Graflex.org

DAB · Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Posts: 9

I’m starting to wonder….

I have done 35mm and medium format and decided to try LF. I decided on the Speed Graphic as a good way to check out the format before committing to a large chunk of money. Especially because I am more of a backpacking type of photographer.

A couple of weeks ago I got a very nice condition Super Speed Graphic with the Rodenstock lens. Everything works. The lens is fine. I was happy.

Then I started reading here that maybe I should just “exercise” the lens because the shutter is irreplaceable and possibly fragile. I could put a different lens on the SSG, but then, why have a SSG at all? And then I’m thinking, should I be backpacking with a fine condition collectible camera anyway?

So, on a whim/impulse, I got a Pacemaker, late model. Also very good shape. The rear shutter seems to work very well, and I’m thinking, cool, I can use cheaper non-shuttered lenses. Then I read a good, working shutter is unusual and that maybe I should just exercise this shutter because it may be old and fragile.

I want a camera I can USE! Should I sell these as collectibles and get a modern utilitarian camera like a Tachihara? Or should I use these and not worry about it? No definite answer to this I suppose, but it’s bugging me now.

Any thoughts?

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2146 Location: New Jersey

L smith · Joined: 14 Dec 2002 Posts: 5 Location: plano tx

I bought my 4x5 speed about three years ago. I bought it to use. I wanted a "true field camera" but could not afford the prices. I think I have the ultimate in field cameras Now that it has climbed hills in new mexico, swamped in south texas, and pushed briars in north east texas. Reverance the Almighty. Not your tools. The money is spent. Now go have fun!

45PSS · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 3:01 am Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-25 10:26 ]

RichS · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 3:10 am Post subject:

I've spent my whole life afraid to use just about anything because it would break or get lost. It takes the fun out of just about everything. And I sounded a lot like you... And as most know here, I wound up needing spares of everything...
Over the years, I finally developed different thoughts on such things. The camera was made to use. It's whole life depends on taking pictures. You deprive it of life by not using it (not meaning to sound too esoteric). It is after all a tool as was mentioned. Use it, but treat it kindly and take care of it. It will take care of you. If it breaks, have it repaired. If it breaks again, have it reparied again. When it finally can no longer be repaired, then is the time to place it on a shelf with all due respect. And it will have made a long string of stories to go with it! Shelve it now and you kill it off before it's time...

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

I'm gonna split the fencepost here. While I can't say I have a lot of experience with the Rodenstock shutter I have heard that it's difficult to get serviced once it needs it. It's not that common of a lens and the parts will only get harder to find down the road. Unless you really love vertical framing and want to use the movements then I think the better value is in the Pacemaker.

From watching ebay I think you could do very well selling the SSG and if you really have to have the movements, then get a Super Graphic (without the fancy front shutter) They run about 2/3 the price of the SSG and frankly I don't think you'll miss the high shutter speed.

The Pacemaker Speed will handle a 90mm lens and some 65mm lenses. The SSG can handle wider lenses, but there's no easy way to focus them since the SSG doesn't have focus rails in the body.

Don't worry about the shutter in the Pacemaker. It's readily repairable. I bought a Crown in very very nice condition back in '87. I paid $175 for it. I've used it in every place I wouldn't take my Hassy. A few years back I found the same camera in my original condition for $500. I thought, "Boy if I had taken better care of my camera....." Then I realized. By putting those nicks and scratches in the body, I saved my Hassy countless hazards and in the process made over $25,000 with it.

My opinion in a soundbite..... Sell the SSG and spend the money on film and lenses for the Pace and GO SHOOT!

DAB · Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Posts: 9

Thanks all, for your thoughts (except maybe Dan - hope that was a bad day you were having, Dan, and not a customary attitude).

I'm going to play around with both for a while, but I suspect I'm going to agree with Les - sell the Super Speed and go knocking about with the Pacemaker.

Discpad · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 6:26 am Post subject:

I bought a Speed Graphic last month (found out here to be made in 1956) specifically to take to the track and shoot in production for photos for a national publication (RaceFax)

Last year I shot the IRL with a Nikon N6000 and Fuji S1 Pro for on-track action as well as prerace and garage shots. However, this year I'll be shooting about 6-8 races in the Craftsman Truck Series for a photo agency as well as my IRL duties. I looked for decent medium format gear, such as a Mamiya 645AF; but by the time I added up the costs I decided to take another look at large format (I also have a Calumet view camera), and since I process my own E6 I decided to give a Graflex a try.

In my particular case I'll be sacrificing the on-track action I would have gotten with the 645AF; but I'll be getting much better garage and prerace shots... At 1/10th the cost.

The key is to use the right tool for the job at hand, so if you tune into an Indy Racing League event on ABC or ESPN and you see a guy on the starting grid with a Speed Graphic... That's me!