I used a Speed Graphic back in 1961 when I was 16 in the UK. We used the 127mm 4.5 Kodak Ektar lens. We also had a 90mm Schneider Angulon 6.8 lens for it. I am 76 now and have just bought an MPP Micropress 5x4 with a 135mm Schneider Xenar 4.7 lens. The MPP is virtually identical to the Speed Graphic.
When I went to the U.S. Naval school of photography in Pensacola Florida, we started with that same camera. We learned tray development and machine processing of the 4x5 neg. We then graduated to the 120mm format Rapid Omega, then to the 4x5 view camera with swing and tilt. Only after all of that we were onto the modern 35mm. Canon F1. I always enjoyed both the speed graphic and the swing tilt 4x5 the most. There are so many possibilities of photography using either.
I just bought a speed graphic mainly for portraits and landscapes and to practice with 4x5 film. I have serious respect for those who used these cameras professionally.
Such a great video Brian. My Grandmother was a journalist working on the mirror back in the early 50s in Sydney, very interesting listening to someone talk about using speed graphics in an Australian context. I picked up a speed graphic yesterday, looking forward to getting to know it and fitting a Metz flash on it. Cheers!
Thanks for the video - I've been a professional photographer since the 90's, just got my "new" Pacemaker Graphic - and could imagine handling it will the ease you just displayed - you've given me hope!
very interesting. I often wondered how press photographers used these. Even after watching you your film I still find it difficult to understand how the film is revealed then moved to the back of the holder after exposure. Is the film some how pulled out of the sleeve exposed .Returned to sleeve then pushed to the back?. Well done. Thanks.
Thanks for this great information about this fascinating camera. I purchased one and have been enjoying using it. I would like to attach a strobe on mine similar to yours but have only found Vivitar 385. What brand is you flash?
Great insights in the use of these cameras from someone that used them when they were king of news photography!
I used a Speed Graphic back in 1961 when I was 16 in the UK.
We used the 127mm 4.5 Kodak Ektar lens. We also had a 90mm Schneider Angulon 6.8 lens for it.
I am 76 now and have just bought an MPP Micropress 5x4 with a 135mm Schneider Xenar 4.7 lens.
The MPP is virtually identical to the Speed Graphic.
When I went to the U.S. Naval school of photography in Pensacola Florida, we started with that same camera. We learned tray development and machine processing of the 4x5 neg.
We then graduated to the 120mm format Rapid Omega, then to the 4x5 view camera with swing and tilt. Only after all of that we were onto the modern 35mm. Canon F1.
I always enjoyed both the speed graphic and the swing tilt 4x5 the most. There are so many possibilities of photography using either.
Awesome real photos
Blooming brilliant. I wanna experience 1 of those like my grand did.
I just bought a speed graphic mainly for portraits and landscapes and to practice with 4x5 film. I have serious respect for those who used these cameras professionally.
What a great demonstration. Thank you.
well done, the best speed graphic review on youtube.
Grafmatic back seems to make for much sharper photos than ordinary double-sided holders.
Such a great video Brian. My Grandmother was a journalist working on the mirror back in the early 50s in Sydney, very interesting listening to someone talk about using speed graphics in an Australian context. I picked up a speed graphic yesterday, looking forward to getting to know it and fitting a Metz flash on it. Cheers!
simple camera. brilliant design. i miss mine. i even remember he serial number, and use it as part of a password
on my computer.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with this classic camera. Awesome video!
Thanks for the video - I've been a professional photographer since the 90's, just got my "new" Pacemaker Graphic - and could imagine handling it will the ease you just displayed - you've given me hope!
Also, any suggestions on how to adapt stribes or flash to the bulb wires.. is there an adapter or did you make one? thanks
I’m interested in what flash you used for this camera and any tips on how you modified it for the camera.
Thanks, I didn't know how to lock that Graphmatic back in place before.
Thanks for sharing some of the techniques. I have a speed graphic that I certainly would love to use more
Nice that you still use one after all these years, even with all the newer film as well as digital cameras that are now available.
How did you synch the speed light to the bi-pole connector?
Thanks Brian this was great! I'm in Melbourne to and have a two Speed Graphics do you know the best place to get lens and camera serviced?
When did news photographers stop using 4x5 press cameras?
very interesting. I often wondered how press photographers used these. Even after watching you your film I still find it difficult to understand how the film is revealed then moved to the back of the holder after exposure. Is the film some how pulled out of the sleeve exposed .Returned to sleeve then pushed to the back?. Well done. Thanks.
Thanks for this great information about this fascinating camera. I purchased one and have been enjoying using it. I would like to attach a strobe on mine similar to yours but have only found Vivitar 385. What brand is you flash?
Do you have a video showing rangefinder adjustment?
Do you have any recommendations of ways to practice composing with the Sports Finder?
Do you have a video showing rangefinder adjustment?
For this particular model it is quite easy. I can make a quick video on my phone if you wish.