The main advantage of the the speed graphic's focal plane shutter isnt the faster speed (1/1000) vs. 500 to 200 for typical leaf shuttered lenses, the main advantage of the focal plane shutter is you can use NON-SHUTTERED barrel lenses which typically cost only a very small fraction of the cost of shuttered lenses. When I had my speed graphic I had about 8 barrel lenses of excellent quality all of which cost me under $100 each, some under $50. Its an incredibly inexpensive way to get incredibly good images...
The main disadvantage of the focal plane shutter was IMHO the lack of slow speeds, nothing slower than 1/10, excepting B and T. JCO -----Original Message----- From: Paul Stenquist [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2005 4:04 PM To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Subject: Re: 'Graphics (was: Re: Buffer speed) I'm no expert on the graflex cameras, but I know the Speed Graphic has both a focal plane shutter and a leaf shutter. I've never used the focal plane shutter, but it allows higher shutter speeds. I know the Speed Graphic has a rangefinder, which is essential for handheld of course. I had mine rebuilt about twenty years ago by a great repair shop in NY. I would try checking the rangefinder focus against the viewing screen focus before buying. A repair might be expensive these days. I'm not sure if the Crown Graphic has a rangefinder, although I think it does. Check the bellows for light leaks. Of course you would want to at least listen to the shutter speeds. A sticky leaf shutter can be expensive to fix. Most Speed Graphics have a lens of about 125mm, which is approximately normal. Check for fungus, hazing and cleaning marks. Mine is a Wollensak lens. It seems to be adequate, although I think some had Schneider lenses, which are probably superior. Paul On Jun 5, 2005, at 6:38 AM, Frantisek wrote: > > Sunday, June 5, 2005, 11:24:15 AM, Paul wrote: > PS> Thanks Markus. Speed Graphics can still be had for a song. They're > a > PS> lot of fun. > PS> Paul > > I would definitely love one! I saw on web some photojournalist work > done with a 'graphic on the 2004 US elections! Quite good photographs > (because good photographer, of course,...) > > One would be nice to get, definitely... > > What are the major faults to look for in the older models? I must > admit I got pretty confused by all of the models on the > www.graflex.org > > What would be the best cheapest one to get for PJ-style & event work? > Speed > or Crown? > When I don't need to ftp the photos right away ;-) > > I would like to get one either this or the next year, if they keep to > be cheap... > > Thanks > > Frantisek >
