Speed/Crown/Century and others here??

[harry01562]

Hopefully, this may be a good addition, as a forum for people shooting the above as well as Busch, Watson B&J or whatever. I own a Busch adapted to a Graflok back, as well as a Crown with the Ektar 105/3.7, and a seldom used Speed with the Ektar 4.5. They are fun to shoot, with the 120 backs, and do sometimes lead to interesting conversations. Many oldtimers (I'm one) will recognize them, and some knowledgeable youngsters, as well.

I noticed the Graphic forum seems to be down, and this group is large and diverse, so the stars may be right for some talk.

I'd love to hear from anyone with opinions on a good wide angle lens for the Crown, and sources for parts like lensboards for all mentioned cameras.

Harry

 

[bob cole]

Hopefully, this may be a good addition, as a forum for people shooting the above as well as Busch, Watson B&J or whatever. I own a Busch adapted to a Graflok back, as well as a Crown with the Ektar 105/3.7, and a seldom used Speed with the Ektar 4.5. They are fun to shoot, with the 120 backs, and do sometimes lead to interesting conversations. Many oldtimers (I'm one) will recognize them, and some knowledgeable youngsters, as well.

I noticed the Graphic forum seems to be down, and this group is large and diverse, so the stars may be right for some talk.

I'd love to hear from anyone with opinions on a good wide angle lens for the Crown, and sources for parts like lensboards for all mentioned cameras.

Harry

Harry, try here:

http://www.stephenshuart.net/


Also:





Large-format dealers [from the Internet]
In the US, B&H ,Adorama and Calumet.
Specialty stores: Photomark, The View Camera Store, Badger Graphics.
Robert White in the UK.
Christoph Greiner (chr.greiner.photo@t-online.de) in Germany.
New Sankyo Camera Co in Hong Kong (newsanky@hkstar.com).

 

[BrianShaw]

Hi... I shoot with Graphic cameras too -- 4x5 and with a 120 back.

I don't know about the Busch, but Grahic lensboards are fairly available on eBay. I just bought a 'replica' Type C board for my Anny Graphic. The metal ones for Crown are quite easy to find. I've also found other things like Graphic viewfinder masks. The best bet, though, is to call Jim at Midwest.

 

[FPjohn]

Identity crisis

Identity crisis

Hello:

Is a Century or a 6x9 Techika a 120 RF folder? Yes, but certainly they are also field view cameras as well?

Perhaps we need the old inclusive category again?

yours
Frank

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

For a wide angle lens on Crown Graphic type 4x5 cameras look for a Bausch & Lomb 88mm f6.8. May be hard to find but should be reasonable price wise as most people are not aware of them and the quality. My second wide angle lens is a Kodak Wide Field Ektar 100mm f6.8. This one will be a little more expensive as the Ektars have a good reputation.

Wayne

 

[FrankS]

I have a 90mm Angulon for my 4x5 Speed Graphic, state of the art LF WA lens in the '70s, superseded now by the Super Angulon, and therefore cheaper.

 

[BrianShaw]

I have a 90mm Angulon for my 4x5 Speed Graphic, state of the art LF WA lens in the '70s...

In the 70's this lens design was celebrating its 80th birthday (or so). The SA might have been released in the 60's or early 70's (my memory fails me on this detail) but the SA design/patent pre-dates the commercial release by a decade or so. Even thought the 90mm Angulon's "state of the art" status can be disputed, it certainly is a reasonably priced and quite functional lens. I've read that it is quite limited in terms of image cirlce (hence, movements) but for me that might not be a major limitation. It is on my list of things I need to buy when spare money appears in my wallet!

 

[mbisc]

Well, calling a Crown Graphic 23 a "120 folder" is a bit of a stretch, but given how cool they are, and the fact that there is someone else out there who loves them, you shall be forgiven😉

I haven't used mine much since switching to 4x5 (for serious stuff with tripod), and my Bessa II (for quick hand-held stuff), but it's one camera I will never sell.

As far as WA lenses are concerned, the 80mm WA Ektar is an awesome choice. Unfortunately, their quality is well known, so they are pretty pricey on eBay. Alternatively, the 65mm Angulon is small and not too expensive. For a short while, I had the 47mm (Super?-)Angulon, but you'd have to drop the bed, which is a PITA...

Enjoy!