Trouble with developing 4x5

[JADoss23]

Update on the speed graphic solution. Took everyone's advice and loaded two sheets tonight and shot one with the focal plane shutter and one with the lens shutter and when I went to develop the two sheets only one came out so is it possible the curtain shutter has gone bad? I know Joe mentioned that was a problematic area... thanks for all the help. Going in the right direction.

 

[shutterfinger]

Is your Speed a top rangefinder or side rangefinder?
What is its serial number?

 

[JADoss23]

It's a side rangefinder. The anniversary model. E57793 ?

 

[shutterfinger]

E57793 ?

That sounds like a Kodak Ektar serial number and if so its 1947.

It's a side rangefinder. The anniversary model.

If its an Anniversary Speed Graphic the serial number will be stamped on the bottom side of the camera top, handle side. Turn the camera upside down with the front standard fully retracted into the case. You will need a flashlight to see it. The serial number will be 6 digits.
If its a Pacemaker Speed Graphic the serial number will be on a plate riveted to the bed between the rails.

 

[canuhead]

That doesn't exactly solve the problem unless you're sure the curtain was definitely open when using the lens shutter.

Also, the lens shutter was open when u used the Speed curtain ? If you saw the slits when you were looking before, then there shld be something on the film, depending on the exposure. Try cycling through all the rear curtain speeds to make sure the shutter is attempting different speeds.

Don't mean to insult but just trying to make sure every step is accounted for

 

[JADoss23]

That doesn't exactly solve the problem unless you're sure the curtain was definitely open when using the lens shutter.

Also, the lens shutter was open when u used the Speed curtain ? If you saw the slits when you were looking before, then there shld be something on the film, depending on the exposure. Try cycling through all the rear curtain speeds to make sure the shutter is attempting different speeds.

Don't mean to insult but just trying to make sure every step is accounted for

No worries. I feel like I'm in over my head with this camera but yea I made sure to open the lens shutter and did see the different slits when focusing through the ground glass before inserting my film holder. I tried to make sure I didn't miss any steps since I have had so much trouble and trying to trouble shoot but quite possible I messed something up again. Just weird one picture came out an the other was clear.

 

[canuhead]

It's a nice camera to use so it will worth the effort ! esp if you like using lenses in barrel.

Another thing to check, is the shutter release on the body set to back or front ?

 

[removed account4]

if you are using the focal plane shutter with an anniversary graphic or speed graphic, you need to re-wind the shutter after you use it
if you want to use it at the same shutter speed ( unless you want OVER exposed negatives ) ... and you need to wind the shuter ( the speeds get slower when they wind down )
with either the darkslide over the film, no film inserted or the lens shutter closed ..
lots of fun stuff to remember with these old battle-axes !

 

[shutterfinger]

The Speed Graphic was introduced in 1912 and the focal plane shutter remained basically unchanged until 1947 when the Pacemaker series of camera was introduced. Knowing for sure which model/year of manufacture will help with operation and is necessary for how to repair tips.
All focal plane shutters in Speed Graphics have 4 apertures + a full frame aperture labeled O for open.
All focal plane shutters in Speed Graphics have to be wound after being tripped to use the same shutter speed again.
All focal plane shutters should close and lock when released from O on the lowest tension setting.
All focal plane shutters should wind to the smallest aperture with the tension set to its highest.
All focal plane shutters DO NOT disassemble the same.
Dried grease in the roller bushings and weakened tension springs give different shutter speeds than marked on the speed table/window.
Anniversary Speed operating instructions: http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/Anniversary.pdf
Anniversary Speed repair manual: http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/AnniversaryService1.pdf
Pacemaker Speed Graphic repair manual (side rangefinder): http://www.graflex.org/manuals/45-Pacemaker-Speed-and-Crown-Graphic.pdf

EDIT: focal plane shutters slow down with age. It should produce an over exposed or correctly exposed negative not an unexposed/under exposed one.
Post a picture of the back of your camera with both shutters open (fps at O, leaf open on B,T, or press to focus) and the ground glass shade open.