Graflex.org

MB45graf · Joined: 12 Jun 2024 Posts: 30

Opinions requested on a choice I may make soon. Own Pacemaker Speed Graphics 4X5, and just beginning LF photography. I got to thinking that price wise it would be nice to have a 120/620 roll film adapter while I am learning and wasting shots. I would need to change out the camera back to a Graflok style and purchase a roll film adapter or from what I've seen, get a Speed Graphics 2X3 with a roll film adapter installed. Price currently is about even.
Any varying viewpoints on which might be the better choice?
Thanks

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165

You don't want a Graphic with a roll holder (that's what they're called) attached if it doesn't also have a focusing panel. Chances are that the camera's rangefinder, if it has one, is not calibrated for the lens, if any, on the camera. If there's no RF or no lens, you're doomed to poorly focused shots. Focusing on the GG is essential and is impossible without a focusing panel.

MB45graf · Joined: 12 Jun 2024 Posts: 30

Dan Fromm wrote:

You don't want a Graphic with a roll holder (that's what they're called) attached if it doesn't also have a focusing panel. Chances are that the camera's rangefinder, if it has one, is not calibrated for the lens, if any, on the camera. If there's no RF or no lens, you're doomed to poorly focused shots. Focusing on the GG is essential and is impossible without a focusing panel.

Good info. Came across a roll holder for the spring back. Would I focus using the back GG and then insert the film holder, and take the shot. Advance the adapter and then repeat. The camera does not seem to be calibrated to the scale and the infinity stops. The rangefinder is hard to use and probably not calibrated.
I want a way to learn the graflex camera at a lower cost than $6 plus shipping per shot without any prints, Plan on setting up my old DSLR in a makeshift negative scanning arrangement to view.
To add to the drama, a rollholder has just become available at the lowest price of the 2X3 camera, Graflok back and film adapter "original" question.
The camera has a Graflok back and 23 film adapter. The GG has a broken out corner....
Thanks for any opinions and insight.

MB45graf · Joined: 12 Jun 2024 Posts: 30

No longer an issue. roll holder for Graphics type springback on it's way!

Ltdave · Joined: 16 Aug 2023 Posts: 14

Dan Fromm wrote:

You don't want a Graphic with a roll holder (that's what they're called) attached if it doesn't also have a focusing panel. Chances are that the camera's rangefinder, if it has one, is not calibrated for the lens, if any, on the camera. If there's no RF or no lens, you're doomed to poorly focused shots. Focusing on the GG is essential and is impossible without a focusing panel.

why wouldnt the lens and RF be calibrated? ive got two (4x5 and 2x3) and the lenses are the 'standard' lenses and both are calibrated for the RF. got them from ebay with sellers who may or may not have known anything about them when they sold them.

by focusing panel, i presume youre speaking of the ground glass?

if theres no RF (never saw a Speed Graphic/Crown Graphic without some sort of range finder unless it was being sold as parts and no, without a lens one would NEVER get an in focus image.

i guess, im just confused by your answer

MB45graf · Joined: 12 Jun 2024 Posts: 30

Hello.
From my viewpoint, my graflex is not original. It appears to be an assembled parts camera.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165

Ltdave wrote:

Dan Fromm wrote:

You don't want a Graphic with a roll holder (that's what they're called) attached if it doesn't also have a focusing panel. Chances are that the camera's rangefinder, if it has one, is not calibrated for the lens, if any, on the camera. If there's no RF or no lens, you're doomed to poorly focused shots. Focusing on the GG is essential and is impossible without a focusing panel.

why wouldnt the lens and RF be calibrated? ive got two (4x5 and 2x3) and the lenses are the 'standard' lenses and both are calibrated for the RF. got them from ebay with sellers who may or may not have known anything about them when they sold them.

by focusing panel, i presume youre speaking of the ground glass?

if theres no RF (never saw a Speed Graphic/Crown Graphic without some sort of range finder unless it was being sold as parts and no, without a lens one would NEVER get an in focus image.

i guess, im just confused by your answer

Sorry for the late reply. To answer your questions,

RF not calibrated? If everything is as when the camera left the factory, fine. If not, not. Lenses' actual focal lengths don't always match the marketing FL as engraved on the trim ring. People switch lenses. And when a Graphic with RF is sold without a lens there's no guarantee that the lens you get will have the FL for which the RF is calibrated. It isn't fair, but there it is.

The ground glass is mounted in the focusing panel.

My thing is 2x3, so I just took a look at 2x3 Graphics (Century, Crown, Speed) offered on eBay today. Half of the 16 Centuries have a roll holder and no focusing panel. The 1 Crown has a focusing panel. 13 of 17 Speeds have a focusing panel, but that includes ones with fixed Graphic backs. All have RFs.