Newbie LF 4x5 Questions

[rdenney]

Look specifically for a Pacemaker Crown Graphic, with a Graflok back (and NOT a Graphic back). The back's ground glass frame is mounted with push-in clips that allow it to be removed quickly. Then, the Fuji PA-45 or Polaroid 550 back will nestle in that spot, and can be locked down with sliding tabs above and below the opening.

For this purpose, any lens is fine. They usually came with either a 127mm Optar or a 135mm Optar. The 135 is better but both will work fine for instant film. Make sure the camera has the right cam for the lens if it is a top rangefinder model. If it has a side rangefinder made by Kalart, these can be adjusted to work with any press camera lens.

A Crown is the lightest and cheapest of your choices. The Speed has a focal-plane shutter you'll never use, and it's thicker and a bit heavier because of it. The Super is a later and more expensive model, but it's a bit nicer in ways that may not be important for your use.

$300 will get you a decent Pacemaker Crown with a lens. Add in $100-175 for a used or new Fuji PA-45 (less if you find an older Polaroid 550) 4x5 pack film holder. Well under budget and fulfills all you requirements.

The Pacemaker was made after the Anniversary model, in the late 40's and 50's. So, pre-anniversary and anniversary Graphics are not likely to work because they usually don't have a Graflok back to accept alternative film holders like the Fuji/Polaroid.

Rick "who has a Pacemaker Speed Graphic set up for similar purposes" Denney

[michaelbehlen]

@rdenny Perfect advice and very clear! Thanks!

[Ivan J. Eberle]

The Super Graphic is a better and smaller camera than the Crown. It has a rotating Graflok back, which will be more suitable to portraiture.

[Ivan J. Eberle]

Also Supers tend to go for similar money (though Crowns were once half the price used, it's no longer the case). Either can be found for $250 USD nowadays if you're patient.

[unixrevolution]

The Super Graphic is a better and smaller camera than the Crown. It has a rotating Graflok back, which will be more suitable to portraiture.

Also Supers tend to go for similar money (though Crowns were once half the price used, it's no longer the case). Either can be found for $250 USD nowadays if you're patient.

All completely true of my Super. The Super also has more liberal movements, I believe.

[Leonard Robertson]

Michael - In your initial post, you state you want to shoot portraits. Be aware the 135mm lens commonly found on a Pacemaker or Super is roughly equivalent in FL to a 40mm lens on a 35mm camera. If your desire is close-in portraits, you may not be happy (or your sitters won't) with the perspective. So you may be needing a setup with a longer FL lens. If you decide you need a rangefinder coupled longer FL on a Graphic, there are some issues to consider.

On a side rangefinder Graphic, the rangefinder can be readjusted for different FL lenses - to an extent. I'm remembering the upper range of FL is about 210mm (equivalent to a 63mm lens on a 35mm camera; not especially long). I may be mistaken on that 210mm figure, so hopefully someone will correct me. Telephoto formula lenses (longer FL with less bellows extension) were available for Graphics, but I don't know anything about adjusting a side RF for them.

Top RF Graphics and Supers use interchangeable cams for different FL lenses. Which seems like the perfect solution IF you can find the cam you need. The cams seem to be rather rare, at least for longer FL lenses. Maybe someone knows a source of cams. There are articles online on modifying cams or making you own to fit a given FL lens, but you need to decide how much work you want to do. No doubt someone somewhere will do this for you - for a price.

As was suggested, you can bypass the entire RF issue by going with a Graflex SLR. The problem is finding one with a Graflok back, so you can use your Polaroid holder. Graflok backs are uncommon on Graflexes. Unfortunately, Graflex rear shutters don't sync well with electronic flash. I think this is why Gowland twin-lens 4X5 cameras are favored by some portrait shooters - longer FL lenses, good flash sync, and Graflok back.

Len

[Leonard Robertson]

After posting this AM, I found this over on graflex.org with links to cam information:

http://www.graflex.org/helpboard/vie...4e29bfea0382f4

If you think you may get caught up in the soft-focus lens mania, a Speed rather than a Crown or Super would be very desirable, as you can experiment with various non-shuttered lenses - projector lenses, Aero-Ektars, home made lenses, whatever. But again, electronic flash won't work very well with the Speed rear shutter except for sort of an "open shutter" and fire the flash routine. Which may work fine if your subjects aren't moving around.

Len

[ki6mf]

While portraits are the emphasis you may want to look at a rail based view camera. These can be had on craigs list or e bay for very low cost. I saw one locally for $75.00 with out lens or film holders. The advantage is that you can get swings and tilts for perspective control, can be used for out door shooting. If you are careful using tilts movements you can also throw the background out of focus which can be useful for portraits. I would put money into a 210 or 240 MM lens for portraits. Given your budget you may be able to find a 135-150 MM normal, a 210-240 Portrait lens and a rail view camera for the money you have to spend.

[Jay DeFehr]

Michael,

I think Wally makes a good point. Since you're ok with a tripod, and have hinted at using studio lights, there's no reason to avoid a rail camera, and for studio-type work, they offer many advantages in addition to being generally less expensive than press or field cameras. I don't know what look you're going for, but I would look for a lens in the 7"-9" (178mm- 220mm) range with a large maximum aperture and an X-sync shutter, a camera with a rotating or reversible Graflok back and at least 16" of bellows. I wouldn't worry about view camera movements. On old wooden tailboard camera would suit you just fine, but those didn't come with Graflok backs. If you're reasonably handy it's not too difficult to make a back, or adapt one, but it's quicker and easier to get a camera that comes with one. Good luck!

[gorsescent]

This might be a good choice for you.

http://page7.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/g100950856

According to the seller, the camera comes with a Fujinon 135mm lens, a 6x9 roll film holder, and a lens board. They are all new old stocks!!!

The price is 80000 yen.