Graflex.org

jeannemarie · Posted: Sat May 26, 2001 5:45 pm Post subject:

I have a Crown Graphic with the 135mm Optar lens. I wanted an affordable field camera and had this one stored. The only drawback is that I would like to have the revolving back of the Super Graphic as well as a couple of other lenses. If I had the Super Graphic, I understand it has a focal plane shutter? Would it then be possible to use a shutterless lense I have for my Sinar 4X5? This is my first experience with Graphics.

[ This Message was edited by: jeannemarie on 2001-05-26 10:49 ]

LelandRay · Joined: 24 May 2001 Posts: 115 Location: Mississippi

"Would it then be possible to use a shutterless lense I have for my Sinar 4X5?"

Yes, you could use a shutterless lens, but because of the room the focal plane shutter takes up inside the camera, you might find yourself unable to use short lenses, i.e. under 90mm. And of course you wouldn't have the range of movements of the Sinar, but you'd be able to shoot offhand, which a standard view camera can't do.

stephen · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 11 Location: Florida Space Coast

A Super Graphic does not have a focal plane shutter.

jeannemarie · Posted: Sun May 27, 2001 6:03 am Post subject:

Stephen, From what I have read, a Super Speed Graphic has an electronic shutter, which may not be a focal plane shutter, but should give the ability to use a barrel lens. (I think)

Leland Ray, The lenses I have for my Sinar are, 90mm, 150mm, and 210mm. I think I should be OK? What am I missing, if anything?

Thank you both for your replies.

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

"Stephen, From what I have read, a Super Speed Graphic has an electronic shutter, which may not be a focal plane shutter, but should give the ability to use a barrel lens. (I think)"

No, the Super does NOT have a focal plane shutter! No barrel lenses can be used. The only electronics on the camera are associated with the electronic shutter RELEASE. Sorry.

Since you have not taken the time to review the mainboard descriptions of the various models [highly suggested] I'll save you the time now. Just click here:
http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/features.html#FocalPlane

jeannemarie · Posted: Sun May 27, 2001 6:12 pm Post subject:

Alecj, Yes, thank you, but I have already read it. This is for the Speed Graphic It says... "An advantage of having a focal plane shutter is that you can also use barrel lenses (lenses mounted without shutters)." I guess I intended to say Speed Graphic, not Super Graphic.That is why I wondered about the feasibility of using lenses I already have. Maybe I could modify the lensboard?

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

Maybe you'd better read it again. If you don't use the right terms, we can't help you. Speed, and Super Speed are NOT the same thing. Now that you're back to talking about the Speed, you don't have the availability of the rotating back. So, what is your REAL question?

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2001-05-27 13:18 ]

jeannemarie · Posted: Sun May 27, 2001 9:20 pm Post subject:

Ok Alecj, you got me. Maybe you can explain the difference to me in the focal plane shutter and the electronic shutter that the different models have. I really did read the info and have as yet to find where it compares the two. Maybe they are horses of another color? Not being as familiar as you seem to be with the Graphics cameras in general, my impression was that they served the same purpose. What I was looking for in the first place was an affordable 4X5 field camera with some kind of rotating back that could possibly utilize the Schneider lenses that I already have for my Sinar studio camera.I happened to have a Crown Graphic I've never used and thought something like that may be an alternative for the nature and scenic stuff I shoot.....OK? But the Crown doesn't have a shutter and my Schneider lenses don't either. I have a separate Copal shutter I use with them. I was just looking for alternatives. Maybe it's an impossible idea.

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

I'm taking this off the board since it's obvious we aren't going to solve this anytime soon. Hell, I don't even understand the question yet. Like dealing with my wife!

But I'm trying, and trying, and ......

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2001-05-27 16:33 ]

beck · Joined: 30 May 2001 Posts: 1

alec j, I'd like to thank you for being friendly and helpful. It's great when one comes across someone who can share information in such a non-patronising way. Your wife is a lucky woman to have your company, you clearly love and respect her. It's forums like these which make possible our access to your infinite wisdom; we are truly blessed that you have taken the time to post. I can't think why large format male photographers have such a dreadful reputation for being arrogant bores. You have proved the complete opposite, alec j.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

jeannemarie · Posted: Wed May 30, 2001 5:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks Dan, Yes it can be confusing, especially when (like me) you aren't familiar with Graflex in general. Unfortunately, I don't think your suggestion will work.The Copal shutter is way too large to fit on the Crown Graphic and the Crown also doesn't have the rotating back I was hopeing for. I think I have resigned myself to look for a lightweight 4X5 or 5X7 field camera and disposing of my Sinar and lenses.

LelandRay · Joined: 24 May 2001 Posts: 115 Location: Mississippi

Jeannemarie, let us know what you decide to do re a field camera. I'm sort of in the market myself for something lightweight and not terribly expensive, so I'll probably be looking on eBay.

I actually bought my Speed Graphic to use as a candid portrait camera. (Yes, I'm weird, but I get really big negatives of my subjects.)

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Since we've moved off the Graflex topic I"m going to post my two cents on field cameras in the large format forum

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

jeannemarie · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2001 4:52 pm Post subject:

Leland, I don't find that weird at all. I think I'm going to play with the Sinar some more before I decide what I want to do.