I recently had the pleasure of viewing some wonderful b&w prints that I was told were made with an "Aero Ektar Speed Graphic" 4x5 camera. I truly loved the unique qualities of these images and have decided to pursue creating this camera/lens arrangement. I'm in no rush and enjoy these types of projects. I want to do things right and need help determining which components are best for this purpose and how to assemble these parts into a properly functioning camera. I am neither a Speed Graphic nor Aero Ektar expert, so I'm looking for guidance from the fine folks on the forum. Some of the initial questions that have come to my mind are:
1. What model Speed Graphic works best for this arrangement?
2. What make/model Aero Ektar lens is preferred?
3. What modifications to the Speed Graphic and/or Aero Ektar are needed?
4. Are there any special resources or experts that I should involve with this project?
5. Are there resources that restore/refurbish Speed Graphic's and/or Aero Ektar's?
I'd also like to weave some personal "mojo" into this project. My father served in the USAF from the end of WWII through the late 1960's. He was over the photo department in his squadron and often used a Speed Graphic and numerous "K" type aerial cameras. I was born in 1955 and spent much of my youth with him on base and saw him using these types of cameras; however, I was too young to understand what I was looking at. He taught me all I know about photography. Accordingly, I'd like the Speed Graphic (model?) to be a 1955 vintage. I'd like the Aero Ektar lens to be one that could have been in the type of "K" cameras he used during his career. I want both the Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar to be in excellent condition; however, I'm not sure how to judge these matters - other than the obvious.
Thanks in advance for those that can offer some helpful advise and recommendations.
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