speed graphic worth?

[aRolleiBrujo]

just out of curiosity... 00808_dUGLAVfaNjN_600x450 by a.rodriguezpix, on Flickr

00Q0Q_1x5SqQRmdqv_600x450 by a.rodriguezpix, on Flickr

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

Maybe 250

Hmm, the local seller was asking 400! looks nice too

 

[Sirius Glass]

What is the condition of the cloth focal plane shutter?

Depending on the condition patching and repairing OR rebuilding could be necessary.

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

What is the condition of the cloth focal plane shutter?

Depending on the condition patching and repairing OR rebuilding could be necessary.

Heck I have no clue it's as if your asking to check the rethrows out! I wouldn't know how to tell that either! In my mind I see the photo and it looks really clean so that's it! I estimated that the price shouldn't be that high so I assume they think it's an antique since it is listed as such!

 

[Theo Sulphate]

To be worth $400, for me the following would need to be true:

1. Bellows in good shape with no cracks or pinholes.
2. Lens shutter smooth at all speeds. Can be opened and closed smoothly (for when the focal plane shutter is to be used). Aperture should open and close smoothly.
3. Focal plane shutter should be smooth (not wrinkled), have no holes, and seem to operate properly at all speeds, on high and low tension.
4. Should have Graflok back.
5. Viewing hood should open/close properly.
6. Groundglass should be clean and free of scratches and chips.
7. Front standard should extend properly and rise, shift, and tilt. Bed should drop.
8. Pulling the standard out to the infinity stops and scale focusing to infinity, the rangefinder should agree as well as the image on the groundglass. Focusing at closer distances should also agree.

I know nothing about the flash or solenoid.

When I see something like this, I want to check it out in person - unless I know the seller is totally knowledgeable about the camera.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

No, not 400, no way. It's an Anniversary--there was no such thing as Graflok. 250 in good to VG condition, maybe.

True. But some Anniversary models were modified for the desirable Graflok. I can't tell from these two photos.

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

I dont know if I could end up buying, however, if it doesnt go anywhere for a bit, and if the seller is willing to neg, then, and only then, woul;d I seriously cojnsider it! I have already gave up one 4x5, however its size was one reason I did so! I ended up with a fine Pentacon Six AUS Jena 180 lens! xD

My new barrel of fun! by a.rodriguezpix, on Flickr
00N0N_jwil9DXN6GO_600x450 by a.rodriguezpix, on Flickr

01515_jPrdZ42jWfo_600x450 by a.rodriguezpix, on Flickr


01212_hwubIiBeaHy_600x450 by a.rodriguezpix, on Flickr

00808_gPC072kApYb_600x450 by a.rodriguezpix, on Flickr

 

[Fixcinater]

I would pass on that one, looks to me like a good candidate for a hefty repair bill. That might have been sitting on a shelf for 50+ years...so nearly everything could be locked/seized/dry-rotted/crumbled/fogged/etc.

A Speed is not a small camera and will take all of the same necessary 4x5 infrastructure to support it as the Calumet did/does, IF you want to actually use it.

Are you completely sure you have exhausted all other potential ways of creating the images you want to create with roll film cameras? It is not an easy step to sheet film and more importantly, a completely different way of using the camera/putting film through it.

Not something as easy as just going and buying another camera.

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

I would pass on that one, looks to me like a good candidate for a hefty repair bill. That might have been sitting on a shelf for 50+ years...so nearly everything could be locked/seized/dry-rotted/crumbled/fogged/etc.

A Speed is not a small camera and will take all of the same necessary 4x5 infrastructure to support it as the Calumet did/does, IF you want to actually use it.

Are you completely sure you have exhausted all other potential ways of creating the images you want to create with roll film cameras? It is not an easy step to sheet film and more importantly, a completely different way of using the camera/putting film through it.

Not something as easy as just going and buying another camera.

That is sound and true advice! i think ill stay with roll film util i at least get the development down! I may go back to digital as well, as soon as I can save up enough! I'm hoping to get another Nikon D700 this year! I will not forget film, it is a very cool experience!

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

Digital, hell.

:devil:

 

[Theo Sulphate]

That is sound and true advice! i think ill stay with roll film util i at least get the development down! I may go back to digital as well, as soon as I can save up enough! I'm hoping to get another Nikon D700 this year! I will not forget film, it is a very cool experience!

The D700 is nice, I have one, but for similar money you could buy a Toyo 4x5 field camera. You would then have an instrument that can produce images you'll never get with digital or a smaller format. More importantly, you will be involved in the entire process from start to finish and those images will truly be yours.

 

[removed account4]

don't believe the hype

(snip snip snip )

The D700 is nice ... but for similar money you could buy a Toyo 4x5 field camera. You would then have an instrument that can produce images you'll never get with digital or a smaller format. More importantly, you will be involved in the entire process from start to finish and those images will truly be yours.

sorry, this isn't really true ...

just like with film or chemical based images
the sky is the limit with electronic devices.
it is just as easy to be involved with a process
from beginning to end with a d700 ...
don't be fooled ... by the static ( GO TO DPUG AND SEE FOR YOURSELF )

apugger MaximusM3 does very well for himself with
a digital camera and makes photogravures ...
and i have done my fair share of waxed paper negative
sunprinted, using a digital camera ... as well as other things ...

i am sure the OP has enough imagination to
figure out what to do, whether he gets a digital camera or 4x5
the whole can't be invested in a process, or can't make images like &c
arguments don't really hold much water ...

