Hand Held Speed Graphic Shutter Speeds?

<p>For several months now I have been considering the purchase of a Graflex Pacemaker Speed Graphic press camera..I am leaning towards the 2x3 version, mainly for use in various forms of hand held black and white photography..Probably with a Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar 80mm f2.8 lens..To those members that have used a Speed Graphic in the traditional hand held way of a press photographer, what are the shutter speeds and f-stop settings that you most commonly employed?..I am guessing that f-stops and shutter speeds have a lot to do with the type of film chosen to shoot with?..</p>

<p>Thanks, Bruce</p>

<p>I haven't used a Speed Graphic, but I've had a 6x9cm Linhof for a few decades, and with 125asa film, 250 at f11 is a normal setting for bright sun. All depends on what film you are using. Now with 25asa 120 roll film, high shutter speeds were not the norm, but that's what tripods were invented for, along with that super fantastic Linhof anatomical grip. :)</p>

 

<p>I have a '23' Pacemaker Speed Graphic that I use for fun, handheld. It has the 105mm/3.7 Ektar, which is a fine lens.</p>

<p>I have held it at slower speeds, but where it shines is on a sunny day where I can use 1/250 and f/11 or thereabouts, with Ilford XP2 rollfilm. I'm fussy, and others will use their Speeds much differently, but just my $0.02. </p>

<p>I don't think that the rangefinder can be calibrated for an 80mm fl as it was designed for 105mm.</p>

<p>I mostly use my 2x3 Crown with 400 ISO film at shutter speeds of 1/100 or higher. The 101mm Optar lens (like the Ektar a Tessar type) seems to perform best at f/11 or so. In any case it's best not to use the body shutter release on the Pacemakers -- it's very stiff even when properly adjusted. You're much more likely to avoid jarring the camera by tripping the lever on the lens board.</p>

 

<p>"I don't think that the rangefinder can be calibrated for an 80mm fl as it was designed for 105mm." There are directions at the Graflex.org website for how to calibrate the rangefinder for different lenses. I haven't tried to calibrate one for an 80mm lens but I have calibrated the rangefinder on a 4x5 Speed Graphic for the 8" Dallmeyer Pentac.</p>

<p>Don't worry, the Kalart, if in reasonably good condition, works very well with 80mm lenses, perhaps better than the standard 101mm press lenses. The 80mm Xenotar was an optional lens latyer in the life of the Century Graphic so those can be found somewhat regularly. The one I got needed a lot of TLC but is now a great walk around camera. From what I understand there were 80mm Xenotars mounted in #1 and a few in #0 size shutters. The #1 is far more common, and while the Century will close with it, it is a tight fit and some careful positioning in required. I have not tried this lens on my Crown 23's. <br>

I have also tried the 80mm 2.8 Heligon on my Crown 23's and that is a fine lens from Rodenstock of Graflex XL fame. I sold my XL so let the lens go with that. Should have kept both. <br>

As far as settings, just look at the guide numbers etc, but no different than any other camera really. If working properly, or nearly so, these are really fun cameras. I've been able to hand hold in dim light as slow as 1/25 at f~4.7 with a 101mm with really good results at times. </p>

<p>In a pinch, you can use it at low speeds (as low as 1/4 or even 1/2 second!). Depends what sort of photo you're taking, and your technique. There was apparently an old press photographer 'trick' of standing up against a wall and balancing the camera on your shoulder (left shoulder, if you're a rightie), that could yeild good results at very low speeds (1 to 2 seconds). Obviously framing is guesswork. But held in front of you, leaning up against a lamppost or something, 1/4 sec can be ok. The format works in your favor, unless you're trying to make huge enlargements.</p>

<p>Maybe I'm just shaky, but I'm with Dave Sims on this one ... using the front shutter release (on the lens) maybe you'll get occasional good results below 1/100, holding your breath and pinning your arms, but you'll probably get far more blurry shots than not. And with the focal plane shutter, the movement of the camera precludes going much below 1/250 to get consistent results ... 1/125 in a pinch.</p>

<p>I shoot regularly with an assortment of Graphics hand held at 1/30, front or rear shutters. The image below is f~5.6 at 1/10 with a Crown 23 and a 105mm Ektar front leaf shutter. </p><div></div>

<p>I do remember bracing myself against a railing to steady the camera, and I use the release lever righton the front shutter, not the body release when using front shutters. <br>

But when using a Speed Graphic and the rear focal plane shutter, one is commited to the body release button. Below was shot with a Speed 45 wtih a Cooke 7" barrel lens using the rear shutter and body release at 1/30 standing atthe edge of the pier with nothing to brace against. </p><div></div>

<p>I shoot with a 6x8 Graflex a lot and have no problems shooting hand held down to very low speeds, 1/30 and sometimes less. It depends on subject as already stated.</p>

<p>A "chain pod" can get you down to these speeds with improved success. It's just a 6 ft piece of chain attached to a 1/4 20 screw. You screw it into the bottom of the camera, step on the chain, pull up on the camera until its tight then shoot. It removes the shaking from opposing muscle groups having to work to steady the camera. Pulling up against the chain is a dramatically different use of muscles and gives you a very steady camera. Googling "chain pod" produced a couple nifty chain pods made from a cloth tape measure and one from a retractable dog leash.</p>

<p>I shoot with a Kalart rangefinder for focus and a sportsfinder for composition and love it. I have a 90mm f6.8 Schnider Angulon. There are better lenses, but I haven't had a need for them. I also shoot hand held 4x5 and use a self cocking shutter with graphmatic film holders. It lets me shoot fast with the fewest operations between shots. I've considered a self cocking shutter for my 6x9, but haven't jumped in yet. The subject matter I shoot 6x9 doesn't warrant it yet.</p>

 

<p>hi<br>

nice camera, and fun to shoot hand held!<br>

one thing you might consider if you haven't already .<br /> is getting a roll film back for your camera when you get it ..<br>

they can be pricey, but 2x3 sheet film might be hard to find ...<br>

.. i have a 4x5 speed graphic and 4x5 series d ( slr ) and use then hand held all the time<br>

it's fun, and when you get your breathing technique and holding-steady down, you can shoot really slow speed<br /> without a tripod. i usually am at 1/15 with my slr ...<br>

have fun!</p>

<p>Thanks to all that responded!!..</p>

<p>Sorry it took so long to acknowledge everyone's answers..</p>

<p>Bruce</p>