I still use a 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 Speed Graphic as my primary tool. I have
several of them and also a Graphlex XL system which offers me the
possibility of sharing a very few but essential common modules, such as
film backs and focussing panels. The areas that offer frustration are
those where interchangeability is limited. At the present time, I am
looking for some parts cameras; I need some XL body frame parts to graft
into a Speed Graphic body, so that I can use 70mm, Polaroid, etc. I have
a Pinhole module which is constructed from an XL back frame. Its great
to have that capability. Sometimes, that's the only thing that works for
certain things. It enables me to use Polaroid film pack. (Can't use
Polaroid with the speed, even with the Graphloc Back, though)
The reason I stick with the Speed is that, as Bob points out, the Speed
has a focal plane shutter. In my work, I need this because I use a very
odd assortment of lenses, and the speed will accept these and provides me
the means of controlling the exposure time. I use some old barrel lenses
(A Dallmeyer Adon - the original "zoom" lens is one favorite) and
assorted riflescope achromats, simple meniscus lenses etc. I even have a
board which mounts stacks of Optometrists' diopters, of which I have a
neat complete wooden chest full, some 200 lenses in all. I can produce
any focal length with any degree of astigmatism.
Because the Crown does not have the focal plane shutter, I would have
little interest in it.
>These cameras were made in 2 1/4 x 3 1/4, 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 and 4 x 5 which
>was the most popular but big and heavy. I had a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 speed for
>a while which I liked a lot but today you can only get Tri-X film for that
>size on special order.
The 2-1/4 and 4x5's were available with Graphloc back, which enabled the
use of numerous accessories. With or without the Graploc back, the 4x5
is still useful because it takes standard holders but the Graphloc back
makes it much more flexible. For example, I just bought a Beattie
Coleman 70mm magazine which requires a Graphloc back. As Bob mentioned,
the 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 sheet film is not very available any more. However,
the Graphloc back enables me to use a variety of roll film backs with any
of my Graphics; 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9 (I use these #'s because they are much
easier to type, they probably aren't exact) are available. These use
standard 120 film which - because it is the same film that fits the
Hassleblad, comes in the richest variety of emulsions.
>
>These cameras are best described as field cameras. As I recall you have
>limited front rise and fall, tilt and swing but no shift. No rear movements
>at all.
I never use the movements on my speeds. All there is is front rise,
really, and not much at that. I think the crown may have more movements,
but I'm not sure. If you need movements, look into the Linhof Technica,
which has useable movements. It was made (still is, but hang onto
something solid when you check the price) in both 2-1/4 and 4x5 sizes.
They are very nice. I have a 4x5. I've used it a lot. However, its
FATAL FLAW is that it has no focal plane shutter. If the Graphic is
heavy, it is positively ponderous.
>
>Lens boards are still available but its easy to make your own, so you
>can put a variety of modern lenses on the camera. As I recall the 4 x 5
>had a 150mm normal lens.
It came with a variety of "normal" lenses. One of the most common was
the 127mm, which was popular with press photographers. Something like
35mm lens with 35mm format; moderately wide angle. Foregiving.
>The back rotates so you can set it at landscape or portrait format.
I think you are talking about the Linhof here. Maybe the Busch Pressman
also (Also a very solid, nice package, but again, no focal plane shutter).
>If you buy one, examine the bellows very carefully and check out the
>tracking and focus gearing for the front standard.
Put a flashlight inside and look for pinholes in a darkroom.
You should be able to find one of these puppies in good shape for $125-
225 excluding lens.
Larry