gdi
Veteran
I just received this one today. It is quite a bit different from my Speed Graphic (and not as good condition), but some really cool features..
gdi
Veteran
Are there any Super Graphic owners around? I am trying to figure out how to test the electronic shutter cheaply before buying a battery and a battery door.
oftheherd
Veteran
I can't help you. Nobody can. It is hopeless! Tell you what, if you pay shipping, I will take it off your hands and use it for display and ...
Actually, a nice looking camera. Have you googled large format. There is lots of information out there. Actually, I would think you could use any batery of the correct voltage (if that isn't what you are looking for), and just run leads to it to test it.
Actually, a nice looking camera. Have you googled large format. There is lots of information out there. Actually, I would think you could use any batery of the correct voltage (if that isn't what you are looking for), and just run leads to it to test it.
kuzano
Veteran
Have You Found The Hidden Movements
Have You Found The Hidden Movements
I had a Super Graphic for a long time before I found the two well hidden movements on the front standard.
Right next to the rotating front standard lock you see the chrome tab sticking out forward?
Before you lock down the front standard in position, if you push down on that chrome tab you will be able to make two movements with the standard .... Side shift both left and right, and Front Swing. When you slide and swing the front back into place the chrome tab locks those two movement to center the standard.
I had heard that one of the prior Graflex bodies had limited shift and swing, but it was increased on the Super.
The circuit for the red shutter button is most likely workable IF the flat copper sheets that make contact through the bellows are still servicable. You could probably test the circuit through the battery compartment to the two points on the back lower corner of the front standard where the wires in the bellows connect to the contacts for the solenoid in the front standard.
Again... Fred Lustig has all these parts and can actually reman the whole cameras. New bellows are NLA and Fred put a working, high quality bellows with good circuitry on my Super for me.
Ultimately however, I stripped both my Supers down (lots of missing parts) to Ground Glass view only... not hand held. The camera is actually almost a worthy field camera without all the rangefinder and electronic gadgetry. Probably took over a pound, or more, off each camera.
Have You Found The Hidden Movements
I had a Super Graphic for a long time before I found the two well hidden movements on the front standard.
Right next to the rotating front standard lock you see the chrome tab sticking out forward?
Before you lock down the front standard in position, if you push down on that chrome tab you will be able to make two movements with the standard .... Side shift both left and right, and Front Swing. When you slide and swing the front back into place the chrome tab locks those two movement to center the standard.
I had heard that one of the prior Graflex bodies had limited shift and swing, but it was increased on the Super.
The circuit for the red shutter button is most likely workable IF the flat copper sheets that make contact through the bellows are still servicable. You could probably test the circuit through the battery compartment to the two points on the back lower corner of the front standard where the wires in the bellows connect to the contacts for the solenoid in the front standard.
Again... Fred Lustig has all these parts and can actually reman the whole cameras. New bellows are NLA and Fred put a working, high quality bellows with good circuitry on my Super for me.
Ultimately however, I stripped both my Supers down (lots of missing parts) to Ground Glass view only... not hand held. The camera is actually almost a worthy field camera without all the rangefinder and electronic gadgetry. Probably took over a pound, or more, off each camera.
kuzano
Veteran
Let me also add this.....
Let me also add this.....
I found when stripping down my Super that the wiring and electronics for the shutter is VERY complex and dated. Many of the contact points and receptacles are very old plastic by now.
After seeing just how much circuitry was built into the body, I don't think I would ever attempt repairs and would absolutely use Fred or someone with graflex experience on this later model.
Also, this is the camera that was sold in concept to Toyo as the Toyo Super, but Fred says that they changed many fittings to metric, such that a Toyo Super Graphic is not a very likely parts candidate. One man's opinion, but considering the source......
Let me also add this.....
I found when stripping down my Super that the wiring and electronics for the shutter is VERY complex and dated. Many of the contact points and receptacles are very old plastic by now.
After seeing just how much circuitry was built into the body, I don't think I would ever attempt repairs and would absolutely use Fred or someone with graflex experience on this later model.
Also, this is the camera that was sold in concept to Toyo as the Toyo Super, but Fred says that they changed many fittings to metric, such that a Toyo Super Graphic is not a very likely parts candidate. One man's opinion, but considering the source......
Steve M.
Veteran
Rather than spend a lot of time and money on the electronic shutter release, the best thing to do might be to get a better lens for your camera. Better to stick to the same focal length or you're going to have to change out the focusing cam.
You still have to manually cock the shutter, as well as set the speeds and aperture, so I never quite understood the purpose of the complicated electronic shutter release (except on the Super Speed Graphic, which has an electronic shutter). Just release the shutter w/ your hand or w/ a cable release. These are great cameras and built like tanks. That revolving back is perfect for portraits.
You still have to manually cock the shutter, as well as set the speeds and aperture, so I never quite understood the purpose of the complicated electronic shutter release (except on the Super Speed Graphic, which has an electronic shutter). Just release the shutter w/ your hand or w/ a cable release. These are great cameras and built like tanks. That revolving back is perfect for portraits.
Pico
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gdi
Veteran
Thanks I don't a lot of googling and found some info...
Kuzano - I did find the Shift and Swing release lever. It has quite a bit of movement compared to my Speed Graphic (no swing/shift). I have wondered what the two chrome tabs inside the tilt locking knobs are - the CQ article implies it is for front or back tilt, but I don't see any effect on those.
I have been reading up on them on graflex.org today and I understand they are very complex and not something I would want to try to do much work on.
Steve M. - I agree the electronic shutter is not critical, it is just part of the charm of this unique camera and I'd like to get it working, if it is reasonable to do so.
I did shoot the thing with some ancient Polaroid I have lying around. The lens needs cleaning and the shutter needs an overhaul, but I got an image. I have a really nice Schneider 135 convertible I may try to mount on a graphic board - I don't think I can cause much damage doing that!
Kuzano - I did find the Shift and Swing release lever. It has quite a bit of movement compared to my Speed Graphic (no swing/shift). I have wondered what the two chrome tabs inside the tilt locking knobs are - the CQ article implies it is for front or back tilt, but I don't see any effect on those.
I have been reading up on them on graflex.org today and I understand they are very complex and not something I would want to try to do much work on.
Steve M. - I agree the electronic shutter is not critical, it is just part of the charm of this unique camera and I'd like to get it working, if it is reasonable to do so.
I did shoot the thing with some ancient Polaroid I have lying around. The lens needs cleaning and the shutter needs an overhaul, but I got an image. I have a really nice Schneider 135 convertible I may try to mount on a graphic board - I don't think I can cause much damage doing that!
Gumby
Veteran
For handheld applications the electric shutter release is extremely useful. If it wre me (and I did this onmy own SuperGraphic) I'd invest in a bettery and see if it works. Best source of batteries I've found is RadioShack.com. If you are missing the battery door, well that might change the equation. They are about $40 from Midwest Photo in Columbus OH.