hello--

Doing homework before LF equipment purchase...

interests: BW exclusively, street photography, night photos as well...

A dealer has a CG, excellent condition, for around $400, with Schneider Xenar 135 4.7

no focal plane, of course...having noted that,

Q: have you Speed Graphic owners used the focal plane shutter to any extent? I understand there is the possibility of more lens options therein--i.e., barrel lenses, etc. Please define 'barrel lens' (as, e.g., they pertain to the Speed Graphic). If it is deemed a particular useful feature, I might do well to wait until I can locate a Speed Graphic...

also...if I wanted the option of a close-up portrait capability, what type of lens would be needed? Might the Schneider lens noted above suit that purpose? My untutored sense of the matter understands that lens to be the rough equivalent of a 35mm slr 50mm 'normal' lens--correct? In which case, another lens would be needed. Please advise...

Best,

Dean