Whats up with Graflex SLRs?

[athanasius80]

As I contemplate yet another camera purchase, I'm wondering what are the particular charms of the 4x5 Graflex SLRs. I can see them as the state of the art press camera circa 1905, but I'm curious as to what makes them special. From user opinions, what are these cameras awesome to use for? What are these cameras a pain to use for?

I'm happy to hear any honest opinions, PMs and emails are fine.

Thanks!

 

[David H. Bebbington]

Yes, large reflexes were the default choice of press photographers in the late 19th century until purpose-built cameras came along, and they were just about the only choice for action telephoto work (wild life, sports, etc.), although the shutter lag must have taken a lot of getting used to. Aside from that, they were great for informal spontaneous portraiture (you can see how Edward Weston used only 8x10" for his more formal work but switched to 3 1/4 x 4 1/4" Graflex when he wanted to be quicker).

Given the advances in film technology, it is no longer necessary to use at least a 1/4 plate or 4x5" negative to get high image quality, roll film reflexes have taken over this role, which leaves large reflexes as a historical curiosity, although they can be fun to use!

Regards,

David

 

[darinwc]

The graflex SLR's allow you to use 4x5 film with a variety of barrel lenses and with the speed and ease of use of a SLR. Yes a mamiya or 'blad will give you comparable or better quality. But some of the lenses have a different quality that a modern camera doesnt.

Caveats: The shutter is a clunky roller-blind thing that will probably need some adjustment or at least compensation. The camera is downright big. Most had 'graflex' backs that are slightly differnt than standard. I made an adapter for mine easily enough.

The super-D graflexes in my opinion are overpriced.. most of the time i use mine with the lens wide open so the auto-aperture really isnt getting much use by me. However they are generally in better shape than the older ones.

So the real question is how much you like shooting roll film vs sheet film, and if you want to use funky lenses with real-time focussing and composition. if you allready have some odd lenses, and have a passion for big old cameras, then it may fit the bill. If you want quality portraits, a Mamiya RB will probably work better for you.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The 5x7" models give you a negative that is big enough to contact print. Believe it or not, they are handholdable and well balanced, though of course one gets better results with a tripod. Of course it's an advantage that they are SLRs. As Graflex advertised--"there is no guesswork" because you can compose and focus up to the instant of exposure.

I have a 5x7" Press Graflex. The 5x7" Home Portrait is a more desirable, because it has a rotating back. The Press Graflex is more compact than the Home Portrait, but to take verticals, you have to turn the camera on its side.

The Press Graflex takes Graflex style filmholders (wider than standard), but they go under the spring back--there are no slides. It also takes bag mags for plates and sheets (I have one of each) that have two spring clips on top and two locator pins on the bottom. These bag mags are unique to the Press Graflex and can be hard to find. The plate mag must have weighed a ton loaded with 12 glass plates. It's already pretty heavy with 12 metal film sheaths. The 12-sheet bag mag for film is thinner and lighter.

Here's an image from this camera in my APUG gallery--

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[k_jupiter]

After wrasslin with a 1/2 plate camera or worse, the photographer of the early 1900's must have been thrilled with the ease of use of a rb type camera. I look at that camera as I use it (I have a 3x4) and am amazed at how advanced the design is. You see many design concepts carried over into the rb67 cameras brought out 60 years later.

I have a number of the wider film holders, and if I run out, the Grafex roll film holder lets me keep shooting (I do have to guess a bit on composition). I don't change lens with this camera, the draw isn't enough to allow great differences in focal length, and the 150 Eastman lens on it does a fine job. I find the shutter to be close enough for B&W film. It's funny though, I usually only bring the camera out for my trips down to Monterey and the peninsula. it's a Weston tribute sort of thing.


tim in san jose

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Graflex focal plane shutters are often quite accurate, because the parts are fairly large with respect to the precision of machining in that era, which was more than sufficient for this purpose, and the shutters with fixed slit widths are simple enough to make accurate. My 5x7" has a top speed of 1/1500 sec, and I suppose on a sunny day with a fast lens, there might have been some films that could have used that speed when this camera was built.

 

[Frank R]

The Super D I recently picked up is real easy to use. It is nice to be able to focus and then shoot like a modern SLR.

 

[darinwc]

/agree that the shutters are accurate. Mine needed a little bit of tweaking.. directions on graflex.org ...but once set it works quite well and reliable. The controls for shutter release and focus are well-placed for hand-holding. But the shutter wind is a litle akward.
I prefer to use mine on a vintage wood movie tripod or on an extra-sturdy monopod.

Tim: have you tried a raptar or optar telephoto? most field camera users dont like them too much because they are heavy and dont do well with movements, but they are great on the graflex slrs! I have a 15" on my 4x5. paid about $50 for it.

 

[k_jupiter]

/agree that the shutters are accurate. Mine needed a little bit of tweaking.. directions on graflex.org ...but once set it works quite well and reliable. The controls for shutter release and focus are well-placed for hand-holding. But the shutter wind is a litle akward.
I prefer to use mine on a vintage wood movie tripod or on an extra-sturdy monopod.

Tim: have you tried a raptar or optar telephoto? most field camera users dont like them too much because they are heavy and dont do well with movements, but they are great on the graflex slrs! I have a 15" on my 4x5. paid about $50 for it.

That's what I need, another lens set to spend money on. *L*

Maybe someday down the road. Thanks for the tip.

tim in san jose

 

[removed account4]

i love my graflex, and use it as my primary 4x5 camera.
i do have a pet peeves though. i can get used to the shutter wind/crank
thing between shots, but i don't like how "landscape" mode will cut off
part of the image on 4x5 film ...

john

 

[darinwc]

Oh, and if you DO have a mamiya RB67, the graflex SLR makes it look small! =]

 

[ineffablething]

They are among some of the greatest cameras ever invented, in my opinion. Slap a fast lens on one or just pick up a Series C and have SK Grimes convert it to a graflock back and you'll be in photo heaven.

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I've never seen one in person or used one but I like how they fold up into a 'box'. Also, the metal hardware used to wind the shutter looks really nice.
There is this person on ebay who buys these things up.. Kills me every time.
I've given up on ever owning one.

 

[darinwc]

the pretty ones are snatched up by dealers who try to resell them for $1000+.
The uglier ones may need a replacement lens and come cleaning or adjusting, but otherwise work just as well. The fact that they fold into a box protects the working parts.