Graflex XLSW

dazedgonebye

dazedgonebye

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Ok, I know it doesn't have a rangefinder...but this is the closes place I can find to discuss it.

Anyone with any experience with this camera? I'm considering buying one.
 
Steve: I have such a camera and I love it. Make sure you get a good lens though. I have read that the newer design 47mm/5.6 is much better than the older 47mm/8.0. The 8.0 lens reportedly seems to have good and bad examples of it. I have a very sharp 47mm/8.0 lens, by the way.

How much are you planning to pay?

Raid
 
The camera comes with a f8 version of the 47mm. I have no idea how I would be able to tell if it is a good one or not, short of buying and shooting.

The camera is listed at $550 for BIN.
 
I've got a Brooks Veriwide XL, which is the same lens, a similar body (made by (Graflex even), and a funky 6x9 back made by Mamiya.
Mine works beautifully and the lens is quite sharp. Light falloff near the corners is quite significant, though so using slide film is tricky at best.
I'm a happy customer.
 
Check the age of the lens via the serial number. Lenses made in the 60s and on have better quality control.
 
Bryce said:
I've got a Brooks Veriwide XL, which is the same lens, a similar body (made by (Graflex even), and a funky 6x9 back made by Mamiya.
Mine works beautifully and the lens is quite sharp. Light falloff near the corners is quite significant, though so using slide film is tricky at best.
I'm a happy customer.
Click to expand...

All the shots I've seen from it show vignetting...which does worry me a bit.
 
Concerning the light fallloff question, I've been unable to source a recomendation for a center filter. If anyone knows how to select an appropriate one, I might like to buy one someday for that camera.
That said, I get along just fine without it for B+W's. I overexpose by one stop, and deal with the unevenness in the darkroom, or just allow the darkened corners to exist since it is often aesthetically pleasing. Saves me from so much corner burning, right?
 
Bryce said:
Concerning the light fallloff question, I've been unable to source a recomendation for a center filter. If anyone knows how to select an appropriate one, I might like to buy one someday for that camera.
That said, I get along just fine without it for B+W's. I overexpose by one stop, and deal with the unevenness in the darkroom, or just allow the darkened corners to exist since it is often aesthetically pleasing. Saves me from so much corner burning, right?
Click to expand...

I can just dial out the vignetting in the conversion from RAW...wait...maybe not. 🙄
 
Quote:
I can just dial out the vignetting in the conversion from RAW...wait...maybe not.

Maybe one of the aftermarket scanner drivers will produce RAW files? If so, you could.
 
I'm sure there must be a PS filter somewhere that removes vignetting.
A quick google says that ptlens will do it. I even already have that one.

So, what say you (all)?
Do I give it a go?
 
Hey, cool link! I'll check mine when I get home and let you all know how old it is. I'll wager 1970- 1972, just for grins.
Not that they will tell you much, Steve, but there are images taken with that lens in my gallery under "Aboard the Servant'. They are B+W prints that have been scanned with a digital slr via a copy stand and flashguns, so the prints have been burned/ dodged to my taste. And of course they can't possibly show the resolution of a 6x9 negative.
FWIW I paid far more than $550 for mine, but it came from B+H with a good return policy and in virtually new condition.
Go with your gut on your purchase.
 
The only thing that stops me is that I've been considering a Crown Graphic and I could end up with a more versitile set up for that money.
The xlsw is a one trick pony...though it's a trick I've been wanting for some time.
 
I wanted the thing pretty badly. I was after wide angle (would've preferred wider yet), medium format, and backpack friendly. But then in one form or another architecture is my thing.
 
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