Reason number 2 why I bought a Pacemaker Speed Graphic and a Graflex Model D.
Reason 1 was that I wanted LF cameras that I could use hand held.
Reason 3 is that I wanted an camera that also had some movements.
The practical advantage of having a focal plane shutter is the ability to use barrel (non-shuttered) lenses.
.... that is why Graphex came out with the Crown Graphic in 1947, some people just did not need the focal plane shutter any longer.
at this age juncture most of the FP shutters on Speeds don't work very well -- at least mine doesn't. Look around you can find one pretty easily with a 127mm Kodak Ektar and have fun, either a crown or speed -- they were made for being used handheld Keep ur shutter speed at 100 or above.
and remember, the guys who used those things in combat had to get shots of the troops advancing, "and we want to see their faces..."
There is an old adage about what the slowest speed one can hand hold steadily. It goes: the slowest speed is one that approximates the focal length of your lens in millimeters. In other words, most 4 x 5 graphics have a 135 mm lens. That would mean you can hand hold comfortably at a shutter speed of 1/125 of a second or faster. A 150 mm should be OK at that speed too with care. For 35 mm cameras, a 50 mm lens can be hand held at 1/60. I tell my students that with practice they should be able to drop down at least another speed.
That rule of thumb is for 35mm cameras.
Actually, it was first for medium format. In the 60's I started telling 35mm customers to use it for guidance.
If anyone is interested, I have 2 Graphics of different age, and one mini Graphic 3.25 x 4.25 and a baby Watson.
Come by here and you can try them out. I might even give you one!
PE
If anyone is interested, I have 2 Graphics of different age, and one mini Graphic 3.25 x 4.25 and a baby Watson.
Come by here and you can try them out. I might even give you one!
PE
at this age juncture most of the FP shutters on Speeds don't work very well -- at least mine doesn't.
Like any other mechanical device of that age, it might need to be serviced.
It's not that difficult to service them either, I got mine up and running nicely about 5 years ago and only found the sites/books afterwards.
Thomas Tomosy has a good section on LF focal plane shutters in his book "Repairing Classic and Collectible Camera". There is a PDF version available online but whether it's kosher or pirated I've no idea.
I've supplied new shutter curtain material to a US repairer recently just over 6ft in lenght x 8" wide for the restoration of a 7x5 Graflex, the camera's now restored.
Ian
I have repaired a Graflex shutter. It is not that difficult with the right tool [not expensive] and well written instructions with photographs.
i have always wanted a 7x5 graflex ... you are one lucky-duck!
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