I also have a 4x5 Pacemaker, with a Double Polar lens, so that is always shot with tripod and ground glass, but the 3x4 has the advantage, as it is lighter and easier to use.. for as you say handheld, and quick shots.

 

[Sirius Glass]

You can also focus with the rangefinder or estimate the distance and use the focus scale on the camera bed.

 

[trondsi]

I 'calibrated' my rangefinder using a pencil. I simply marked exactly at which spot on the rails that the ground glass and rangefinder coincide. When I want to use the camera hand held I simply pull the lens out to the pencil mark, set the shutter speed relatively high (1/125 if weather permits), and I'm good to go. I have gotten some nice and sharp photos this way.

 

[shutterfinger]

Do Not use T on the Focal Plane Shutter of the camera. Use O. When the shutter is set to T light to the film plane is blocked until the shutter is tripped putting the O, for open, full frame opening over the film plane opening.
Page 12 of http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_11.html covers the operation of the Supermatic shutter.

 

[fotch]

Shoot it like any RF camera, choose either sheet film or a roll film back. Its fast, easy, and a great picture taker. Good luck.

 

[BrianShaw]

Dear OP... does your Anniversary Graphic have a rangefinder; does it work - yes or no?