robbiebedell Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 I was just given as a gift a beautiful RB Super D Graflex #457683. For the last couple of days I have been cleaning it and playing with it as if it were my first camera. I only have one sheet film holder. I have a couple of questions. One, given the serial # can anyone tell me when this camera was made? Two, It has a Kodak Ektar 152, f/4.5 lens. It has no filter threads, so I am wondering how and what filters can be attached. I took some pictures with it today with cut-down 4x5 and I am planning on buying some Efke film which is sold in this format. Anyone with something to contribute would be greatly appreciated. I have been to Graflex.org., etc. There seems to be something very exciting in going back to early cameras in the wake of the digital revolution. I do use digital for color work now, but this is much more fun, all B&W. Thanks in advance...Robbie Bedell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene m Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Sometime between 1941 and 1963 :-). <a href="http://www.graflex.org/articles/series-d/"> Google is your friend.</a> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelging Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Robbie, I had one for several years.Its a great camera, and when you are using it ,there is no hiding the fact that you are taking a photo. You can buy a series push in adapter and then you can use series filters in the adapter.I am not sure which series filter it uses. Here is a photo I took with my super D.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee hamiel Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Robbie: Have fun - my son has my father's Super D. See this pic of Margaret Bourke-White & it appears that she's using a Graflex. http://www.shop.com/op/~Art_Poster_Print_LIFE_Photographer_Margaret_Bourke_White_atop_Eagle_Gargoyle_of_the_Chrysler_Building_by_Oscar_Graubner_Print_Size:_14_x_11_inches_-prod-11299843-17241292?ccsid=521010639-13148 If I'm correct the filters are placed in a slip on hood & then put on the lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_winser Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Great old cameras. I have 2 bodies, 2-120 backs and a telephoto lens. It still amazes me that these beasts can take pictures. Can't argue with the results though. I've never tried to use filters on mine. Have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_wilson4 Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Michael, that is one striking composition. What an amazing photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiebedell Posted January 17, 2006 Author Share Posted January 17, 2006 Thanks to all of you for your answers. I have just one more question. The camera seems to be designed to be a hand-held camera. The Lange photo being an example. I have seen photos of news photographers all using it hand-held. The camera seems to have a tremendous torque of the shutter and flap of the mirror. How does this not seem to affect the negative? I understand the mechanisms of SLR cameras, but this camera really shakes around. I know I will learn this from using it, but I am being impatient here and am wondering if anyone knows...Thanks again to all...Robbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_winser Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Frankly the workings of the camera, mirror slap included, never seemed that bad to me. But then I use focal plane Bronicas also lol. I have used Super D's on tripods and handheld with great success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomas_evans5 Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 Robbie Bedell, I have used Graflex cameras for a while, and also wondered about the mirror slap. You can feel the camera move. So I tried a number of slow shutter speeds to see if I have evidence of camera shake on the film, and I can report that I have been able to successfully hand-hold a 5x7 Graflex at 1/30th second. It must be that the weight & inertia of the camera stabilizes it during the exposure. Thomas Evans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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