Graflex Speed Graphic Cameras

[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.

[thebigspendur]

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.

[bombay]

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-

[limalletteiii]

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

[Othello1228]

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.

[pinklather]

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.

[d. m. ellington]

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

[PhatMan]

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

[limalletteiii]

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

[d. m. ellington]

Did you get my personal message?