From: finn@isi.edu (Greg Finn)
Newsgroups: rec.photo
Subject: Re: Press Camera Questions
Date: 4 Oct 92 20:00:39 GMT
Reply-To: finn@fin.isi.edu (Greg Finn)
Distribution: na
Organization: USC-Information Sciences Institute

In article <1992Oct4.165916.6344@das.harvard.edu> johnc@endor.harvard.edu (John Chervinsky) writes:

>At a rummage sale recently, someone was selling a Speed Graphic 4x5
>camera.  Although I did not buy it (slow speeds were off, lens didn't
>look good ect..), it did pique my interest. I have a few questions:

>In the 4x5 format, are there any models of these cameras that are
>considered to be superior?

	The Pacemaker Graphic (a 4x5) is the last of the Speed Graphic
line.  They were made until the early 1960s I believe.  The Pacemaker
is just as complicated as the Speed Graphic, using both leaf and focal
plane shutters.  The "Speed" designation indicated that the camera had
faster shutter speeds, typically between 500th and and a 1000th, than
were normally available via leaf shutters.  The Pacemaker has a body
release for both the front leaf and rear focal plane shutters.  The
Speed Graphic does not.  Knowing how to operate either one of those
babies wins you beaucoup arcane points.

>Do any models allow lens tilt about the horizontal axis?

	I believe that the Pacemaker allowed tilt.  I am not sure and
don`t have that manual with me.  It had more features than the Speed
Graphic.  A manual may be ordered from A Photographer's Place
bookstore in New York City or Steven Shuart.  Both advertise in
Shutterbug magazine.

	Full front movements are allowed on the last Graphic camera,
the Super Graphic 4x5.  This is a metal bodied camera with leaf
shutter only.  It was made up til 1973.  The body incorporates a
rangefinder that accepts cams for various lenses.  It has a rotating
Graflok back but no rear movements.  These models are a bit more
expensive than Pacemakers, but not by much.  Super Graphic cams and
Pacemaker cams are not interchangeable from what I remember.

>What lens/shutter system is considered to be good?
>Do any of these cameras have coupled rangefinders other than the ground
>glass?

	Kalart rangefinders mounted top or side were a very common
option on the later Speed Graphics and almost all the Pacemakers.  The
top mounted Kalart used on many Pacemakers had interchangeable cams
and so could be reset for different lenses.  The Pacemaker also had
fold-down infinity stops I believe to make easier the process of
initializing the rangefinder after opening the camera up.  Cams for
Pacemakers are available from Steven Shuart and elsewhere I am sure.

	If you get a Pacemaker Graphic, try to determine that it is a
later model.  The things to watch for are: Does it have a top mounted
Kalart rangefinder?  Does it have a tubular viewfinder?  Does it have
a Graflok back?  Is it cam'ed for a 135mm lens or which lens if not?

	Pacemakers and Super Graphics take a metal front lens board
and can mount standard lenses with Copal shutters.  The Super Graphic
has an electric body release and electric lens boards.  They are hard
to find and usually are difficult to redrill for the Copal shutter
sizes found on most modern lenses.  Blank non-electric boards cost
between $15 and $25 usually.  WD Service in Carson City, Nevada is the
recognized expert on repairing and restoring Graflex cameras.  His
address is in the Help column of Shutterbug in either this or last
month's issue.

>As silly as it may sound, my goal is to use such a camera for street
>photography and environmental portraits.  Is this camera too cumbersome?

	Since that is how it was used by 50 years worth of press and
combat photographers ... I don't think so.  They will draw comments
and stares.

>How much should I pay for one of these babies?  Other than the obvious
>what should I watch out for?

	A Pacemaker in mint-ish condition goes for about $400.  With
its standard lens (a 135 f4.7 Graflex Optar or 135 f4.5 Schneider
Xenar) that price may rise to $500.  Mint condition bodies are prety
rare.  They do show up in Shuterbug once in a while.  A body in EX+
condition will go for much less ... $250 is my guess.  Those lenses
are OK now and were extremely good in their day but are old designs.
Most people that I know who had them eventually purchase newer
generation used lenses.

--
Gregory Finn	(310) 822-1511
Information Sciences Institute, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Newsgroups: rec.photo