[LargeFormat] Re:5x7 Press Graflex Film Holders..

tripspud largeformat@f32.net
Sat Jan 10 20:08:04 2004


Hi Richard!

      Also, measuring with the lens now off from the inside to the groundglass

and then with the regular 5x7 holders seems to give identical readings.  I
think the raised ridge on the standard 5x7 holder is not a problem.  So,
I simple need to built up the long sides of the rails on the spring
groundglass
back.  BTW, I was lucky to get this back!  The other tw eBay auctions  for
similar 5x7 Press Graflexes which all sold within a month, won't see any more
for a spell, didn't have the groundglass back, and these are just not around
separately.

     I'll post more later 'cause I like to yak.

Rich

Richard Knoppow wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "tripspud" <tripspud@transbay.net>
> To: <largeformat@f32.net>
> Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 10:19 AM
> Subject: [LargeFormat] Re:5x7 Press Graflex Film Holders..
>
> > Hi Richard!
> >
> >       I spoke to Alan Brubaker on the phone yesterday, but
> it
> > appears he is back ordered and I would have to wait for
> holders
> > to be made.  He also makes large holders up to 20x24.
> I've put
> > him in my address folder.
> >
> >      About the 5x7 Press Graflex, this is my third Graflex
> reflex camera,
> > though the only one presently:
> >
> >       The lens is a B&L Tessar 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 and seems
> like 10 inch focal length
> > and f4.5.  The package the camera came in weighed 12 lbs.
> and it was mostly
> > camera, so it's a big handfull.  Fortunately, you don't
> have to lift it to your face,
> > and it balances rather well at waist level using both
> hands.  The shutter lever is
> > on the left, use the thumb.  It's a thrill to see the
> image 5x7 without a focusing
> > cloth.
> >
>   The problem with the film holders is that the standard
> holder has a ridge to act as a light trap and to lock the
> holder on the _holder_. The Graflex has the ridge on the
> camera. The two will conspire to lift the end of the holder
> off the back. Even if its light tight it may be tilted.
> Check this.
>   AFAIK the reference depth for Graflex holers is the same
> as for Graphic holders of the same size. You can check the
> holder with a depth micrometer and a reference block. The
> block is simply a rigid piece of metal which will extend
> accross the sides of the holder, preferably with a hole in
> it for the depth gauge, although you can use the edge. Just
> measure the thickness of the plate and subtract it from the
> measurement. If the holder is a plate holder a plate of some
> sort must be in it to give a reference surface. The plate is
> usually held against the inside edges of the plate holder by
> a spring.
>   The ANSI standard depth for a 5x7 holder is 0.228 inches
> from the outside edge of the holder (its reference surface)
> to the back plate. Most sheet film is 0.007" in thickness,
> this must be subtracted from the above if film is in the
> holder when measured. That distance (0.221) is also the
> depth the emulsion of a glass plate should be from the
> reference surface.
>
>   The B&L Series IIb 6-1/2 x 8-1/1 Tessar is 9-7/8ths inches
> FL. The front cell has a threaded back cap, very easy to
> remove, so you can clean the inside of the cell without any
> special tools although a rubber glove may help to grip the
> thing. I have a couple of B&L Tessars of ancient vintage,
> they are actually very good lenses.
>   Check the mirror of the camera. These were silvered
> mirrors covered with protective laquer. Sometimes the laquer
> yellows. It can be removed with laquer thinner or denatured
> alcohol and fresh laquer applied. If it isn't yellowed leave
> it alone.
>   Once you get the camera going you will have to get a flash
> powder rig so you can be really authentic:-)
>
> ---
> Richard Knoppow
> Los Angeles, CA, USA
> dickburk@ix.netcom.com
>
>   My 4x5 Super-D is the same way. Its a double handfull but
> very well balanced with controlls as for yours. No cable
> release, the thing was meant to be hand held. I've taken
> some good children's portraits with it, they don't think I
> am paying any attention to them.
>
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