Graflex.org

Massimo M · Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Posts: 21 Location: Lavis- Italy

Good condition Anniversary (with Ektar) 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 or mediocre 4x5 (Optar)? In budget.

Markus · Joined: 13 May 2015 Posts: 15 Location: MA, USA

The 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 might be a nice display item. But if you want to use it, what film are you planning to get for it?
If it comes with a roll film holder and you are ok with using that, I guess it would be ok.

Sirius Glass · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2015 3:50 pm Post subject:

Film for the 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" is much harder to come by and most daylight tanks cannot handle it. Stick to 4"x5" and you will be so much happier with a useful camera.

Sirius Glass · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2015 3:50 pm Post subject:

[quote="Markus"]The 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 might be a nice display item. But if you want to use it, what film are you planning to get for it?
If it comes with a roll film holder and you are ok with using that, I guess it would be ok.[/quote]

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Massimo M · Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Posts: 21 Location: Lavis- Italy

I planned to use either the only 3 x 4 films into the market (bought some) or cutting by myself from larger formats film (4x5 8x10).

Washi film cuts at request (I ordered a filmroll for Kodak 51 adapter and I'm making my own spools) for my Graflex B.

Usually 3x4 cameras are in better condition and with a lot of extras, 4x5 are lot fashionable today and so expensive.

peter k · Joined: 26 Dec 2009 Posts: 207 Location: Sedona Az

Let me encourage you on the Anniversary 3x4, have one and been using it for years... yes I cut my own film for that and an old folder 9x12, as well.
No big deal...
I like both of my speeds... but the 3x4 is lighter and a little smaller... and rarely use a tripod with it.
Were with the 4x5 I have to use the ground glass and because of the lens I use with it, a Double Protar lens, which needs a tripod.

Massimo M · Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Posts: 21 Location: Lavis- Italy

Glad to see it. 90% will be my choose.

I have some needs:
1) the camera I'll buy must be so complete because of the high costs of mail+custom;
2) Have flash unit because I'll go to shot people dancing Lindy Hop (I use SG due to its terrific 1940s charm);
3) Have Ektar 127 so I read about its quality;
4) Be Speed not Crown for focal cloth shutter so I don't exclude to play with Aero Ektar into the future;
5) As more film holders as possible;
6) Best quality for price.
7) Better Anniversary than Pacemaker due to its feet into wartime era...

Massimo M · Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Posts: 21 Location: Lavis- Italy

Finally I choose a late '40s 4x5 Crown Graphic in good conditions, with everything I need, Ektar, flash and holders and from the family of the seller (I hope).
In this case I planned to match it with an anniversary with no extras and no objective...

Sirius Glass · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 7:48 pm Post subject:

Great! Enjoy!