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Thread: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

  1. #21

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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dan Fromm View Post
    Lou, I like 6x12 but oh! do 6x12 roll holders cost. 2x3 (6x9 is a poor metric approximation) would probably be better for the OP.

    I mean, I do like 2x3, but I already have a Kodak Medalist II for that (very sharp, excellent color response, attractive camera). I don't really feel like spending money on a roll-film holder right now... if I did, I would probably save up and spring for a 6x12. However, I will say I have learned a lot in this thread and I feel very positive about shooting 4x5" going forward, both on a tripod and, sparingly, handheld.

  2. #22
    Nodda Duma's Avatar
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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    For what it’s worth.. I’ve only ever taken two 4x5 shots handheld: both under the tropical sun of Hawaii, and both dry plates. Otherwise, I set up on a tripod. I use a speed graphic. It’s a great camera but I don’t bother with the rangefinder. Ground glass focusing for me.
    Newly made large format dry plates available! Look:
    https://www.pictoriographica.com

  3. #23
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    I recently wrote somewhere here about a guy shooting Speed Graphic with Polaroid and strobe, always handheld in dark nightclubs, not fancy clubs, Punk Rockers.

    He made real cash, year after year from mid 80's to early 2000's.
    Tin Can

  4. #24
    Vaughn's Avatar
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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    Yes
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails AlexLastGame2009.jpg   AlexAtBat.jpg  
    "Landscapes exist in the material world yet soar in the realms of the spirit..." Tsung Ping, 5th Century China

  5. #25
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    Tin Can

  6. #26
    multiplex
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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    hi OP
    just do it and don't listen to the naysayers
    there are always going to be people who say
    " waste of time " " waste of film" &c but that's because
    they don't do that sort of thing and aren't interested in it. ( their loss ! )
    its a lot of fun shooting hand held with a speed or graflex slr ...
    i used to photograph buildings being demolished hand held all the time
    this was before the internet so i didnt' read/hear people telling me
    what a waste of time it was
    this was the hotel avery in boston as it was being demolished in 1990
    as they used to say " everyone had a room at the avery"
    the 16x20 print you can read the room numbers.
    i shot it with a 15" tele-optar at about 1/60TH f8ish maybe f16 i don't remember...
    don't forget to have fun !

  7. #27

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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?


  8. #28

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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    Well, thanks for everyone's answers and discussion! I learned a lot!

  9. #29

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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dan Fromm View Post
    What works, and doesn't work, for me has no bearing on what will work for you. Do what works for you.

    FWIW, all of my Graphics' RFs are off calibration. That's irrelevant most of the time because I use more than one lens with them. I almost always shoot from tripod. But that's what works for me. Do what works for you and don't worry about what other people do.
    I agree. Sports photographers used Speed Graphics hand held back in the day.

    Personally, I can get better results handheld with a smaller and lighter medium format camera. Of course I have had a back fusion which affects hand held shooting for me. I posted this a few years ago and Frank Petronio copied me and said it took him years to figure that out for himself.

    Like you say, Dan, everyone is different so results vary.

  10. #30

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    Re: Is it worth it to use the Speed Graphic handheld from time to time?

    Speed Graphic was specifically designed to be used hand held. These were THE press image making camera of their day. SG with a flash bulb "gun" and Graphmatic film pack were the mobile image making tools.

    This specialization of the SG also limits the design to the optics they were designed to use. Similar was the Linhof Technika. Similar were the "Field" view camera which is a variation of a SG. View camera designs in this form were and are intended to be light weight, mobile with specific limitations.

    Eventually, the 35mm roll film camera, Rangefinder Leica M series or Single Lens Reflex aka Nikon F replaced the Speed Graphic for new media image work and a lot more. !20 roll film was some where in between.


    Bernice

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