From an old 4x5 Film shooter, This was an excellent article. It even brought back some old memories.. I did almost twenty years with that old Speed Graphic, and made quite a bit of money. Enough to buy a house and raise five kids. Only thing was the money was like feast or famine. Sometimes three or four jobs in one day, but then some days, none at all.So, I gave up pro photography, and got a safe, solid government job.Boring,Huh? Not at all. I've been to three countries, been shot at, Knife thrown at me, and one even tried to drown me. Theres lots more, but , Maybe next time.
My friend just gave me two of these because his grandpa and I had the same photog gig in the Navy nearly a century apart. Thank you for the video! Hopefully I’ll get it back up and shooting!
you can get orthochromatic x-ray film in 8x10 or 10x12 sheets and cut it down to 4x5 with a paper cutter under a safelight for about ten cents per 4x5 sheet. you also left out the main advantage of a speed graphic over other large format cameras. the focal plane shutter means you can use all sorts of old dirt cheap lenses from enlargers, projectors, etc. that don't have their own shutters.
This should be the top video! Really great and informative, showing rather than telling which the other videos did (like inserting an imaginary holder lol)
Thanks so much for this video. Answered all my questions. I just inherited a lot of 30-plus cameras. A speed graphic is one of them. Now I've got to watch your video twice more😂 to get everything down and then load it up and take it for a walk. Great quality video thanks again.
Excellent content of the Graflex Speed Graphic. These cameras were a great capture device back in their day and still offer a tremendous experience for those willing to learn how to use them. Thanks TPD. Interesting, entertaining, and extremely informative.
Tommy! Just like many of the others I wanted to compliment you on a great video. It's interesting I wasn't sure by your filming style what period of time I look like almost a vintage video. You covered all the points so well. I own a film camera store and I watch a lot of the UA-cam videos. Many of the UA-cam camera reviews are made by young people who really don't know much about the camera and make a lot of mistakes. I hope to see more videos from you.
Excellent excellent presentation. I watch a lot of videos on vintage analog cameras because I have many different formats. Thank you for sparing the comedy and cutesy cutesy stuff. Thank you for going straight to the information. I have a speed graphic and I learned a couple of things I didn’t know. Thank you!
This was just the video I was looking for on the Speed Graphic!! Great Job! I'm shopping for a Speed Graphic now as I type this. 😂 I'm a long time film user and recently went digital, but decided I really need to get back to film where I did my best work. Thanks very much.😊
Thank you for making a video on this Tommy! I've been considering getting my hands on one of these even though the price of that film kind of scares me.
Blooming brilliant review! U inspired me to get 1, ok, 3. Started w/ a 1955 Pacemaker Speed 45 but shutter switch & back need work But got a pair of 1950 Pacemaker Speed 23 & 45 of 1951. love them. Fun As for the rangefinder, I found the side Kalart much str8 easier to dial in then the top version needed cams. I’m using w/ 6 shot Grafmatic back & modems Metz Mecablitz 45 CL-4
I have the British version of the 4x5 Speed Graphic, the MPP Micropress from the early 1950s. It has a Schneider 135mm f4.7 lens. Everything works perfectly except the rangefinder. I use Fomapan 200 black and white film and my local lab for developing and printing.
The military speed graphic was the KE-12, which were produced after the war. During ww2 they actually didn't really have any military versions. They just used the standard in war time black
Thanks for the info. I just picked up a Model 1000 at a local thrift store. No focal plane shutter, but the lens seems to work fine and it's in really nice condition. Also no film holders, but for $5.00, I am not complaining.
my sister in law and her husband just bought me this for christmas as a gift , they also bought me some tintypes for wet plate photos. would this be usable for wetplate or would it be best to stray from using this specific camera for that? I also was given a flash I believe for it ( it's the one the soilder is holding in the photo and I have no idea how to connect or use it.)
I've used Rockland Colloid's Tintype Parlor Kit with this camera, and it's worked great! Don't use the older film holders that have rolled metal guides that hold the film, the tintype sheet won't fit. I've found that the plastic holders from the 50's and 60's work best.
My friend scored a Speed Graphic camera the other day, we were looking for how to operate it and how to even open the thing. Hidden button....will be trying that first!! Thank you and good luck with your slide project....very interesting time capsule you have there.
And DON'T FORGET to keep the focal plane shutter open, when using the front shutter. I've seen more than one photographer (and I go back to the 50s with Speed Graphic and flashbulbs); having to apologize, because they came back with blank film after a shooting session!!!!
