[LargeFormat] A New Toy

[Pete Caluori]

Greetings,

Over the past few months, I'd been thinking (that's my first mistake) about 
building a small, fixed focus 4x5/5x7 for portable/handheld use.  Knowing 
that I've got a million other things to do with limited time, this is 
something that would take me quite some time to accomplish.  Then on a whim, 
I stumbled across a 4x5 Speed Graphic, of which I’m now the proud owner.  I 
made a few exposures this past weekend and I’m quite surprised at how sharp 
a hand held 1/50th sec. exposure can be.

In the past I’ve used Lexol to treat leather bellows, but I’m not quite sure 
the bellows on this camera is leather.  The model I have was made between 
1947 and 1955.  Does anyone know if it’s leather, or how I could check?  
Better yet, how should I treat it as it’s a bit dry.

I also acquired a Grafmatic holder in the transaction and it’s interesting.  
It’s smaller than Fuji’s QuickChange and operates a bit differently, given 
it doesn’t have a removable film cartridge.  The one good thing, it can be 
operated while wearing gloves, where the Fuji can’t.

Thanks!

Regards, Pete



_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: 
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx