Graflex.org

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3825854162&ssPageName=ADME:B:BN:US:1

I am bidding on the item above and the Seller is going to send me a film holder. From your experience do you think this is a good camera for a beginner in LF?

Rangemaster · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 2:13 pm Post subject:

It looks from the limited pictures to be in good shape, I have a couple of annis and have always liked using them, I now use my Crown more often due to it having a graflok back so I can use roll film holders, but if you plan to use just cut film holders or a Calument roll film holder, it should be a great camera to start out with.

Dave

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

t.r.sanford · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 2:18 pm Post subject:

If the camera is in as good condition as the description says it is, I think it's a fine choice, and should be a very good learning tool. There are people who prefer the "Anniversary" design to the later "Pacemaker" type.

The lens is interesting; that focal length is approximately "normal" for 4X5, but for some reason, a majority of wartime-and-later "Speed Graphics" were fitted with 5" or 5¼" lenses.

You will need more than one filmholder, but not a whole lot more. Five, or perhaps six, should be enough.

Rangemaster · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 2:41 pm Post subject:

T.R.

My first anni actually came with this very same lens, I don't know if it was the standard or if someone replaced, but found it to be an okay shooter for the most part.

Dave

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

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

I know this is late in the game, but for the price you can get a very nice Pacemaker Crown with a coated lens (I can't tell if this lens is coated, but if it's original, chances are it's not)

While there's nothing wrong with this camera as a starter, you could do better for the same amount of money, or get one with at least a return provision.

While I don't know the seller well, I do know he knows his Graflex cameras well, and I would think if he says it's Ex ++ then it is.

BTW from the looks of it, this is an early Anny. Probably 1940.

Les

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

Thanks for all of your responses! I really am reminiscent and like the idea that this actual camera could have even been on the beaches somewhere in the 1940's.

I did get it partly for sentimental reasons. I do agree with the last poster that a more up to date model may be a bit more practical. I suppose, I am just a hopeless romantic when it comes to these things. I do hope that I am able to pick up the techniques quickly through all of the articles here. Thanks again for reassuring me. My instincts just kicked in and told me, this is the one for me.

I WON!

So, now I'll go read everything ever written and maybe by the time it gets here I'll kind of know what to do with it!

Any "How To" book recommendations would be wonderful!

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

"Any "How To" book recommendations would be wonderful!"

Look for an early version of Graphic/Graflex Photography. Here are some sources:

http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?tn=graphic+graflex+photography&ph=2&imageField.y=15&imageField.x=56&cm_re=HP*Search+Box*Form&sts=t

Look on the main board for other information.

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2004-07-12 10:26 ]

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

You'll probably have to buy a different lens if you want to use flash.

This particular lens was never set up for flash photography, which in itself is very rare.

A second lens in a syncronized shutter won't set you back that much if you stay in the vintage lenses.

And I agree that just about any of the Graphic Graflex Photography books will be a good primer book.

Les

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

Thanks very much! I think I may start here?

http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=190434112

Published in 1940 - 416 page profusely illustrated!

I am also unsure after reading the Q&A and a lot on the front of this web site about the Anniversary. Would I need 5 or 6 film holders because each one only holds 2 sheets of film? So 6 would give me 12 exposures?

The seller is giving me one.

I found these. Will they work?

http://www.charlottecamera.com/detail.asp?p=859

I did find a reel for 4x5 film that will take 6 sheets. Jobo for the 2500 series.

I guess I'll have to start with T-Max, it's all I could find in this format.

I think will begin with available light and eventually move on to a new lens and flash unit.

Any recommendations would certainly be appreciated. I guess I'll need an actual flash too!

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with me. I'm really looking forward to the experience using one of these old Press Cameras! I feel like I should go get some cigars and a hat with a press pass in it to complete the ensemble!

[ This Message was edited by: Simplify on 2004-07-12 12:58 ]

t.r.sanford · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:48 pm Post subject:

Craig Camera also has a variety of Graflex publications (original and reprint), and you might want to look at his site too.

The fundamental operation of a "Speed Graphic" (like most classic cameras) is pretty straightforward -- once you figure out where the shutter speed, aperture and distance controls are, it's smooth sailing. The idiosyncracies of particular shutters, and of sheetfilm handling in general, are common to large-format cameras, and not peculiar to "Speed Graphic" equipment.