@@MrMASSEYJONES aw jeez, that would suck. every once on a while I'll have a missfocus, double exposure, or blurry. But I can't say I've ever had an issue like that and gotten no photo
Excellent video. As an entry into large format, "press cameras" like the Graflex, B&J, Meridian, and others are still the "low cost" option. On auction sites and forums one might find a $300 bargain, but more likely will find a complete kit for around $500. "Low cost" in this scenario is relative. Buying all new or modern LF kit would likely be several thousand. I, for one, think a Kalart rangefinder instruction video would be very useful,
Contact Blue Moon Camera in Portland Oregon about developing that film :-) They are amazing and might be able to help! Thank you for the video! Now I know how to focus using the viewfinder :-)
I just purchased a Speed Graphic on eBay. I have a number of LF and MF cameras. Some I have restored to include the lenses. You did a great job on your presentation. If you have not found anyone to develop your Kodachrome in B/W with this message, you should try to develop it yourself. Find a developer that is designed for positives and get to work.
i got mine loaned to show at our local, Marfa Film Shop. i used for course at BHSC 1970's. few negs i want reprinted. and not yet jump into buy all to do in field work. i think paid parox 300. ebay. still in dream if able to do, but budget other things.
Because you're not looking directly through the lens (like a single lens reflex camera) if you use different lenses on the Speed Graphic, there's different viewfinders that attach, and that have the same angle as the particular lens you are using. I like that. However, if you change lenses, then you can not use the wire frame with the peepsight. The wire frame has the same angle as the standard lens.
From an old 4x5 Film shooter, This was an excellent article. It even brought back some old memories.. I did almost twenty years with that old Speed Graphic, and made quite a bit of money. Enough to buy a house and raise five kids. Only thing was the money was like feast or famine. Sometimes three or four jobs in one day, but then some days, none at all.So, I gave up pro photography, and got a safe, solid government job.Boring,Huh? Not at all. I've been to three countries, been shot at, Knife thrown at me, and one even tried to drown me. Theres lots more, but , Maybe next time.
One of the few videos that actually details how the focal plane shutter is used! Thanks so much
My friend just gave me two of these because his grandpa and I had the same photog gig in the Navy nearly a century apart. Thank you for the video! Hopefully I’ll get it back up and shooting!
you can get orthochromatic x-ray film in 8x10 or 10x12 sheets and cut it down to 4x5 with a paper cutter under a safelight for about ten cents per 4x5 sheet. you also left out the main advantage of a speed graphic over other large format cameras. the focal plane shutter means you can use all sorts of old dirt cheap lenses from enlargers, projectors, etc. that don't have their own shutters.
This should be the top video! Really great and informative, showing rather than telling which the other videos did (like inserting an imaginary holder lol)
Thanks so much for this video. Answered all my questions. I just inherited a lot of 30-plus cameras. A speed graphic is one of them. Now I've got to watch your video twice more😂 to get everything down and then load it up and take it for a walk. Great quality video thanks again.
Excellent content of the Graflex Speed Graphic. These cameras were a great capture device back in their day and still offer a tremendous experience for those willing to learn how to use them. Thanks TPD. Interesting, entertaining, and extremely informative.
Tommy! Just like many of the others I wanted to compliment you on a great video. It's interesting I wasn't sure by your filming style what period of time I look like almost a vintage video. You covered all the points so well. I own a film camera store and I watch a lot of the UA-cam videos. Many of the UA-cam camera reviews are made by young people who really don't know much about the camera and make a lot of mistakes. I hope to see more videos from you.
Excellent excellent presentation. I watch a lot of videos on vintage analog cameras because I have many different formats. Thank you for sparing the comedy and cutesy cutesy stuff. Thank you for going straight to the information. I have a speed graphic and I learned a couple of things I didn’t know. Thank you!
This was just the video I was looking for on the Speed Graphic!! Great Job! I'm shopping for a Speed Graphic now as I type this. 😂 I'm a long time film user and recently went digital, but decided I really need to get back to film where I did my best work. Thanks very much.😊
Awesome. I know i want focal plane shutter but I'd like the newer of the version w/ top rangefinder & integrated FocusSpot light or is it as good?
Thank you for making a video on this Tommy! I've been considering getting my hands on one of these even though the price of that film kind of scares me.
What David Garcia said.... Well Done!!
Blooming brilliant review! U inspired me to get 1, ok, 3.
Started w/ a 1955 Pacemaker Speed 45 but shutter switch & back need work But got a pair of 1950 Pacemaker Speed 23 & 45 of 1951. love them. Fun
As for the rangefinder, I found the side Kalart much str8 easier to dial in then the top version needed cams.
I’m using w/ 6 shot Grafmatic back & modems Metz Mecablitz 45 CL-4
I'm writing a (kinda) historical book. This video is very helpful for one of the scenes I'm writing. Thanks
Nice video but please get rid of the annoying music. It overrides you.
Fantastic presentation. All points covered. Thanks so much.
