Speed Graphic Miniture, Just how big are they?

Java · Jul 23, 2009

Yep I know a bit of an odd question but.

I know how big a Medium Format out fit is and I know roughly how bit a 5x4 is.

But I cant figure out how big and heavy a Speed Graphic Miniture, + rangefinder, would be :confused:

Is it like a smaller 5X4 so really you need a tripod to use it?
Is it as heavy as a RB67?

Hay ho! go for one of those or a SWC/M :confused: decisions, decisions

Akki14 · Jul 23, 2009

Speed Graphic 2x3 isn't much smaller than a speedgraphic 4x5.

Having said that, I've shot it using a roll back handheld with no problems, even though my rangefinder is a bit dodgy. Small aperture and fast shutterspeed, no problem.

JRJacobs · Jul 23, 2009

I have a Century Graphic 2x3 - it is smaller and much lighter than an RB67.

Ulrich Drolshagen · Jul 23, 2009

I have a 2x3 Crown Graphic. It weights 1515g + 345g for a 6x9 rollfilm holder. My camera is stripped and coated with boat varnish but that should not make that much of a difference The dimensions of the body are 14x12x7cm³ including the grafloc-back but without the rangefinder and the finder on top.

Ulrich

PS: The dimensions of the rollfilm holder are roughly 12x8x4.5cm³

David A. Goldfarb · Jul 23, 2009

Put another way, comparing a 4x5" press camera to a 2x3" press camera in general, I find that my Linhof Tech V 23 kit takes up about half the space as my Linhof Tech V 4x5" kit with about the same number of lenses and other stuff, and I can use a smaller tripod with the smaller camera. I'd had the 2x3" for a while and had previously owned a 2x3" B&J Watson, but I found I started using the smaller one a lot more for travel when we had a baby, which meant we had a whole new category of other stuff in our bags when we were traveling.

2F/2F · Jul 23, 2009

David A. Goldfarb said:
Put another way, comparing a 4x5" press camera to a 2x3" press camera in general, I find that my Linhof Tech V 23 kit takes up about half the space as my Linhof Tech V 4x5" kit with about the same number of lenses and other stuff, and I can use a smaller tripod with the smaller camera.

I agree. The camera is quite a lot smaller than the 4x5 model. Rather cute suckers, really...and very inexpensive for what they can do. I wish that there was a Super Speed Graphic version of them.

They are shaped differently than most cameras, so it is hard to make a comparison, but they are definitely very lightweight, and many times more convenient than the 4x5s, for the reasons David A. Goldfarb mentioned.

It is not the weight, but the available light and film used that determine whether on not you can hand hold.

I find that using the solenoid tripped from the flash handle (no reflector required) and left hand focusing makes a 4x5 Graphic much easier and more steady to handle than using the body shutter release. I always release the shutter this way, even on a tripod. Having the big handle is a great benefit. I do not know if you can squeeze a solenoid onto a 2x3 board. You can run a cable release from the body release up to the flash handle, and tape it on, however.

ic-racer · Jul 23, 2009

I'd say they are roughly 2/3 the size of the 4x5 models. If you are looking at the 2x3in cameras, check out the Horseman 6x9cm cameras. Basically they were a Japanese upgrade from the Busch and Graphic cameras.

Gerry M · Jul 23, 2009

Hi Java,
My Crown Graphic 2X3/Graflok back/roll film back weighs 4 lbs 2 oz. It measures 5.75" tall (add 1" for VF) X 6" wide (includes RF) X 3.75" deep (including roll film back). Reduce depth by about 1.25" if not using rollfilm back. It is a little more than 1 lb lighter than an RB67/WLF/back/lens, that I had. I use my CG hand held and with tripod/monopod. I always use a cable release. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Gerry

ricksplace · Jul 23, 2009

My century graphic is much smaller and lighter than my 4x5 speeds, and about half the weight. I shoot both the 4x5 and 2x3 handheld.

Mike1234 · Jul 23, 2009

Yup... considerably lighter/smaller than a 4x5 Speed but not quite as small/light as the 2x3 Crown. But if you need the rear curtain shutter to use with barrel lenses you'd be hard-pressed to find a better solution. Very nice little cameras, really. And MUCH lighter than an RB especially if you consider the tiny lenses available for the 2x3 SG. The total package can be MUCH lighter than an RB system.

That said, these are for two completely different needs/shooting styles. I would take an RB67 to shoot weddings any day over a Crown or Speed Graphic system. For most landscapes or architecture the Speed or Crown win hands down... but there are better solutions for those needs too. Everything is a trade-off.

mudman · Jul 23, 2009

big compared to 35mm and my Rolleiflex.

Speed Graphic Miniture, Just how big are they?

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