Graflex.org

[Digital Smigital]

I am trying to understand some features but after exhaustive Googles, I do not understand what makes a Crown Graphic a "Press" Camera? I mean, all Crown Graphics are fairly portable for a 4x5. Are they all Press Cameras or does that refer to very specific models? Also, what does the "X" on my Graphex/Wollensak lens means and, finally, how do you know whether or not you have a Graflokk back? Thanks!



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size DOES matter

[glennfromwy]

Speed Graphics and others that are similar are often refered to as press cameras because of their popularity with newspaper photographers. Big negative, easy to print with acceptable results even if not the best quality. You have to understand that these guys were facing stiff competition and had to shoot quick and by the seat of their pants. No time for fooling around with focusing and metering most of the time. The Kalart rangefinder was their best friend. That and a good knowledge of exposure produced many thousands of amazing newspaper images. Backs: There are three types. The common spring, or Graphic back has a fixed focus panel attached by springs on either side. Not made for using roll film holders. The Graflok back has a removable focus panel held on by two chrome levers and can be removed for using roll film holders. The Graflex back has a removable focus panel held on by one or two slides, depending on the camera model. The panel must be removed to install a film holder or magazine (bag mag). It is no longer in common use and only holders made for this specific back will fit. Any modern Graphic holders fit the others.
Edit: Almost forgot - the "X" on your shutter is the flash sync designation for electronic flash. "M" sync is for medium peak flashbulbs.
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Glenn

"Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[ This Message was edited by: glennfromwy on 2005-11-20 17:40 ]

[Les]

Ask 10 people, get 10 answers, but the most basic definition for "press camera" is the camera press MEN used. Lighter, faster and more manuverable, but with less movements than the view camera, the press camera evolved out of the cycle cameras of the turn of the century becoming more rugged, and one hand holdable.
I'll go so far as to define it by saying a heavy duty box-type camera, usually with a rangefinder and with a handle on one side so that it could be held steady with one hand and operated with the other. Although they very from camera manufacturer, they usually have limited movements. Press cameras would include all Speed, Crown, Century Graphic cameras, Burke & James Watson, the Meridian, the Horseman press camera, the toyo press camera (don't know the model numbers) the and Linhof Technika and Super Technika line.