Graflex.org

waynec · Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 4:32 pm Post subject:

Over the years I have accumulated a few different Graphics either as parts cameras or as working cameras. The current Crown that I use now is a conglomeration of parts from here or there and is stripped of everything possible. It is a smooth shooter but somewhat ugly with a stripped front cover and it's fair share of scrapes. Not that that doesn't make it an excellent shooter, but if I were to try and sell it, I'd practically get nothing for it, not that I would. Right now I also have a Speed and Crown body stripped and another Crown that is headed that way. I wanted to ask the readership if they have performed any modifications to their Graphic camera(s), do they have any pictures or text accompanying their renovations, or if they have done any redesigning to come up with a hybrid form. The reason for this is (for me) to find and perhaps catalogue the ideas together, and second to discuss designs.

My own ideas run along the line of, 1. yanking the front cover and attaching a cone for handheld use only, 2. converting the camera into a predominetly vertical format without the cover 3. mating two bodies for a panoramic camera; 4. Cutting an inch off the back, or adding a short back with it's own bellows and making it a drop back. These are just ideas I've had over the course of a few years; I wonder if anyone has actually tried anything like this? If you know of any links please post them; I'd like to either start a blog or website that addresses ideas of renovation and designs.

RichS · Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 4:55 pm Post subject:

This is really not a good subject, and I hope you hear it from more than me.

NO MORE Crowns, Speeds or any other Gralfex cameras will ever be made. There are fewer available every year. Gutting them out and destroying them is most deffinitely NOT the solution to this problem.

Repair them. Recondition them. Do NOT butcher them!

Rangemaster · Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 8:27 pm Post subject:

I do have to say, to each his own, but I don't quite understand why so many feel the need to modify what was once the most popular camera in the world?

I guess that is just the way it is.

Dave

_________________
Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass

waynec · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 2:26 am Post subject:

Hmm, intersting. Of course you realize that the camera is nothing more then a box made of maghoney to which parts have been attached. The parts wouldn't change in my vision, simply the use of only certain parts. It is quite easy to create the box as a wooden shell at any time and of any material, just as a bellows can be replaced, and one can re-attach the parts recreating the camera essentially, so why the attitude like your defacing a camera that needs refinishing or rebuilding anyways. I'm not talking about taking a mint camera to do such revision, simply modifiying something that is shot.

Henry · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 3:18 am Post subject:

I know a fellow, prof. photog. he is at that, who takes 2x3 Crowns and modifies them to have a revolving back (or maybe the correct term is rotating back---someone please educate me on the difference). His specialty is shooting architectural (especially home) interiors, so this mod gives him an essential tool, with lots more front rise than if the camera body were turned 90°. Sounds like a great idea to me. It would be impractical with the Mahoganite body on my Century.

45PSS · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 6:10 am Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-24 21:08 ]

hurdy_gurdyman · Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Posts: 44 Location: Central Michigan

I modded a couple of Pacemaker type lens standards to have horizonal swings. Easy to do. The locking mechanism has a metal tab that lifts up on each focusing rail. Using a file or dremel grinder, gently round off the rear corner of both of these until you can rotate the standard in the tracks. Everything will still lock into place and will continue to function as before, but you now have horizonal swings. I would only do this to a beater that would never be restored anyway. I have a Century Graphic with a cracked body I did this to that I still use. Very handy at times.

Dave :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: hurdy_gurdyman on 2005-11-06 07:06 ]

waynec · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:17 pm Post subject:

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

Rotating back is one that is removed, rotated and put back on, ala Graphic View and most monorail view cameras. A revolving back is one that stays on but rotates in place.

REV backs are usually found on 8" Cirkut cameras and the later Rev Back Cycle Graphic and all of the RB Graflex cameras.

They even made a Cycle Graphic camera with both the Revolving back and a Reversing back! The Revoling back allowed a quick change to portrait mode, but the back could be removed and the focal plane attachment could be put on between the back and the camera.

Henry · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 4:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the lesson, Les! Then I meant to say "rotating" back.