Or get a 6x7 Koni-Omega with 3 excellent lenses, flash sync to 1/500,
and a rangefinder for under $600 - but you have give up the bellows and
closeups.
tOM
On Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 21:51, Wayne Katez
<olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote re "Re: [OM] [OT] Trying the whole Graflex thing agai" saying:
> Mark,
> Graflex Graphic cameras are wonderful, versatile cameras that can
> produce great results when used properly. With one you can do wide angle
> scenics, telephoto shots, astro photography, 1:1 macro and everything in
> between. Unfortunately, the autoexposure/autofocus computer is YOU.
>
> You can learn a lot about the different Graflex camera variations,
> lenses, accessories and technique at the graflex.org web site. There are
> reference articles, tables, links and extensive user help forums.
>
> There is an excellent book by Morgan and Lester titled "Graphic Graflex
> Photography". It is the "bible" of graflex / graphic photography and
> found regularly on ebay. My other suggestion would be to get your hands
> on a 1960's era military photographers manual ( ex. US Navy
> Photographer's Mate I) these were very comprehensive training manuals
> that used the graflex 4x5 as the mainstay camera.
>
> Unless you have your own darkroom, are sleeping with the owner of a
> custom lab, or are extremely wealthy I would suggest you look at the
> Crown Graphic or Century Graphic in 6x9 (2x3) format. Here's why:
> 1. 4x5 sheet film is expensive.
> 2. Processing 4x5 sheet film is expensive. 120 roll film can be machine
> souped many more places with more consistent results.
> 3. True, you can use a reducing 6x9 roll film back on the 4x5, but then
> you use only the center portion of your image changing the effective
> focal length of your lens.
> 4. The 4x5 is bigger and heavier than the 6x9.
> 5. A dozen 4x5 sheet film holders only give you 24 shots and weigh the
> same as a 6x9 roll film holder and 20 rolls of film (20x10 = 200 shots).
> 6. There are a many low cost / high quality lenses available for the 6x9
> cameras and many available roll film backs (6x9, 6x7, 6x6 & 70 mm) at
> reasonable cost because of the US military's recent dumping of most of
> it Graphic XL cameras ( the roll backs are interchangeable with the 6x9
> graflok back).
> 7. The Crown and Century models have the graflok back and do not have
> the added weight of the focal plane shutter found on the Speed Graphic.
> Also, the Speed Graphic can not be used with the 47 mm or 65 mm
> Schneider wide angle lenses because of bellows compression.
> 7 Did I mention that 4x5 sheet film is expensive?
>
> About eBay, you'll find a lot of Graphic cameras that have been "rode
> hard and put away wet" and some real jewels that go for much less that
> they are worth.
>
> I have put together a lightweight "field" kit that includes a mint+++
> 6x9 Crown Graphic, a Exc+ 6x9 Century Graphic, a Exc 65 mm Schneider
> wide angle lens, a Mint 80 mm Schneider Xenar f:2.8 "normal" lens and a
> Exc. Schneider Xenar 150 mm telephoto - all for under $1000, and all
> from eBay. You just have to be informed before you bid.
>
> Finally, the image quality produced (with your skill) is damned near
> indistinguishable from my previously owned Rollei or Hassies, and they
> are just fun to use.
>
> Hope this info helps,
> Wayne
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