Graflex.org

[Sirius Glass]

Hand held: left hand under the strap or under the camera lens?

Ok, what method do you use?

I hold it with the left hand under the strap with fingers curled around the camera frame.
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Nothing beats a good piece of glass.

[MonkeyBrain]

yeah, under the strap and round the frame is I think what you're supposed to do, but it doesnt really work for me: not particularly comfortable, and anyway I prefer to focus with the left hand.

so instead i got myself a graflite handle (without the flash-head), which I hold in the right hand - triggering the shutter from the red button on the Graflite, via the solenoid - and with the left hand I both focus and give extra support under the camera bed. changed everything for me

[1banjo]

ME TOO on the rigght hand!!
20 years ago I got my lift arm riped off they got it all put back!!
and it does work but weak!!
BUT most people are right handed and with that your right arm is stronger
with a baby speed, little Crown, & century its not that big of a deal
BUT a 4x5 Speed it can be!!
SO go by what your body is talling you to do that always wouks best!!

if I was using a 4x5 Speed hand held I would make a handle off of the trypod
hole out to the right with a 45* up AND a 25* back to find do this

put your elbow in your ribes then bring your hand up about 8" from your chest
all in a relaxest manter DON'T twist your rest!! now look at your hand this should be the best place for you to hold your 4x5 !! now try to make the handle
to fit so that you can see thuogh the range finder with your arm in that place

it may sound funny but it works and your arm wont get tired as fast!!

banjo

[Henry]

Sirius, I hold my Century with the left hand just as you describe. The right hand (thumb under) supports the front door, right forefinger trips the shutter.

[Billy Canuck]

Same technique as Sirius and Henry.