Film holders fwhen using handheld 4X5

Using a tripod for 4X5 photography provides the best stability for maximum sharpness of course. However, there is an almost entirely different way of shooting 4X5 which is handheld as many of us have discovered. Using my Busch Pressman (with a modern Sironar-N 135) while handheld is a exhilarating experience for me.

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I currently use the standard double sided filmholders in my Busch Pressman even when using it hand held. The Grafmatics are too thick to be used with this camera. Holding the camera in one hand and forcing the holder in place in the camera with the other is not an elegant way of changing holders but maybe has been done for years by the old time photographers.

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My question is: How difficult is it to use the single sheet holders from Kodak or Fuji while working off tripod?

Bob, have you actually tried using a Grafmatic? I just made a trip

through the Midwest and took only my Busch model D and three

Grafmatics, and everything worked perfectly. Also, FYI I used only a

convertible lens, Staeble Polyplast which gives 105, 135, 165, 195,

and 220mm focal lengths depending on the front element used -- only

one shutter which stays on the camera that way. A very compact

setup, everything (including a BTZS darkcloth) fit in a small Domke

bag.

bob, having just turned 75 and a slr graflex my first camera...a note.

in the old days we rarely used film holders hand held. instead film

packs that haven't been around for years. all you did was pull the

tab, kinda like polaroid pack film. why don't you try a polaroid back

with 665 p/n film. neg is smaller but i find very nice. of course it

may not fit your camera. anyway, glad to hear somebody is using the

oldies hand held frank

You have to think like weegee. I have used gramatic holders in a

crown grafic for two decades adn it is handholdable. I also set a

metz 45 on the side so I can get enough light. I use the range finder

and I really like it.

Unfortunately, the Polaroid backs for both sizes of pack film are

slightly too thick to be used in a Busch model D spring back. The

ones for single sheets do work fine, of course.