What should I look for in a Graflex Crown Graphic?

[thetooth]

well for the mamiya, price is an issue - looking on the bay, I couldn't really find anything similar to this setup for less than $400. At half the price, I'd enjoy the ability to raise and drop the bellows.

fair enough just remember if you use the ground glass to focus . you will have to compose and focus , remove the ground glass and replace the film holder .

and if you are just using the rangefinder you must take into account it's calibration .

just somethings to consider . i am not down towning the camera i own one , but i also on 2 rb67's and use them a lot more because i find the work flow more convenient

 

[Mudman]

Thank you very much and it definitely is something to consider. I just talked with the seller again to get directions, and he mentioned a couple of things - the rangefinder is accurate, and the rodenstock lens is on a lens board that won't fit the camera - I'd have to buy a new board to get it to fit. The bellows are also light tight, and possibly are replaced.

 

[thetooth]

Thank you very much and it definitely is something to consider. I just talked with the seller again to get directions, and he mentioned a couple of things - the rangefinder is accurate, and the rodenstock lens is on a lens board that won't fit the camera - I'd have to buy a new board to get it to fit. The bellows are also light tight, and possibly are replaced.

i say go for it . you are not going to lose in this situation . if the camera does not work out you can sell for what you put into it . you may even make money if you decided to go that route if it doesn't work out . good luck

 

[Mudman]

one other question for the lens board - will any 2x3 lensboard with the proper opening for the lens work, or does it have to be a lens board for the graflex?

 

[Mudman]

Going down today at around 6:00, should be good. I wish I had more money, He's selling a Leica M4 for $525.

 

[Brennotdan]

Did you end up buying that 2X3? I live near Saratoga, ever been to the annual camera show? I always seem to miss it!

 

[george1956]

I wound up going with a Speed Graphic in the 4x5 size, but I have used a Crown Graphic, which is lighter. The Speed Graphic is the same as the Crown except it has a shutter in the back of the camera body so you can use the old barrel lenses that have no shutters. Most of the time is use a regular LF lens that has a shutter, though. I did get a C2 120/220 rollfilm insert so I can use rollfilm in addition to 4x5. I've not ever been to Saratoga for the camera show.

 

[Mudman]

well an update a long time later. Yes, I bought the camera, its a lot of fun, though big and heavy. I'm going to the camera show sunday.