What would you pay/ trade for...

[Creagerj]

...A Busch Pressman 4x5 in good shape except for a sticky rangefinder with a whole bunch of 4x5 holders and a couple 120 holders? Just wondering. I kind of wanted to get a feel for their value, but I'm not finding much on Ebay.

 

[sf]

I'd say (from what I remember of those cameras on the auction site), that you could probably request $350 comfortably. 4x5 holders, if they are in good condition, are hard to find and usually sell for $5 each (used) in stores. 120 holders are pricey by themselves, depending on the brand. also depending on the size and whether those holders have masks and settings for different frame sizes.

 

[Creagerj]

Wow. How about desirabilaty? Are they desirable cameras?

 

[sf]

I am assuming the lens, shutter, everything is working well enough that it doesn't need CLA. Some people really desire these cameras. The Crown Graphics are #1 in this market, but the Busches have their followers - I met one in LA.

If the camera is essentially an intact model, meaning nothing is missing from the body/kit, it is worth something to someone. And the holders @ $5 each, and the 120 backs . . .those add up.

 

[Nick R.]

Busch Pressman always sold for less than the corresponding Graphic models, so don't pay Graphic prices. Ten film holders is plenty for most people so paying for more is a waste. The 120 backs are good to have but if that's what you want to shoot get a MF camera. $350 for a dodgy (by your description) BP sounds too high.

 

[Ken Ford]

I'm a Busch fan. I have one that was "fieldized" - the RF and VF frames were removed, and the camera was recovered. I use it with P/N film as a rough-and-ready field camera.

I personally wouldn't pay more that $125 for one in decent shape sans film holders, but the current market may be higher or lower.

 

[Creagerj]

Actually, the rangefinder works just fine. The reason I say sticky is because the arm that adjust the rangefinder doesn't always pop out with the bellows rail. So if it doesn't a small nudge takes care of the problem. Actually I didn't pay for mine, it was free. It came with a speed grafic as well. The only problem with the speed graphic is there is no glass focusing plate and no back (anyone got on?). it was an estate deal. It even came with an old 3 cell flash with two reflectors. I was just wondering what it was worth. I was wonder because if I didn't like it I was kind of hoping it would provide a method of upgrading from what I currently have in the way of rangefinder set up. Like if it was worth an R2a to anyone.

 

[Creagerj]

I did want to try it first, but large format is a little impracticle and a little hard to afford for me, thats why I ask. Come to think of it the RF probably needs to be adjusted.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

Is your speed graphic 2x3, 3x4 or 4x5?

Wayne

 

[sf]

Busch Pressman always sold for less than the corresponding Graphic models, so don't pay Graphic prices. Ten film holders is plenty for most people so paying for more is a waste. The 120 backs are good to have but if that's what you want to shoot get a MF camera. $350 for a dodgy (by your description) BP sounds too high.

doesn't sound dodgy to me. Not compared to most of the crown graphics I've seen. But then, I did say that the thing would have to be in perfect mechanical shape +/- 5% to warrant more the $300. Those holders + backs adds significant value. Ever try finding those things on ebay? If you have found the backs for less than $5 each - good for you. But I haven't.

 

[wlewisiii]

Arista.edu Ultra 100 (aka Fomapan 100) is dirt cheap. Buy a box, load a few of those holders and give the Pressman a workout. Use it like a really honking big MF camera if the RF is even close (check it on the ground glass.) as that's all the old PJs did with them.

It's a hoot to carry an open Speed Graphic around town with a Graphmatic loaded and ready 🙂

It really is probably only in the $150 range, but if you might just get bit by the LF bug... 😱

What lens/shutter is on it?

William

 

[Creagerj]

The speed Graphic is a 4x5 as well, but as I said there is no back to hold the film in place. Also no focusing glass. By the way, does anyone know where I could get some of those parts beside ebay (can't find what I want there)?

 

[wlewisiii]

Try http://www.mpex.com - they're the best bet.

William

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

The speed Graphic is a 4x5 as well, but as I said there is no back to hold the film in place. Also no focusing glass. By the way, does anyone know where I could get some of those parts beside ebay (can't find what I want there)?

Graflex made 3 different types of backs for the speed graphic: the grafloc back, the graphic back, and the graflex back. Are you missing the entire back section? Or only the ground glass section? Do you have any lens boards and lenses for your speed graphic?

Is your rangefinder built into the top of the speed graphic body or is it side mounted?

I might be interested in trading you something for the speed graphic depending on which model you have.

Wayne

 

[wlewisiii]

I might add to Wayne's questions that if you are not sure what some of those backs are, the Speed Graphic FAQ at http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/ will help you a whole lot.

Now if you have a 12" Tele-Optar in that pile, I'd be interested in a trade... :angel:

William

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

Joe,

As you probably know the Busch is a solid all metal camera with a rotating back. It has more movements than the speed graphic. The only drawbacks that I can see to a Busch is the smaller throat of the front standard if you should want to mount a big honkin' lens on it some day and it can not use wider angle lens than 90mm as the inner rail does not move.

I think I would use the Busch if you have no lens or back for the speed.

Wayne