Reflex large format cameras....this weeks obsession!!

[Bill_1856]

That's where I am too, alas. Without glasses is impossible because I need way too strong a correction, but all the reading glasses and supplemental lenses I've tried so far are either optically not quite right, mechanically far too fussy with the viewing hood in the way, or both. A very long-barrelled loupe might be good for certain subjects, but so far I've struck out on that idea as well.

Some pictures of Edward Weston show him wearing rather prissy-looking Pince-Nez glasses, which is the only thing he found worked with the Graflex chimney.

[Randy]

I got mine a year or so ago. I enjoy shooting with it. Did some modifications - take a look - http://www.pbase.com/rsweatt/rb_mods

[DrTang]

or

one of these:





4x5 twin lens reflex - with parallax correction

[EdSawyer]

TWR would be sweet! Pretty damn rare though.

I built a camera like the Minnicks Aero Liberator (since I like DIY and figured I could do it as well, plus didn't want to spend the $2k he wants for his work). I started with a 3x4 RB Super D and added a 4x5 Graflok back. I didn't keep the rotating feature. I have pics posted here, somewhere in the DIY camera thread, I will find it if need be. I used a 4x5 Graflok back from a speed graphic, and cut it down to minimum possible size. I mounted it vertically, with the "opening" end of the graflok pointing downward. this was so I could mount an RZ67 prism above it and not have it interfere with the back. The max size you get is about 4" wide x 4.5" high with this arrangement. The focus plane is in the same place, basically, so no real need to shim the ground glass.

With the execption of 2 small corner cuts on the rear brass plate that holds the rotating back, everything was reversible should I choose to do so. I used the mounting holes for the rear brass plate to mount the 4x5 magnesium graflok back, which worked out fine. I did have to use black silicone to fill a few small gaps around the edge, but it worked out fine and removes pretty cleanly if need be.

All in all it's a great hand-held portrait rig. I use mine with an RZ67 prism on top which gives right-side-up viewing, and covers about 70% of the frame or so. I built a new front standard to take various larger-sized custom lensboard choices. My main lens is an 8" Pentac f/2.9 which reaches infinity perfectly yet also close-focuses to 1-2feet or so. It also takes a Nikkor 270-T just perfectly, and also reaches infinity where it should. Close-focus is a bit more limited but can still do a pretty tight head-shot. I also use it some with a 360 Tele Arton, which needs some extra extension, but can go from infinity to about 5' close-focus distance.

the RZ67 prism makes for a bit heavy but still doable for hand-holding, esp. with the Pentac (relatively light for it's speed). If I was to do it again, I'd probably seek out a Fuji GX680 prism, as it should cover more of the frame, and they are cheap enough. I used the RZ prism since i had it on hand.

Here's pics:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=1#post1058026

-Ed

[DrTang]

TWR would be sweet! Pretty damn rare though.

I built a camera like the Minnicks Aero Liberator (since I like DIY and figured I could do it as well, plus didn't want to spend the $2k he wants for his work). I started with a 3x4 RB Super D and added a 4x5 Graflok back. I didn't keep the rotating feature. I have pics posted here, somewhere in the DIY camera thread, I will find it if need be. I used a 4x5 Graflok back from a speed graphic, and cut it down to minimum possible size. I mounted it vertically, with the "opening" end of the graflok pointing downward. this was so I could mount an RZ67 prism above it and not have it interfere with the back. The max size you get is about 4" wide x 4.5" high with this arrangement. The focus plane is in the same place, basically, so no real need to shim the ground glass.

With the execption of 2 small corner cuts on the rear brass plate that holds the rotating back, everything was reversible should I choose to do so. I used the mounting holes for the rear brass plate to mount the 4x5 magnesium graflok back, which worked out fine. I did have to use black silicone to fill a few small gaps around the edge, but it worked out fine and removes pretty cleanly if need be.

All in all it's a great hand-held portrait rig. I use mine with an RZ67 prism on top which gives right-side-up viewing, and covers about 70% of the frame or so. I built a new front standard to take various larger-sized custom lensboard choices. My main lens is an 8" Pentac f/2.9 which reaches infinity perfectly yet also close-focuses to 1-2feet or so. It also takes a Nikkor 270-T just perfectly, and also reaches infinity where it should. Close-focus is a bit more limited but can still do a pretty tight head-shot. I also use it some with a 360 Tele Arton, which needs some extra extension, but can go from infinity to about 5' close-focus distance.

the RZ67 prism makes for a bit heavy but still doable for hand-holding, esp. with the Pentac (relatively light for it's speed). If I was to do it again, I'd probably seek out a Fuji GX680 prism, as it should cover more of the frame, and they are cheap enough. I used the RZ prism since i had it on hand.

Here's pics:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=1#post1058026

-Ed

you might have been able to use the cambo reflex finder as well

thing about your rig.. which is the thing about RB Graphics and super d's..is flash sync

there basically is none

with my cambo tlr.... flash sync is not a problem..it's not a single lens reflex...but it does have parallax correction

[richardman]

Yes, no flash sync is a killer for me...

[Bill_1856]

I got mine a year or so ago. I enjoy shooting with it. Did some modifications - take a look - http://www.pbase.com/rsweatt/rb_mods

How did you put the dowels into/onto the camera sides to hold the guitar strap?

[Tin Can]

I got mine a year or so ago. I enjoy shooting with it. Did some modifications - take a look - http://www.pbase.com/rsweatt/rb_mods

Nice mods and images!

[Tin Can]

or

one of these:





4x5 twin lens reflex - with parallax correction

How is parallax correction done?

With careful preset aiming of both lenses on a certain point?

[AuditorOne]

I love working with my Graflex RB 4x5. I have had mine modified to take the newer holders, Graflex I believe? I use Grafmatics with no trouble.

The rotating back means horizontal and vertical shots can easily be accommodated just by pulling a small pin and rotating the back.

I carry mine around by hand but I have also shot it from a tripod. I have an old metal beastie with a Majestic geared head that I don't think even feels the weight.

Using bifocals can be done but it is a lot easier to use reading glasses to focus.

I have no real trouble with focus. I focus wide open and then set my aperture and shutter when I'm ready to take the photograph.

I did have mine professionally serviced and cleaned a few years back but I have never had any trouble with dust on my negatives, at least no more than normal for any of my LF cameras.

It is really like buying and using anything else this old. Condition is important. Either buy from someone who you trust or be prepared to spend the money to clean it up and overhaul it.

There are lots easier ways to shoot large format. The Crown or Speed Graphic are excellent cameras to get started. It takes dedication to work with a Graflex LF SLR, but I love using them.

(That neckstrap sure does look nice though! )