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monkeykoder · Joined: 24 Aug 2008 Posts: 28

So I was looking to try out a speed graphic saw this auction and couldn't resist. I probably paid too much as I don't know what kind of condition this equipment is or even what model (I think it is a top handle). I should be getting it pretty soon and was wondering if there is anything in particular I need to look at on it and I would like to know approximately by how much I overspent. If this seems like too much of a n00b question feel free to ignore it.

C. Henry · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:34 am Post subject:

Your purchase appears to be a Pre-Anniversary (1928-1939) Speed Graphic, not the older top handle Speed Graphic. Whether you over paid or not depends on condition.
When you get the camera check the serial number and ask here as to age. Several of us have copies of a list compiled by Shutterfinger that will let us give you a ball park estimate of the year your camera was built.
Enjoy your "new" Speed Graphic and welcome to the forum.

C. Henry

monkeykoder · Joined: 24 Aug 2008 Posts: 28

I'll be happy with my purchase just so long as I don't have to pay too much to get it repaired (and I'm fairly handy). I figure with the extras I didn't think I'd be too far off at that price.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2146 Location: New Jersey

Interesting. Given the size of the rangefinder relative to the body, I suspect it may be a 2x3, i.e., a Miniature Speed Graphic. And it isn't clear what the wide angle lens is.

Monkeykoder, after it arrives please tell us what you bought.

Cheers,

Dan

C. Henry · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:48 pm Post subject:

Dan is probably right that it is a Miniature Speed Graphic (1939-1946) especially as the "wide angle lens" on a second and more careful look appears to be a 6.5 cm lens which probably would not cover a 4x5 film, and might not focus to infinity on a 4x5 Speed Graphic without a recessed lens board.
As Dan says let us know what it is when you receive the camera.

C. Henry

monkeykoder · Joined: 24 Aug 2008 Posts: 28

Well that isn't what I wanted to hear. If it does turn out to be a miniature I guess I have 2 options 1: get a full refund as it was advertised as 4X5 and there is no way to tell from the pictures or 2: try for a partial refund and try and use it. I don't think option 2 is very feasible as there isn't much in the way of 2x3 film available last time I checked.

willysmb · Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Posts: 128 Location: France _ Europe

I use a Tatro 620 back with my Miniature.
You can use a 120 film with a recept axe in 620.

I find 2x3 cut film here : http://sheetfilm.be/film.php

I think it's possible to find 2x3 film in U.S

Cheers

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2146 Location: New Jersey

MK, if you want a 4x5 send it back.

But if you want to shoot 2x3, Laurent (willysmb) is right. Many emulsions are available in 120. The roll holder he suggests, made by L. Tatro and Company and its successor Ta-Mar Inc., is usually listed on eBay as Adapt-A-Roll 620. As he wrote, it will feed film from a 120 spool but must take up on a 620 spool. I use 'em with my 2x3 Graphics, and they work well enough. They hold the film flat enough, give, with careful loading, 9 shots/roll.

monkeykoder · Joined: 24 Aug 2008 Posts: 28

If sheet film is available in at least ISOs of 50 200 and 400 I might consider keeping it but asking for a refund for the difference in value. For the most part my interest is shooting sheet film and being coerced into spending a little more time on each shot making sure it is perfect before I trip the shutter. Only reason I'd want 4x5 over any other size is availability of film and negative carriers for an enlarger. Which by itself is probably enough to send it back eh?

bertsaunders · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:15 pm Post subject: 2x3 or 4x5?????

Monkeykoder,
2x3 enlargers are available, 120 film is available, sheet film is available...my personal opinion is that the 2x3 is the best format.....format enlarges nicely without grain, handles easily in the darkroom, easy to load into dev reels for processing, many emulsions are available....the film is short enough to dry hanging in a shower that is realitively dust free!
This is a 2x3 camera for sure! While the large 4x5 negatives are nice for wall sized murials, how often would you print one unless you had just won the lottery????
Have a nice day......Bert

monkeykoder · Joined: 24 Aug 2008 Posts: 28

There are really only 2 problems I have with the 2x3 format that make me consider sending it back #1 I can't buy sheet film in color #2 roll film back seems rather expensive for this particular model.

monkeykoder · Joined: 24 Aug 2008 Posts: 28

Okay question. Should I wait until I receive the camera to contact the seller about possible ways to fix this or should I just contact him now and get the ball rolling?

bertsaunders · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:07 pm Post subject: 4x5 or 2x3

Monkeykoder
If you are bent on a 4x5, I would contact him now and get the ball rolling! His error to begin with, so he will probably have no problems with return!
Bert

monkeykoder · Joined: 24 Aug 2008 Posts: 28

I don't know that I'm bent on 4x5 truthfully but I know I wouldn't have bid as high on this auction if I had known it was a 2x3 camera, actually I would not have bid at all. However given that the mistakes have already been made and that I'd rather not give negative feedback or cause a ruckus about what is likely an honest mistake I'm trying to figure out a way to work this out so I keep the camera but maybe get $30-50 back as the camera does not have the represented value. This would also put me in a better position for purchasing darkroom supplies that I'm obviously going to need.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2146 Location: New Jersey

Um, er, ah, I'm not a fan of Mini Speeds, didn't like the one I used to have as much as I like my 2x3 Pacemaker Speed.

But you didn't get that bad a buy. A camera that can probably be used what looks like a normal lens (but why didn't the seller say what it is and show it with its little cap off?) in shutter, and a mystery w/a lens in shutter. People have paid nearly as much for a mystery 65 mm lens that covers 2x3 as you did for the whole rig.

Unless y'r Mini Speed has a Graflok back -- some were retrofitted, my former Mini was the source of the Graflok now on my 2x3 Pacemaker Speed -- you're stuck with an Adapt-A-Roll 620 for roll film. There are worse punishments. The worst thing about AAR 620s is finding one, the next worst thing is getting the wrong size. They came in 2x3, 3x4, and 4x5. The two larger sizes have, um, wings to fit the larger gate, the 2x3 doesn't. Getting a 2x3 will take between $50 and $100 and considerable patience.

Good luck, have fun, don't throw good money after bad,

Dan