Super Graphic

[kevin_sido1]

Who agrees with Steve Gandy's Cameraquest view that the Super Graphic

is an excellent low cost alternative to the Linhof Technika? Any

experience with the 135 Optar original lens? Seems like Toyo and

other new or newer metal field cameras are a lot more money for not

necessarily a lot more features.

[Troll]

Cams for the various lenses are virtually impossible to obtain, and the tilt/swing/shift mechanisms of the front standard is Mickey Mouse. The Super Graphic needed another generation to rectify its faults (and it has many). I'd say the Busch Pressman is a far better low-cost substitute for the Technika. (I own and use all three.)

[jonathan_bundick]

Well, I only own and use the Super, so other models may well be easier to use, but I don't find the mechanism on front standard Mickey Mouse. Like every other bit of photographic equipment I've used you have to learn to use it. I haven't had any trouble adjusting tilt/shift/rise/or swing. It is lighter than the Pressman, and is built like a tank. Mine no longer has the rangefinder mechanism and weighs just over 4 pounds.

 

The amount of movements available on the front standard,

 

15 degrees forward and back tilt. (30 degrees with drop bed)

 

25 degrees swing

 

1 1/8" rise

 

should be enough for almost any landscape situaiton, and for many table top shots.

 

You also have a good range of focal lengths, from 65mm f/8 Super Angulons, to 15 inch Tele Raptars. I think it is a good 4x5 that can often be had for less than $500, and sometimes much less.

 

As for rangefinder cams, they come up every so often on Ebay, or you could contact Fred Lustig. They can be had, but as with everything this old, you may have to look around a bit to find something specific.

[wayne_crider4]

I never had a real problem finding the cams when I needed one, and I had

three lenses for the camera. I think Fred Lustig out in Reno has some or can

make them for you. There were actually quite a few different ones, even a few

for the same focal lengths such as the 135 depending on who made the lens.

 

For what it is, the last version of a press camera, I think it was just fine for it

cost. In comparsion to a Tech, I think you have to go for the model 5 (maybe

4?) before the cams were standardized and could be interchanged. Before

that the cams had to be matched to the lenses, so either you had to get the

cam with the lens or have one made for it. Still all in all, I'd opt for a Tech 5

because of the back movements and greater extensions.

 

As concerns the 135, mine had one and I got along just fine with it. Stopped

down they were good. I think the 135 Xenar I had tho was a little sharper, but

overall I think too much attention is put on the sharpness of a lens and not the

photograph as the object being produced. Alot of the old lenses will produce

great photographs and the 135 Optar was no exception. If you were thinking

about picking up a Super, you might consider getting a newer version 135mm

such as the Sironar S, a very popular lens and one that's in a copal shutter.

The shutters for the Optars used the old 1/400, 1/100, 1/50 system.