Thanks for the compliments on this portrait I posted. It was shot using window light in my studio at about 1/30" which is my standard exposure in the studio.
The shutter winding escutcheon on my studio graflex has an aftermarket flash sync bi-post socket and so I simply attach a sync cord and shoot with the tension at 6 and the shutter in the "O" (open) setting.
so..the shutter is open when the mirror flips up and the flash goes off before the curtain starts down ?Originally Posted by skuuterboy
interesting
does the mirror block out light to the film effectively? would this work outside (in sunlight)?
questions, questions
The mirror functions very effectively as a light trap in a Graflex SLR so it would work outside. The flash is triggered by the mirror reaching the top of its swing and simultaneously the curtain falls down to end the exposure. the time is about 1/5" and I use this setting for non-flash images in low available light with the camera on a tripod, of course.
thanks..good to know
Finally got a grip on how these work, next I need a hand le on one .
Tin Can
Randy, do you have an AE lens?
m
Michael Cienfuegos
This is my Mentor 9x12, which I have very crudely adapted to shoot instant film with. Hard cardboard and a filed down Norma back, attached with double-sided tape. The modification is reversible. It is fun to use, but I do not feel comfortable with hand-holding it.
Christoph
Wow, that's big. I can see why that could be a handful, hand-held. Is that Norma back 4x5? Looks to be...
Don't let Mark Sawyer put you off. There's nothing more fun to use than a Graflex slr. I have several, in sizes from 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 up to 5x7. There was a period of about 3-4 years when the only camera I used was a 5x7 Auto Graflex. It's true that you will, in general, have to buy some slotted film holders in the right size. However, that isn't that difficult to do on ebay. I've picked up 20-30 in each of the sizes I use. I also have a Series D that has been converted so I can use normal 4x5 film holders. I prefer the cameras that use the slotted film holders because they're easier to change with one hand than the regular film holders. As for problems focusing without a loupe, it's simple. I carry a lens of the right focal length (depends on the height of your camera's hood) mounted on a small chessboard. I just let it set on the top of the hood and adjust the focus to razor sharpness. When you have a 5x7 ground glass to focus on,plus a magnifier you'd be surprised how sharp a negative you can get. My favorite Graflex slr's are the 4x5 and 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Super-D's (with auto diaphragm), the RB Auto Graflexes in the same sizes (these have longer bellows for close-up), the afore-mentioned 5x7 Auto Graflex. If you get a 3 1/4 x4 1/4 you won't have a lot of film choices, unless you cut film down from 4x5. I use Kodak Electron Image Film in 3 1/4 x 4 (not 4 1/4). I expose it at AS A 6 and develop it in Diafine. It's extremely low grain (a poor man's Tech Pan). ( Note that this was about the normal film speed back around 1910. The cameras were generally used with the diaphragm wide open. That lead to the characteristic Graflex photo look of a sharp subject and shallow death of field. ) I've picked up a few thousand sheets on ebay and I'm set for life. If there are any other complaints about Graflex slr's, I haven't found them objectionable enough to keep me from enjoying mine.
Here's my Plaubel Makiflex, just found the original Eyelevel Viewfinder Hood for it.
Shown with the 250mm Rodenstock Imagon (in barrel mount) and "tube system"
from China, and the Plaubel 9x12cm Plate Film Back.
Flikr Photos Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
― Mark Twain
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