A Graphic Testimonial
Several years ago I completed a course in
Basic Photography at Bob Jones University in their Cinema
Dept. The course introduces students to photography by
starting them out with the Crown and Speed models of the
Graphic. Though most students, being used to motor driven,
auto focus cameras shunned the Graphic for its antiquity, I loved
it. It was the first Large Format Camera I had any experience
with and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As the class finished I
found myself checking out the same camera and buying film to shoot
and process. Later on I found a nearly mint condition Speed
Graphic with a Lens Cap! Something I have never found
since. It was in an old beat up case along with its original
filters, flashgun, film pack, and dark cloth for about $200. The
leather inside and out is as shiny, crisp, and new as well as the
rest of the camera just as if it had been teleported from the
past. I shopped around some more and found some film holders
and a Grafmatic holder that I use the most.
From that time on I have shot portraits, commercial product
objects, architectural subjects, scenery, and still life
photos. I have a monorail 4x5 camera with all the swings,
shifts, tilts, etc. But I still use my Graphic the most and
to be honest---sit down for this---value it more than
my Hasselblad 501 CM!
Having said that I would like to share with you 10 Reasons For
Using The Graphic
- Because of its Rangefinder or Ground glass focusing (my
favorite) it makes one slow down from his/her motor drive shooting
mentality which allows one to better "focus" on the real
"subject" at hand--the photograph!
- When one uses a Speed
Graphic, he/she has two shutter options. I am not
completely sure, but I haven't seen any of newer model field
cameras offer this feature. You have speeds available
from T to 1/400 (on the Graphex 135mm lens) and the rear curtain
goes from T to 1/1000! Let's see one lens do
that!
- Like the Bell & Howell Filmo 70HR (my favorite cine
camera) a Graphic is extremely sturdy and
durable.
- A Graphic does well hand held as well as on a tripod.
- Although I do not personally recommend prolonged exposure to
harsh elements for ANY camera, the Graphic holds up well in
snow and icy rain conditions.
- With the proper lens boards (available from many used camera
dealers) different view lenses can be fitted to the Graphic
allowing many focal length possibilities including wide
angle.
- Unless marred by ill handling, later model Graphex lenses
have good coatings on the optics for good negative
contrast. (I fooled a professional photographer who
didn't think much of Graphex optics by showing him two identical
prints, one made with an Schneider 135mm and the other made by my
Graphex 135mm lens.)
- If one chooses, the Graphic allows Flash Synchronization
for both electronic strobe and flashbulbs.
- Using the Graphic series of cameras allows the
photographer to use the very same models (in some instances
the very same cameras) that captured some of the world's most
historic photos.
- The Graphic camera is really an American Icon of
Press and Industrial photography that has been tried and tested
true from the early 20th century up to the time that you are
reading this.
One word more....
Like most other photographers I enjoy all the advantages digital
cameras and Adobe Photoshop has to offer and I would not want to be
without these items either. However, I believe it is good for
a photographer to take his time and concentrate on his/her image
through Large Format photography also gaining (pardon me is I sound
fanatical) a good bonding moment with the past under the dark cloth
of a Graphic.
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