Graflex.org

fiver49 · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 2 Location: NW corner of the usa

I jsut purchased a Graflex Crown Graphic 3x4. The serial number is 800705. It has a Graflex Optar 135 mm f4.7 lens. Ser #:915538. It also has a Kalart Synchronized Rangefinder hooked up. I also have aGraflite Jr. flashbulb attachment. This is my first Graflex. I have some experience in MF and LF (as well as 35). Im not real sure I want to use this machine (partially because I dont want to have to deal with trying to find film and film holders for it). If anyone can help me with an age of the camera and perhaps some sources for backs and film I would be most gracious.

Thanks!

RichS · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 3:17 am Post subject:

Can't help with the age, but maybe film & holders...

http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Look in the large format section. Always 3x4 holders listed.

http://www.jandcphotography.com/ has film in just about any format including 3x4...

There are many others. There are folks here who use 3x4. Use that camera and enjoy!

Graflex Sid · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 221 Location: London,England

Welcome to the 3x4 club...that's if you retain the camera,it's an 'acquired' taste.
Not many of them around Im afraid,but still a classic.

If you do retain it,it's worth looking out for a 120 back,but even these are rare (bought mine here in GB by sheer chance),remember to alter the mask in the optical viewfinder,otherwise you are going to get 'cut-off'using the open frame finder.

I presume you have a Graflok back,not a spring one?.An important question.

Beezilly · Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 1:47 am Post subject:

I just bought a 3x4 speed graphic with a spring back - implications?

Graflex Sid · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 221 Location: London,England

Yes,Im afraid so..you cannot fit a roll film holder with cameras with 'Spring Backs'full stop.
Actually,you can read more about this subject on this site....but in general,a GRAFLOK back can only use Graphic attachments.It is a spring back with a panel removable by pressing inwards on the knurled edges of the panel arms at the top and bottom and sliding the assembly to the right where it may be lifted off.It is important to have this otherwise you cannot fit a 120 film back.
As I say,do read all about 'backs'on this site.

You could have a non-removable Graflex back on your "34",also depends on the date of the camera.At that time (when new)you had a choice of 'backs'when walking into a camera store.

...by the way,the "34" wasn't a popular camera size with the public and they were withdrawn later in the early '50,for the more popular 2x3 and 5x4 which became best sellers.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2148 Location: New Jersey

Graflex Sid · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 221 Location: London,England

Frankly old lad,Im not arguing with you-this is how World wars are caused.Frankly myself,I couldn't care a damn what fits where.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2148 Location: New Jersey

djon · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 174 Location: New Mexico

Most questions about 3X4 are reasonably answered "can't be done" ...assuming "can/can't" means "for all practical purposes."

djon · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 174 Location: New Mexico

One idea might be to butcher a 2X3 Century relic, transposing its Graflok back to the 3X4.

Or take the 127 lens and focus stops from the 3X4 and mount them on a Century...a short portrait lens Vs the Century's 80/100/101/whatever standard lens.

Use the leftover 3X4 film holders for picture frames!

clnfrd · Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 11:43 pm Post subject:

I believe what Sid was implying was that you can't fit a Graphic back to a camera with a spring back. After all, this IS Graflex.org

But...Sid....didn't you tell me once that you permanently attached a Graphic roll film back to one of your cameras by removing the GG back and glueing the roll film back to the camera? Of course this requires staying with the same lens with an accurately calibrated rangefinder and distance scale. Fred.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2148 Location: New Jersey

clnfrd · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 1:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Dan. Guess I missed the info...or the Alzheimers has kicked in. That's the beauty of this site...I never stop learning. Fred.

fiver49 · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 2 Location: NW corner of the usa

Thank you to everyone why gave me information about sources for the film and holders. I was under the impression that the 34 was like the dodo bird. Gone by the wayside. Awasome!
The camera has a spring back. Like I said, my experience with this camera or any graflex is way limited. I have done some reading and have learned a lot. But if there are any more suggestions, they are most welcome.
And just out of curiousity, I still want to know the age of the machine.
And what a beautiful machine it is.

Gandolf · Joined: 26 Dec 2001 Posts: 328 Location: middle earth