The point about flash is very well taken indeed. There used to be some pretty good mechanical synchronizers for double-action shutters like the "Rapax" and "Compur" (these worked by means of a flat spring that closed a switch when struck by the arming-lever as it moved from set to reset position), but I haven't seen any for decades. It would not be a matter of insuperable difficulty to construct such a thing, if one were so minded, and had the time and patience.

But, as a practical matter, if you opt for one of the commonly-offered (and thus attractively priced) normal lenses (e.g., 135mm. "Optar" in synchronized "Graphex" shutter, et al.) you will confront the need to readjust the rangefinder for the shorter focal length.

As you surmised, I suggested five or six holders because they will give you ten or twelve exposures before you have to deal with removing the exposed film and replacing it with fresh stock. Color sheet film in 4x5 format comes in 10-sheet boxes, so five holders accommodate the whole lot. The old "FR" and "Yankee" sheetfilm tanks accept 12 sheets, which is an argument for six holders if you're doing B&W work. What's more, half a dozen double-sided holders is about as many as the average person wants to drag around!

You can get both "T-Max" emulsions, and "Tri-X Professional" in 4x5, from Kodak alone. There actually is a good selection of film available; 4x5 is the surviving large format, and remains well supported. Of major manufacturers, Fuji and Ilford also produce 4x5 B&W sheetfilm.

It might be informative to consult the B&H Photo Video website (or Adorama, or that of any large retailer with some commercial customers). You may be surprised at what's available, including materials from suppliers like Bergger and Forte, of whom I had never heard.

Also, perhaps you would find it fun to visit JandC Photo online at http://www.jandcphotography.com -- this is an importer of Eastern European materials by Adox and Efke. (Adox materials, in 35mm. and 120, were better known in this country half a century ago than they are now. I'm pleased to see them back.)

JandC also sells a film under its own name that is said to be a Forte product, but you couldn't prove it by me!

In any case, there's no lack of interesting things to experiment with.

If you've worked with "T-Max" or "Tri-X," it might be prudent to stick with them for your first LF ventures, to minimize the variables. And, of course, Kodak films are very well documented, which is not always the case with the imports.

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

Thanks Again! This has been very informative for me!

The Seller is sending an Owners Manual and one Film Holder. He said to look for others just like it on e-bay. I may just look in your shops here first! I am so happy I found this site! So much information on one camera in one place is just wonderful!

I got so excited when I opened the article on the war and the Graflax! My Father-in-Law was in that very same Barrage Balloon Unit on the Beaches of Normandy on D-Day! He recently gave me his photos! He has a whole book of them given to him by one of his Buddies who was THE PHOTOGRAPHER for his section!

WOW!

So, is my camera the same kind? I sure hope so! That would just be so cool to me!

Okay, back on topic!

Yes, I sometimes feel that we make such a simple machine a bit more difficult than it should be! We've become somewhat accustomed to having a camera that thinks for us! I look forward to doing it the same way our forefathers did!

I think I'll gain so much respect for that whole generation of Photogrphers!

<"135mm. "Optar" in synchronized "Graphex" shutter, et al.) you will confront the need to readjust the rangefinder for the shorter focal length.">

I would not know where to begin to do such a thing. Unfortunately, I live in such a rural area, I would have to ship it somewhere to have this done for me. Perhaps, I'll have to settle for no flash? Did they use flash in WWII?

I found the Tri-X at B&H and also ordered a tank & reel (Jobo 2500), and the powdered Kodak Chemicals.

I feel like a little child waiting for Christmas now!

Where can I view all of the images that you takes with your cameras? I was looking for a Gallery of Inspiration!

You'll never really know how much I appreciate the time you took out of your busy days to respond to my beginner questions! Hopefully, someday, I'll be able to do the same for another beginner!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

45PSS · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 6:08 pm Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-25 11:29 ]

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

Have they changed the printing on the tank? Neither of the two 2521/2523s that I have list inversion numbers.

Simplify · Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Posts: 43

This is the one I purchased. I sure hope it works. Do any of you use this type?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=25534&is=REG

I got this tank too:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=25558&is=REG

I am reading so much about the Graphic Crowns now & Ilford Chemicals. I have a sinking feeling maybe I've made a mistake and should have listened to the fellow who posted above rather than my silly sentimental heart!

Is this camera learnable? Will I be able to make pictures with it? Do any of you have a web site with images using the Anniversary Model?

One more: How much does it weigh? I think I read somewhere it weighs 4 pounds but cannot find it again.