We have just acquired a Century Graphic 2 1/4 X 3 1/4 for my wife's use, but cannot figure how to open the shutter on the Graflar f/4.5 101mm to focus using the ground glass. (Practical) Advice would be welcome. Cheers, David
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We have just acquired a Century Graphic 2 1/4 X 3 1/4 for my wife's use, but cannot figure how to open the shutter on the Graflar f/4.5 101mm to focus using the ground glass. (Practical) Advice would be welcome. Cheers, David
I'm not sure which shutter you have, but the usual approach if it has only a "Bulb" setting is to use a cable release with a lock to hold it open.
If this isn't the answer you need, please describe the shutter.
Most Century Graphics come with a shutter which has a "T" position (T = time). Press the shutter release once to open the shutter for viewing, and again to close the shutter.
Great little camera. Have fun!
Nope! This one doesn't have a "T". The lenses that I have for my 4X5 MPP VII all have a preview button (or a "T" stop), but this little lens does not. But thanks for the suggestion. Cheers, David
Hmm. I just looked at the Century shutter my 103/4.5 Graftar is in. It has a "T" speed, all the way at the left end of the shutter speed scale, after B and 200. No blade arrester, as I suggested on www.graflex.org
When you ask questions about a shutter, it really helps to identify it.
Cheers,
Dan
It's possible your lens came from a TLR, hence no preview lever; however I would still expect it to have a "T" setting. I'm guessing the shutter is a Rapax or a Graphex (they're identical) if not, what brand is it?
If you're more familiar with Copal shutters, the Rapax/Graphex operates differently; the shutter must be cocked before depressing the preview button. On Compurs, (depending on vintage) there may be a small button opposite the shutter speed pointer which must be moved back and held before firing the shutter at any speed to enter preview mode.
Perhaps you could post a photo of your shutter so we could better understand your problem.
The shutter in question is a Prontor-SVS with stops which range from B and from 1 - 300.
Quote:
Originally Posted by msrdsdr
You can always set it on "B" and hold the cable release while you focus.
Thanks to all those who responded... and apologies to those who found the posting of the same question on other forums to be offensive (or unnecessary)!
My Prontor has a separate little lever that opens the shutter for focusing. It is not the same as the lever that sets the shutter times. IIRC, this one presses down towards the lens.
juan