Graflex.org

RichS · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 6:45 pm Post subject:

Don't lose your enthusiasm! You've got a great camera and you will learn how to use it and make some great photos with it!!!

But you may want t try calming down your impulses

Reading is good! But go the simplest route you can so your initial results are good and predictable. I still like D76 for negs. It keeps forever and seems to always give me good results. Use the most common films & chemicals so information and help is a lot easier to obtain. That tank you bought looks nice. I wish I would have seen that one... And maybe now that I have, I'll invest in one. So let us know how it works for you!

Just take your time learnig the camera. Remember that pretty much all cameras are the same. Just a container for dark with a lens at one end and film at the other. You _will_ make mistakes. We all do and enjoy each and every one! I've lost count how many times I've screwed up with the darkslide

Although I have yet to load the film upside-down...

Just enjoy it...

RichS · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:03 pm Post subject:

Oh, by the way... Yes those holder at Charlotte will work. But in my own personal opinion, you could do better. It may be a good idea to buy a set of new ones so you know you've got something you can depend on. But I bought all my holders used and paid no more than 10 bucks a piece for them. If you buy used ones form a reputable dealer (like KEH), you should have no worries. E-bay is a crap shoot unless you know the seller...

And do you have a good exposure meter?

How about a loupe to focus on the ground glass? The general recommendation with Graphics is the Toyo 3.6 loupe, available at a good price from B&H.

A cable release comes in handy. I'd suggest a 20 inch minimum.

And of course a decent tipod.

Then you'd be all set to go

_________________
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"Ya just can't have too many GVIIs"

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Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

The tank and reel will work just fine. I use the same sort of setup just a touch bigger.

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

Okay, time to make another shopping list! YIKES! These are one time only though, so I may as well just do it now and have everything I need to make pictures!

hmmm .... I do have a Sekonik L-358? Won't work will it? Any brand or model recommendations?

I put the loupe is on my list! Never heard of it for focusing? Looks like I'll be learning many new ways.

Will any cable release do or does it have to be a brand name? I'll be sure it's at least 20 inches though!

hmmm ... I have a carbon Hakuba? With an Acratech Universal Ball Head? Will that work?

Thanks for helping me finish up my shopping spree!

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

The only reason to replace the Sekonic 358 [which I have and love] is if you want spot metering. Other then that you're set.

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

GREAT!!! So, I can use my Sekonic! THANKS! Whew!

danimal · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:18 pm Post subject:

Hey,

I've got an almost identical camera. Mine came with a 13.5cm Zeiss Tessar. I'll have to scan in a few photos to send you. You can get the instruction book here, and you can learn a lot about shooting large format here. Give me an e-mail and we'll shoot the breeze.

Dan

[ This Message was edited by: danimal on 2004-07-13 12:21 ]

[ This Message was edited by: danimal on 2004-07-13 12:22 ]

t.r.sanford · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:08 pm Post subject:

You certainly can learn to use an "Anniversary." It is similar to, and certainly no more difficult than, a "Crown." In fact, it's a bit more straightforward mechanically.

As for results, much depends the lens. The one you're getting is a well-respected design, and if it's clean and has not been abused, it is able to produce outstanding pictures.

The trouble with cameras that think for you is that they often try to outsmart you, and you can spend a good deal of time trying to work around the assumptions programmed into them by their designers.

You have only two exposure controls on any "Speed Graphic" (or "Crown Graphic), each of which also affects one other variable. All you need is an exposure meter, and maybe not even that!

RichS · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:34 pm Post subject:

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

Put all your fears to rest. You are on the right track and when you print that first great 4X5 negative, you will be thrilled at the result of your efforts. Don't worry that you are beginning with a bigger camera. It's no different than an all manual 35mm. Until you see the results.

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

Thank You once again! You have all been so helpful and kind!

One more? Will this Fuji Film Holder for 4x5 Instant Peel-A-Part Pack Film work so I can use it for my practice as I get to know my new camera? I just think it may help me with the learning if I could start with these.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=308996&is=REG&si=acc#goto_itemInfo

It looks like the cable release, loupe and maybe the above would at least allow me to quickly test the camera while it is still covered under my credit card.

Maybe I should write the seller and ask him about the back so I can order the proper thing.

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

Got It! Long throw cable release! Thanks for the keyword!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5847&is=REG

I'm putting all the links here in hopes it may help another newcomer. If you feel it's too many or out of line. Holler and I'll stop it!

Sjixxxy · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 109 Location: Midwest US

45PSS · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:17 am Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-25 11:30 ]

RichS · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 3:33 am Post subject: