Thread: Graflex Speed Graphic Cameras

Anyone here into large format photography. I am currently looking for a Large Format Graflex Speed Graphic Camera like the reporters used in the 1950's Input on this would be appreciated as I have very little knowledge in this area.

You need to check camera stores who sell vintage and check out Eboy and Craigs List and the ads in the back of the main Camera magazines. I imagine some of the large camera Stores in Manhattan might be able to steer you in the right direction.

i have a wista 45dx which i would of let you try, you know if it wasnt for how big the earth is. rather than graflex, i would recommend a camera that has front and back movements especially if you want to take landscapes. also try and stick with a metal camera, my wooden camera is not very sturdy, the back is very wobbly. if you want to do studio photography than get a monrail but if its for outside then you will want a field camera

this is one like mine-

Originally Posted by d. m. ellington

Anyone here into large format photography. I am currently looking for a Large Format Graflex Speed Graphic Camera like the reporters used in the 1950's Input on this would be appreciated as I have very little knowledge in this area.

Did you find a Speed Graphic yet? It's kind of like straight Razors. You ail need a few more things like Film holders or roll film adapters for 120/220 format, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a 4" x 5" format camera. Al I have left is the complete camera. All my accessories burned up in a house fire.
Louis

Great cameras from back in the day. I actually learned to take pictures with my Dads 4X5 Crown Graphic. Every time we went to take photographs, we would spend a half hour in the dark room, loading film. A lot more planning went into the shot back then, as opposed to the frantic snap shots so many seem to need today.

Good Luck in your search.

My re-entry to shooting did include a 'blad, but I'm still trying to avoid another darkroom. 'Plenty of benefits to going large, but the number of shots I need something larger than 6x6 is very rare. It handles a 2' x 3' print just fine. 'Still strongly prefer film, though the recent digitals are better than anyone has a right to expect. For me, its like honing (and several other fetishes). My stones are way better than I am - and so's my lowest-end camera. If you do it - DO IT, and have insane amounts of fun. No on online will be able to see the diff - due to the image size restrictions. But You can see it

These guys aren't the cheapest, but usually comparable to KEH. They stood behind their gear - even when it hurt. There are a few others w/ good reputation. A good guy to talk to would be Bill Maxwell of Maxwell Prcision Optics (knew & worked w/ KEH before they were KEH). He makes wonderful (and expensive) focusing screens for us mortals afraid to venture beyond Med. Format. He is a very old school, insanely knowledgeable engineer, and a pleasure to talk to and deal with. http://bluemooncamera.com/

If your aspirations run along the Ansel Adams vein & you've not seen Bruce Barnbaum's work - its a very well rewarded stop. 'His book is the best single volumn on photog I've see - and I've got 3 vols. of Adams. He rightly reveres the master Adams, but I'd have to say he took Adams legacy further. Staggering stuff.

Have not located "the" camera at this time. Still looking. When I find one promising. Someone grabs it up first. Thanks for all the help.

dewayne

d.m. ellington,

Sadly, I have just about stopped using my 5" x 4" MPP MicroPress and my 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" SpeedGraphic

The cost of 5" x 4" & 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" cut film is scalping in the UK - ca. 2.20 USD and 2.90 USD respectively per sheet

Add to that the cost of developing and printing, and it soon gets out of hand

Have fun

Best regards

Russ

To d. m. ellington:
Please check your forum "Personal Messages". I may be able to help you out with a Speed Graphic.

Did you get my personal message?