Graflex.org

[provis]

I just purchased a Pacemaker Speed Graphic and have a few questions. The focusing glass is missing, or so it seems, I cannot tell if there is a back still present or not from the pictures. There is still a peepsight on the rear of the camera so I assume the back is still in place minus the glass, fresnel, and hood. If this is the case should I be able to operate the camera using the Kalart rangefinder? Also is there any source online that offers a model specific Users guide? Is there a page anyone recomends for a beginer to Large Format? Finally can anyone recomend a place where I could find new focusing glass for my camera, and tell me how it is installed into the camera. THanks for all the help.

[Jack5541]

[provis]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3870660075&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT
Here is the link, I am not sure if you can tell by the photos whats what. Thanks for all your help.

[Dan Fromm]

[alecj]

Check your private mail.

[provis]

http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/images/91386.jpg
Will this work? Is that all I need to fix the Camera? I have located the glass that I need and ordered it, also is it better to just get a spring loaded back, as they are more redily found? Thanks, for all the help and fast replys.
Description for item pictured is :
91386 GRAFLEX GRAFLOK FRAME FOR INSERT ONLY, FOR 4X5 CAMERAS, MISSING THE GROUND GLASS AND THE VIEWING HOOD, EX-

[ This Message was edited by: provis on 2005-02-08 20:15 ]

[ This Message was edited by: provis on 2005-02-08 20:25 ]

[Rangemaster]

Did you order a glass screen specifically for the Graphic camera? If not you will likly have to take to a glass shop and have it cut down to fit your camera as standard 4 x 5 ground glass is to large to fit the graphic, the graphic camera requires a screen that is 3 15/16" x 4 13/16 in size.

Another good source of information for LF cameras is http://www.apug.org this group is devoted to analog photography and has a very active area concerning LF cameras.

If I can help, please let my know, and enjoy your new found passion.

Dave Parker


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

[Les]

PRovis,

The object at Pacific Rim camera, despite their description is NOT a Graflok focusing panel, so don't buy it. it will never work for you.

I'm not going to say it will be easier, but buying a complete spring back would solve the problem. The only option you would be losing is the ability to use Graphic Roll film backs, but a Calumet C2 or C2N will work just as well.

Now you did bring up the fresnel, or Ektalite field screen. This can be a rabbit hole to trip and fall into.
For a few years Graflex made focus panels that will fit your camera that did not have fresnels in them. For most of the production life, fresnels were part of the assembly.

However, if you get a frame that never had a fresnel screen, it will be difficult to add one. My rule of thumb is to look at the fingers that hold the ground glass in the frame. If they are flush, flat and look like it came from the factory, then it's a good frame.

If they are bulging and straining to retail all that's under them, then somebody added a fresnel when they weren't supposed to and it will be a problem.
The reverse is also true, if there are fairly thick shims of wood, metal or duct tape under the fingers, then a fresnel is missing and again, you'l have problems.

Here's an auction for the entire back. The fingers I'm talking about are at 3 o'clock and 9'oclock.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15247&item=3872275276&rd=1

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2005-02-10 06:41 ]

[provis]

Thanks for all the help. I have decided to purchase a parts pacmaker and rob it of its spring back, as that is cheaper then getting a working Graflok back.