New Rangefinder

R

r-brian

Guest
Just won this rangefinder on Ebay. It is classified as a rangefinder, isn't it?

Busch Pressman D with 135mm Steinheil Munchen. 4x5, now there's a negative.
 
Jorge

Yes, it has a Kalart rangefinder on the side coupled to the lens. however, I will be using it as a field camera. Maybe we need to start another listing for large format rangefinders.

Brian
 
Congratulations, r-brian! A buddy of mine has a Busch Pressman, which seems a really nice camera, and endowed with handy movements and otherwise full-featured. I've heard it's one of the best of this type.
 
Having wanted a field camera for a long time, I ran across the Busch. After researching the Pressman, I found they have forward and back tilt on the front standard where as the Graflex only has back tilt. They also have a rotating back; Graflex does not. They also have front rise and front shift. More than enough movements for field work. And they are 1/3 or less than a the cheapest field camera. (and that usually includes at least the standard press lens.) I can't wait to try it out. Since I don't have a scanner, I can't share the results.

Brian
 
A lot of the press-type sheet film cameras, including many an old Speed Grapic, had rangefinders coupled to the lens for use with the eye-level (not ground-glass) finders. This hardly makes them "rangefinder" cameras, but it must have helped Weegee and his buddies back in their day.
 
Congratulations and welcome to LF. A good chrome on a light box will blow you away. The only downside is that it is hazardous to your 35mm cameras. I have a Crown Graphic, my first LF camera, and recently bought a nice 6x9 cm Century Graphic, a very nice grey model with the burgundy bellows - I intend to put a roll film adapter on this one. Both have coupled Kalart rangefinders. BTW, the Busch is probably a nicer camera than the Graphics, and you can get them for very good prices.

Thanks!

Steve
 
Steve

I know what you mean about 35mm becoming an endangered species. I moved up to a Bronica SQa 7 or 8 years ago and my Nikon system just sits there. I can't wait to get some big B&W negs to play with. The Busch needs a little work, cleaning and reglueing of the leather, but overall I think it will work (received the camera yesterday, mailed Sat. morning priority and received Thurs. Can you say 2-3 days, NOT.)

Brian
 
You'll never have problems finding film, r-brian. Everytime I check both, B&H and Adorama's Film Specials, 4x5 seems to be the thing. Good luck with your new toy! :)
 
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