Focusing with Graphic View ?

I just purchased a Graphic View 4X5 large format. Large Format is new

to me. How do you know whether your in focus with this camera? I see

no way of viewing the object photographed to determine correct focus

with the bellow adjustment.

There should be a ground glass on the back of the camera. The ground surface is in the same location as the film will be when you insert the film holder. When the camera is focused you will be able to see an image on the ground glass. Many start by placing their head too close to the ground glass. The image is on the glass so place your head at a comfortable reading distance from the glass. The image will be dim, which is the reason that most LF photographers use a dark cloth -- this blocks the ambient light from reaching the ground glass. For accurate focusing, you need to examine the ground glass image with magnification. A loupe is commonly used. I prefer about x4 or x5 power.

Assuming the groud glass is there, the next thing to figure out is how to open the shutter for fucusing. It varies a lot depending on the shutter. Don't forget to close it before you take the picture. You need to:

 

1 Open the shutter and open up the aperture to focus

 

2 close the shutter and set the aperture to the desired value

 

3 insert film holder

 

4 remove dark slide from film holder

 

5 trip shutter

 

6 replace dark slide and remove film holder

http://www.southbristolviews.com/ left margin>click on graflex manuals then scroll down to Graphic View USER MANUAL

I suppose that we should tell him how to keep the shutter open.

 

A simple way would be to adjust shutter speed to Bulb then look.

 

I have a broken left bottom corner of my ground glass on my Crown Graphic, I wonder how common this occurs (in transit or from misuse?).

 

I also wonder for this gentleman whether he has considered this: Try to use the camera without the ground glass - you can save on weight - 1 ground glass back = 2 or more standard 2 sheet backs in weight.

 

How many of you guys take shots without using the glass. I find it precarious - I mean - you have to exercise a lot of caution when using the ground glass and then taking the shot. How many of you take the glass when travelling or out in the field.

RR, the Graphic View doesn't have a rangefinder.

Wow -- Ihave a tendency to break the ground glass -- so I usually carry more than one -- the truth be known -- you can't focus without one.

I once broke a big chunk off the ground glass of an 8x10 cambo by letting it snap shut after I took the holder out. Ever since, if using a back with a lever, I close it very gently.