I have the British version of the 4x5 Speed Graphic, the MPP Micropress from the early 1950s. It has a Schneider 135mm f4.7 lens.
Everything works perfectly except the rangefinder.
I use Fomapan 200 black and white film and
my local lab for developing and printing.
The military speed graphic was the KE-12, which were produced after the war. During ww2 they actually didn't really have any military versions. They just used the standard in war time black
Thanks for posting this.Thinking about getting one. You were exhaustive with your info. Thanks.
Thanks for the info. I just picked up a Model 1000 at a local thrift store. No focal plane shutter, but the lens seems to work fine and it's in really nice condition. Also no film holders, but for $5.00, I am not complaining.
That's an absolutely insane deal, im jealous. No focal plane sure, but its has that cool rare leaf shutter that goes to 1000th of a second
Nice job photographer since 1973 school camera. still have one and two 4x5 view one all wooden one more modern very pricey to use
REally cool - I share your enthusiasm. Hope all well.
my sister in law and her husband just bought me this for christmas as a gift , they also bought me some tintypes for wet plate photos. would this be usable for wetplate or would it be best to stray from using this specific camera for that? I also was given a flash I believe for it ( it's the one the soilder is holding in the photo and I have no idea how to connect or use it.)
I've used Rockland Colloid's Tintype Parlor Kit with this camera, and it's worked great! Don't use the older film holders that have rolled metal guides that hold the film, the tintype sheet won't fit. I've found that the plastic holders from the 50's and 60's work best.
This is awesome! This video is a really dope resource and very helpful.
Thank you!
Outstanding! Thank you.
My friend scored a Speed Graphic camera the other day, we were looking for how to operate it and how to even open the thing.
Hidden button....will be trying that first!!
Thank you and good luck with your slide project....very interesting time capsule you have there.
I’m glad you found my video useful!
And DON'T FORGET to keep the focal plane shutter open, when using the front shutter.
I've seen more than one photographer (and I go back to the 50s with Speed Graphic and flashbulbs); having to apologize, because they came back with blank film after a shooting session!!!!
@@MrMASSEYJONES aw jeez, that would suck. every once on a while I'll have a missfocus, double exposure, or blurry. But I can't say I've ever had an issue like that and gotten no photo
Excellent video. As an entry into large format, "press cameras" like the Graflex, B&J, Meridian, and others are still the "low cost" option. On auction sites and forums one might find a $300 bargain, but more likely will find a complete kit for around $500. "Low cost" in this scenario is relative. Buying all new or modern LF kit would likely be several thousand.
I, for one, think a Kalart rangefinder instruction video would be very useful,
I have a usaaf speed graphic along with a case as well as a newspaper from when the US declared war on Japan eBay is an amazing thing
hello and thanks for this video!
I would like to know how to set the infinity focus in my Speed Graphic with a 101mm Ektar lens
Contact Blue Moon Camera in Portland Oregon about developing that film :-) They are amazing and might be able to help! Thank you for the video! Now I know how to focus using the viewfinder :-)
Very well done presentation! Informative and to the point!!
Thank you! I’m glad you learned something :)
Any idea of a good place to sell a smaller Graflex kit previously owned by a war time photographer?
I’ve been selling my cameras on Etsy and it’s been working out for me, but I might actually be interested in it!
I just purchased a Speed Graphic on eBay. I have a number of LF and MF cameras. Some I have restored to include the lenses. You did a great job on your presentation. If you have not found anyone to develop your Kodachrome in B/W with this message, you should try to develop it yourself. Find a developer that is designed for positives and get to work.
i got mine loaned to show at our local, Marfa Film Shop. i used for course at BHSC 1970's. few negs i want reprinted. and not yet jump into buy all to do in field work. i think paid parox 300. ebay. still in dream if able to do, but budget other things.
How about 2x3 film?
Because you're not looking directly through the lens (like a single lens reflex camera) if you use different lenses on the Speed Graphic, there's different viewfinders that attach, and that have the same angle as the particular lens you are using. I like that. However, if you change lenses, then you can not use the wire frame with the peepsight. The wire frame has the same angle as the standard lens.
Fantastic video! Thanks for not rambling on and on. Subscribing for sure.
Awesome video! Also, you're very gorgeous!
Nice meeting you this morning at armada. Love this camera. Don't stop filming!
Nice meeting you too!
A wider slit does not run slower,
a wider opening let enter a bigger amount of light.
Background music was very loud but I appreciate the information. Thank you
Sorry about that, but thanks!
Yeah! You should've told that idiot next door with the piano to shut-up while you were trying to make a video.
“The most iconic photographs of all time were taken with the Speed Graphic”
Some, yes, but all? No.
Zeiss is an optical firm.
Tessar is one of the Zeiss lens types
The Compur leaf shutter is made by Deckel in Munich..
You have to re edit your text,