Graflex KE-12 (1)

[rangefindermania]

I've been a rangefinder camera collector for a while, mainly Leica and the similar types. I recently got a Graflex KE-12(1), which is the military edition of its counter part. While still learning about how to use large format, I thought it deserves a share with the community.

 

[Rodchenko]

Very smart.

 

[johannielscom]

That is pretty sweet!

I've been away from the forum lately, mine is an RF-less 4x5 Anniversary Speed Graphic that needs work, and I'm busy learning to master 4x5 and the Kodak Aero-Ektar lens that came with it...

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Nice one!

I like working with my Graflexes. I have a Anniversary SG, a miniature pre-anni, a Combat 45 and, recently, a Kodak Auto Graflex to play with.

I'm still looking for a properly WW2 Signal Corps marked one.

 

[rangefindermania]

Thank you, guys. It's in surprising good condition. Other than a little bit dust, the interior looks amazing.

I had never shot medium/large format before because I mostly do street photography. But Ansel Adams's Yosemite shots have been one thing that I really want to try out large format.

Excuse my ignorance, do you guys have any suggestion how to maintain the folding leather/cloth in good condition?

Thank you.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Generally the bellows exterior (and the rest of the camera) doesn't need much more than a wipe-down with a damp cloth.
If the bellows feel very dry you might give it a coat or two of leather conditioner.

Here's a test shot I took last Saturday with the Auto Graflex

(Fomapan 100, Ross Xpres at f/8 at 1/30th as I recall)

 

[x-ray]

I used one of these daily on my job in the mid 70's. I worked at Oak Ridge National Lab I the photo department and my boss was a decade behind the times. We shot most of our day work on 4x5 and sill used flash bulbs. We had super speeds issued to each of us but the one I had was unreliable. I finally gave up on it and went to the storage closet and pulled out an olive green signal corp 4x5 speed. I shot it for nearly a year and a half till I left with no issues. They're great cameras!

 

[rangefindermania]

@Corran, That's a great shot. I am not sure whether the lens has been changed. As I am still trying to do more research about it. But yes, it's RF coupled.

 

[rangefindermania]

@Mr_Flibble That looks great. Mine currently is good. But I did see other folding cameras that are pretty dry and I would like to take precaution. Thank you for the tips.

 

[rangefindermania]

Yes, I figured the edition for militarily should be of high quality.

 

[Corran]

Thanks! That's good that the RF is aligned, those Kalart RF's are a real bear to calibrate. I've done about a dozen calibrations and it takes hours usually. Hope to see you post some images made with the camera!

BTW, over at the Large Format Photography Forum, you'll find a great community and helpful discussions, and as I'm sure you know graflex.org is a good resource for everything Graflex.