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

The DSLR is really just an addition to my capture ability and nothing more. before DSLR I started with a Canon ft film camera that led my want of learning more photography. I eventually escalated that need to a DSLR canon XSI and continuing that path I eventually traded my old D700 to my D800 and others before it until I could not afford them anymore. In the mix I bought a film camera as well to add to my collection and to shoot at times as well however doctor bills from my daughter's cancer treatments forced the consolidation of even my Rollei 6008 pro with its two beautiful lens one PQS and one PQ, plus a few back in 120 220 6.4 and my beloved Polaroid back! I was completely out of photography equipment with a hole in my soul but with the glee of knowing my daughter lived that emptied feeling was minimal. Needless to say I could not resist the want of still capture so I saved and saved prior to having employment which made it taxing even more so, until I bought a camera in the form of a film camera which I can't recall. I did however ended up with two lovely model one a Nikon the other my never to be given, Pentacon Six TL!

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

So you see i don't plan on trading one for the other but merely give myself the ability to never miss a second again whenever my mind comes up with what i feel worthy of forever capture. If i spent more time snapping and least worrying i could probably finally learn a technique that could lead to something worth exhibition! I think some of my photos are decent however I feel it nearly impossible to create something stunning each second! I can't wait to shoot 120 again and self development as well alas I am hesitant and afraid to damage yet another due to my inability to grasp the what appears simple, processes! I have nearly a dozen 120 rolls saved to develop however I will send them in to avoid loss and pain! I will buy some cheap 120 's for experimental purposes and hope I don't love what I shoot in case of failure! For now times will be short as I am off to begin my first day at my new employment as a sales consultant at my local Nissan dealer! Happy photography everyone! -Americo.Rodriguez

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

The D700 is nice, I have one, but for similar money you could buy a Toyo 4x5 field camera. You would then have an instrument that can produce images you'll never get with digital or a smaller format. More importantly, you will be involved in the entire process from start to finish and those images will truly be yours.

As soon as funds permit I see myself getting an 8x10 with its Polaroid back to enjoy those beautiful yet pricey mediums! Then and only then will I force myself to learn the large format operation!

 

[fotch]

As soon as funds permit I see myself getting an 8x10 with its Polaroid back to enjoy those beautiful yet pricey mediums! Then and only then will I force myself to learn the large format operation!

Why?

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

Why?

I'm crazy

 

[EdSawyer]

agreed, go for a pacemaker if you want the best SG.

 

[fotch]

I'm crazy

We all are, to some degree.

 

[Dan Fromm]

I'm crazy

That's for sure.

If you want to learn more about Graphics, visit www.graflex.org and read the FAQs. Also buy a copy of Morgan & Lester's book Graphic Graflex Photography. You want the most recent edition you can afford, ideally 1948 or later so it will cover Pacemaker Graphics. Available at a wide range of prices (very reasonable to absurd) from sellers on abebooks.com, alibris.com, amazon.com, ...

 

[BrianShaw]

Almost as good is the 1968 US Navy photographer's mate document.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

...
just like with film or chemical based images
the sky is the limit with electronic devices.
it is just as easy to be involved with a process
from beginning to end with a d700 ...
...

Ok, sure, but the nature of the process is different. I'm actually very, very good with tools like PhotoShop, but personally I see it as a game. I guess I'm just jaded that so many other amateurs I know spend week after week tweaking one photo that progressively looks worse after each iteration (think of old woman with too much makeup). They can't make a single photo and be happy with it as it is. Maybe one of the reasons I also like Polaroid...

 

[shutterfinger]

1. Its an Anniversary Speed Graphic, 4x5 format. $250-$275
2. Lens in shutter, unknown type, $75-$125
3. Unknown brand 3 cell synchronizer with 7 inch reflector $125-$250 as it looks similar to the light saber models
4. Focuspot $50-$75

If it comes with a case and film holders then it might squeak by at $350 for the kit.

I charge $175 to CLA the body and RF, any parts that need to be replaced are extra, the front (lens) shutter is another $85 so that's $260 more if it needs the servicing and could run another $125 to recoat the shutter curtain if that is needed.

With the chrome trim its a 1939-1940 or a 1945-1946 vintage.

To check the shutter curtain for pin holes open the front shutter on T , aperture wide open or remove the lens and board, run the curtain down to closed after O, point the camera at a bright light source and monitor the ground glass while winding the curtain slowly. The only time you should see light is when one of the curtain apertures passes the ground glass.

 

[BrianShaw]

1940

 

[aRolleiBrujo]

I think ill play it safe for now and just skip it unless they drop the price to an absurd to pass number! xD t\Thanks everyone, and happy photography! -Americo