Took the plunge...Super Speed Graphic

Kerosene Hat · Nov 8, 2015

So, medium format was a gateway into large format and bought a cherry condition Super Speed Graphic with 135mm Optar lens this past week. There's an issue with the focusing hood on the back, which I'm working through with the seller, but I have now figured out how to open and close the camera (always a good thing) and look forward to exposing my first frames here soon. Thanks to my used camera dealer and friends on APUG for enabling this habit!

shutterfinger · Nov 8, 2015

Usage instructions: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_6.html
A Super Speed Graphic is a Super Graphic with a Graphic 1000 shuttered lens. The only difference in the bodies is the Label.
Graphic 1000 Shutter operating instructions: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_11.html or http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_12.html
A should read as there is a combination or two of controls that should be avoided to prevent damage to the shutter.

There is no download feature on that site so save each page's large image to your computer.

Sirius Glass · Nov 8, 2015

Congratulations! You made a wise choice.

You and find Super Speed Graphic information on www.graflex.org and www.graflex.org/forum. Also you can down load the manual from http://www.butkus.org/chinon/, but please pay $3US for any download that you find useful.

I have a 1953 4"x5" Pacemaker Speed Graphic and an 1928 4"x5" Graflex Model D.

Kerosene Hat · Nov 8, 2015

Thanks, guys-I will check out the resources and make sure to donate to Butkus.

Sirius Glass · Nov 8, 2015

Also check out http://www.southbristolviews.com/

Doc W · Nov 9, 2015

Congratulations. I started in LF with a Pacemaker Crown Graphic but eventually got a Super Speed Graphic. If it were not for the lack of back movements, it would still be by main field 4x5. It has tons of front tilt and swing, weighs next to nothing, and is so durable you could probably drive nails with it (something I do NOT recommend, however). Don't forget that you can get a roll film back for it. You can also get cams for the lens and use it hand-held, as intended (it WAS a press camera, remember).

Great camera. Have fun.

bernard_L · Nov 9, 2015

There is no download feature on that site so save each page's large image to your computer.

{firefox} right-click:show source code; identify URLs of images

shutterfinger · Nov 9, 2015

http://www.graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=4647 how to calibrate a Super/Super Speed Graphic rangefinder
http://www.graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=4653 how to make a Super/ Super Speed Graphic cam from scratch

http://www.graflex.org/helpboard/index.php

Kerosene Hat · Nov 9, 2015

Thanks guys. The rangefinder is supposed to be "spot on" per the seller and also recently CLA'd, so I think I got a good deal. Definitely desire back movements, but considering LF with a lens and the existing front movements and supposed CLA, this seemed like a great deal. The biggest things I'm nervous about now are loading film and dealing with the looks and reactions folks will no doubt have when they see a 4x5 in person for the first time (in 20 years of photography, I've only ever ran into two guys shooting LF "in the wild"). What an age we live in to be able to get into LF for such reasonable entry prices. Now, to buy some sheet film...

BrianShaw · Nov 9, 2015

Do your self a favor... before you start craving back movements, learn the basics.

Whatever you do, don't worry about others. Some may find it intriguing but most will likely quietly dismiss you as some sort of a kook. Ask me how I know.

I started LF with a SuperGraphic and still use it periodically. Suggest you seek out some 22.5v batteries and use the electric release if you plan to use it handheld. Makes hand-held work much more convenient.

JBish130 · Nov 17, 2015

The secret button to open the camera... I remember my first graflex. Everyone runs into the same thing with them.

Ian Grant · Nov 17, 2015

You'll enjoy the Super Graphic, I've been using one for a around 5 years now and it has more than enough movements for the images I make. I sometimes use mine hand-held something that isn't really possible with my Wista 45DX.

I also use Speed and Crown Graphics but the Super Graphic has the advantage of decent movements particularly in portrait mode, I get frustrated with the Pacemaker Graphics.

Ian

mjork · Nov 17, 2015

JBish130 said:
The secret button to open the camera... I remember my first graflex. Everyone runs into the same thing with them.

Though you are probably thinking about the hidden button on the Pacemaker and earlier Graphic cameras. The Super Graphic has a completely different hidden mechanism for opening it

It almost seems like Graflex wanted to make sure only professionals knew how to open these cameras...

Took the plunge...Super Speed Graphic

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