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jnadeau · Joined: 19 Jun 2002 Posts: 8

I am looking for a graphic type camera. can't decide on getting a 2 1/4x 3 1/4 camera like the century or crown or the like or go with a 4x5 camera and use a 120 roll back film unit. I will likely use it with 120 film but with my curiosity in photography will likely work with 4x5 someday. which is the better way to go? I really like those century graphics with the red bellows. but a nice crown graphic is very nice. I also really like the super graphic and super speed graphic but am reluctant due to the electrical portion of it. getting batteries may be a problem.
as you can tell, I have a delema.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

I think the 120/4x5 answer resides in your ability to process 4x5 or get it done near you. Process B&W 120 can be done with a shoe box full of equipment. 4x5 will take some more effort (and more money). if you want color, either negatives or transparencies. Then you'll be better off finding a lab, which is getting harder to do.

I've never been a fan of 120 on 4x5. I figure if your going to haul all that weight around you might as well get the big image.

I contend that Graphic cameras have hit their stable point in price. Buy the little crown or century, don't drop it or abuse it and you can sell it for what you paid for it.
Or do like most people on this list, buy both.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2120 Location: New Jersey

clnfrd · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2002 2:44 pm Post subject:

Hi. For what it's worth, I have a 2X3 Century and 2X3 Speed Graphic and love the capability of shooting 120 roll film OR 2X3 cut film. To me, it's pointless to buy a 4X5 to shoot 2X3. 2X3 cut film is still readily available, although I can only find Ilford ISO 400...but 120 is available in several speeds as well as color. It's nice to be able to shoot just a couple of shots with cut film...throw it into a tray of D-76 for a few minutes...and make an enlargement a few minutes later. The Century is great for the roll film adapter (I have a 6X9 and a 6X6cm) with its Graflok Back...whereas the Speed with its spring back is best used with cut film. Fred.

jnadeau · Joined: 19 Jun 2002 Posts: 8

how about cameras like the super graphic, crown, etc with graflok backs. what is the problem encountered with using 120 film in a 4x5 camera? weight for me is a non issue. will be tripod mounted. just seems like this would be a very flexible system. also, seems like the 4x5 format cameras with graflok are easier and more affordable to get than the century. must be because the century is in higher demand.

RichS · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2002 8:05 pm Post subject:

One 'problem' not brought up yet is lenses. A 4x5 is hard pressed to fit a 65mm. While for roll film, an 80mm to 100mm is a standard lens. So you could get a 'normal' lens for roll film on a 4x5, but wide angle is a bit hard, although strictly for roll film use the image circle could be much less and you could buy less expensive lenses. But then they wouldn't work for 4x5. Although long lenses for roll film is easy because the film area is so much less. There are times I wish I could get a 600mm lens on my C330 (about that same as a 300mm, 10inch on a 4x5 using roll film).

So if you want to shoot wide angle on the roll film, a 2x3 would be a better choice. On my C330, the 55mm is used more than any other lens. Be hard to duplicate that with a 4x5 & roll film...

clnfrd · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2002 9:18 pm Post subject:

Yep...a 4X5 with a standard 127mm lens means you're probably going to be backing WAY up to get the same coverage as you would with a Century with a 103mm lens, if you're shooting 120 film. Take a 4X5 print and throw a 2X3 mask on it to see what you'll get.(Actually, you'll get a full 2-1/4"X3-1/4" image with a 120 roll film adapter...2"X3" with cut film holders.) I bought my Century a while back and didn't find it to be any more expensive than a 4X5. But, then mine is all black. I guess the red bellows is more pricey. But, if you want 4X5 capability, you can find an occasional bargain on a 100mm lens for the 6X9 format. A mask for this format for your viewfinder would also come in handy for point and shoot if not using the ground glass. The ground glass, of course, would need the 120 film coverage outlined. Fred.

Norman72 · Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2002 4:57 pm Post subject:

I use roll film on all my Graphic Cameras and use my 90mm on the 2 X 3. As has been
said getting 4 X 5 processed plus the cost
and availability of film brings Photography
to the point of VERY EXPENSIVE HOBBY. Using
the roll film adapter plus the movements of
the camera make for a very good to excellent
result no one but an expert might (might)
find a flaw.

_________________
Really interested in landscape due to age
prolem (old) always like fresh glamour.

fastlenz · Joined: 12 Jul 2002 Posts: 1 Location: New England, Boston

I've recently aquired the 2x3 crown graphic with three roll film backs. 220, 120 8 exp., 120 12 exposure. My favorite, 120 8 exp. is ailing. The advance lever return spring, just a tiny thing, has broken. My questions are:
1. Can I acquire a spring and repair myself?
2. Can I find a repair shop that works on this equipment?
3. Should I purchace another working model and keep the old one for parts?

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2120 Location: New Jersey