Mark,
Graflex Graphic cameras are wonderful, versatile cameras that can
produce great results when used properly. With one you can do wide angle
scenics, telephoto shots, astro photography, 1:1 macro and everything in
between. Unfortunately, the autoexposure/autofocus computer is YOU.
You can learn a lot about the different Graflex camera variations,
lenses, accessories and technique at the graflex.org web site. There are
reference articles, tables, links and extensive user help forums.
There is an excellent book by Morgan and Lester titled "Graphic Graflex
Photography". It is the "bible" of graflex / graphic photography and
found regularly on ebay. My other suggestion would be to get your hands
on a 1960's era military photographers manual ( ex. US Navy
Photographer's Mate I) these were very comprehensive training manuals
that used the graflex 4x5 as the mainstay camera.
Unless you have your own darkroom, are sleeping with the owner of a
custom lab, or are extremely wealthy I would suggest you look at the
Crown Graphic or Century Graphic in 6x9 (2x3) format. Here's why:
1. 4x5 sheet film is expensive.
2. Processing 4x5 sheet film is expensive. 120 roll film can be machine
souped many more places with more consistent results.
3. True, you can use a reducing 6x9 roll film back on the 4x5, but then
you use only the center portion of your image changing the effective
focal length of your lens.
4. The 4x5 is bigger and heavier than the 6x9.
5. A dozen 4x5 sheet film holders only give you 24 shots and weigh the
same as a 6x9 roll film holder and 20 rolls of film (20x10 = 200 shots).
6. There are a many low cost / high quality lenses available for the 6x9
cameras and many available roll film backs (6x9, 6x7, 6x6 & 70 mm) at
reasonable cost because of the US military's recent dumping of most of
it Graphic XL cameras ( the roll backs are interchangeable with the 6x9
graflok back).
7. The Crown and Century models have the graflok back and do not have
the added weight of the focal plane shutter found on the Speed Graphic.
Also, the Speed Graphic can not be used with the 47 mm or 65 mm
Schneider wide angle lenses because of bellows compression.
7 Did I mention that 4x5 sheet film is expensive?
About eBay, you'll find a lot of Graphic cameras that have been "rode
hard and put away wet" and some real jewels that go for much less that
they are worth.
I have put together a lightweight "field" kit that includes a mint+++
6x9 Crown Graphic, a Exc+ 6x9 Century Graphic, a Exc 65 mm Schneider
wide angle lens, a Mint 80 mm Schneider Xenar f:2.8 "normal" lens and a
Exc. Schneider Xenar 150 mm telephoto - all for under $1000, and all
from eBay. You just have to be informed before you bid.
Finally, the image quality produced (with your skill) is damned near
indistinguishable from my previously owned Rollei or Hassies, and they
are just fun to use.
Hope this info helps,
Wayne
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