Rangefinder options (beginner question)

[Bob Salomon]

I forgot about that one. I remember looking into this a while back. I think there are 4 options:

COUPLED RANGEFINDER 4x5:
Speed or Crown Graphic and clones
Linhof, new and old
Wista
Polaroid conversions

Others?

No, the Polaroid option does not fit his requirements.

" I would like the flexibility to use different brands and focal lengths."

[Ash]

Get yourself a Razzle 4x5. Converted Polaroid 110B or 900, 150mm lens of your choice.
Parallax corrected full frame rangefinder. Nice and fast.

Works for me

You don't get the various lenses or anything like that, but if you want that much versatility, you'll lose the rangefinder unless you go for a more expensive (technika?) cam-based rangefinder camera.

[Neal Shields]

If you can afford it the best way to take 4x5 portraits is the Graflex Super D.

That is why although they haven't been built for years people are rebuilding them to like new condition and not having a problem selling them.

http://www.lensandrepro.com/USED/graflex.htm

[Darryl Baird]

This is a good lightweight option, but the focal length will be limited to the fixed lens only. This is costlier than a used graphic style, but I like the ability to customize the "ride" and it's ultra-quick to shoot with. Ash had a running blog-style update here when Dean was working on his Razzle-dog Polaroid.

This is cheaper than either the Linhof or Wista route.

Get yourself a Razzle 4x5. Converted Polaroid 110B or 900, 150mm lens of your choice.
Parallax corrected full frame rangefinder. Nice and fast.

Works for me

You don't get the various lenses or anything like that, but if you want that much versatility, you'll lose the rangefinder unless you go for a more expensive (technika?) cam-based rangefinder camera.

[Kirk Fry]

super (speed) graphic and clones. These are not crown/speed clones.

[Ash]

Another option is this guy -

http://photo.net/photos/Camera%20Conjurer

He has a Polaroid converted that can use multiple lenses.

[al olson]

The Super Graphic is a good choice. I have been able to purchase lenses on ebay that had the cams with them for the one I have now. I also had one in the late fifties for doing press work.

For hand-held work, any of the Graphics are easy to use. I recommend finding a Graphic flash battery case that can be attached to the right side and used as a fixed grip.

Using a separate rangefinder will not work unless the camera has a focusing scale calibrated for that lens.

[ic-racer]

super (speed) graphic and clones. These are not crown/speed clones.

Speed/Crown Clones = Bush Pressman etc.

[Bill_1856]

Not a problem! The standard Kalart rangefinder can be easily adjusted for whatever lens you want to put on your camera (Crown or Speed Graphic, or Busch Pressman). But it will only work for that one lens. A good one for your purpose would be a clean used Kodak f:7.7/203mm Ektar.

The "Top Rangefinder" Graphics have interchangable cams for each lens, but they are no longer made, difficult to change, and must be matched for each lens focal length. Same is true for the Super Graphic, except that the cams are easy to change.

The Technika, Super Graphic, and Busch Pressman all have revolving backs, so it's a lot easier to take head shots than with a Speed or Crown Graphic.

[pierods]

Not a problem! The standard Kalart rangefinder can be easily adjusted for whatever lens you want to put on your camera (Crown or Speed Graphic, or Busch Pressman). But it will only work for that one lens. A good one for your purpose would be a clean used Kodak f:7.7/203mm Ektar.

The "Top Rangefinder" Graphics have interchangable cams for each lens, but they are no longer made, difficult to change, and must be matched for each lens focal length. Same is true for the Super Graphic, except that the cams are easy to change.

The Technika, Super Graphic, and Busch Pressman all have revolving backs, so it's a lot easier to take head shots than with a Speed or Crown Graphic.

- What is a revolving back?