zissis_parras

<p>I went out with 3 cameras this weekend. My new Graflex XL with 100mm and 180mm lenses, my Canon Digital Rebel with 70-300mm lens and my 1910 Houghton Ensign box camera. I went for a drive on Sat first to Algonquin park (Ontario) and got to see a moose (that's why I brought the telephoto zoom and the digital camera). I used the Graflex mainly for landscape shots on Sat. On Sun I went out to Balls Falls with the Graflex and the Ensign and shot the two falls at the conservation area. Can't wait to see what the pictures look like! I shot with Fuji Provia colour slide film, Kodak TMAX B&W and I used 645 and 67 backs on the Graflex. I had a blast, I am really enjoying using the Graflex!</p>

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<p >Hi Gang,</p>

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<p >I bought a Century in 2007 and am thoroughly enjoying it. I took it with me to Ireland and England last year and took some fantastic pictures with the various lenses I have. I have a 105mm Xenar, 65mm Angulon, 127mm Ektar (from my 4x5 Speed) and a 170mm Bauch and Lomb (from my Kodak 3A). It’s a very compact camera for what it can do. Hand held shots are really easy, the few movements are enough for my kind of photography and the modular nature of the camera really makes it versatile. I think the camera is slightly under-rated and the bakelite body I think scares some people away unnecessarily, it’s very light and sturdy.</p>

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<p >Take care,</p>

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<p >Zissis</p>

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<p >Hi Gang,</p>

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<p >I just bought myself a Graflex XL with a 100mm Tessar lens and it came with 2 backs (6x7 and 6x9). I already own a Century Graphic with the same two backs so now I have 4, which is really handy. I am still waiting to see the results from the 2 rolls I shot, so I can’t tell you how well this camera works yet. The camera is in really nice shape and feels really good hand held. Also the shutter speeds look and sound good, even the slow ones and the focusing feels very smooth and precise. I also leaned that Mamiya RB67 grafloc roll film backs can also fit the XL and the Century. I think this is really cool, especially since the film flatness problem the Graphic backs can sometimes have. I like the idea the Mamiya backs include a 645. I would like to know what other brands have well made backs that are not too expensive.</p>

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<p >I have read some threads and the manuals for the XL but I want to be clear on one thing that I’m not sure of. When you change lenses, does the frame in the viewfinder also change for each specific lens? I know it has a frame for only the 80mm, 100mm and the 180mm lenses.</p>

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<p >The lenses I am interested in are the 58mm Rodenstock Granagon and one of the 180mm telephoto (there is a Zeiss Sonnar f4.8 and a Rodenstock Rotelar f4.5). Other than Ebay, are there any camera stores that usually have any XL lenses?</p>

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<p >Thanks in advance and so far this is a really cool camera and I am already planning traveling with it.</p>

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<p >Zissis Parras</p>

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<p >Like many of you I have a number of classic cameras of various sizes and the type of mood I’m in usually dictates which one I use. I also travel a lot and sometimes need to consider weight as a factor in deciding which camera I bring. Having just returned 4 days ago from a 3 week trip to Greece on family business I knew I was going to spend some time in Athens before going home, I decided to bring with me my Yashica-Mat LM TLR. One day I spent 4 hours walking around the Acropolis in Athens with my Yashica-Mat and a Fuji Finepix S5800 digital camera. I had colour slide film with me (Kodak Ektachrome) and black and white film (Kodak T-Max 100). After about 2 hours my Fuji was running out of power, no problem I had 2 more sets of batteries with me. When the camera died, I quickly replaced the spent batteries only to fine the replacements were also dead, as were the second extra set I brought. I still had plenty of film for the Yashica-Mat and kept shooting for another 2 hours while the digital camera was tucked into my backpack until I could find a new set of batteries. The moral of my story is even though classic film cameras may be slow and quaint they are damn reliable. When I get my film developed I will share some of the pictures with you guys.</p>

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<p >Happy holidays.</p>

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<p >Zissis Parras</p><div></div>

Hi Dave

 

I bought a 4x5 Speed Graphic at International Camera Repair. They do very good work and they are pricey, so at least you have one more choice of where to go. They are in Etobicoke #816 the Queensway (416) 255-3072. Call them up before you go down.

 

Zissis

Hi Melissa

 

I went through a similar experience that you are contemplating right now. I first bought a Yashica-Mat LM, to get into MF and I have been using it for the past 7 years all over the place and I have found it to be an excellent camera (I also mostly shoot landscapes and some buildings). It is a wonderful tool for learning about composition and exposure within in the limits of a fixed lens and limited shutter and aperture choices. After I bought it I seriously considered buying a Mamiya 330, but after many months learning about the equipment and reading all the posts about the weight of the camera and it’s limitations (all cameras have limitations and you need to choose the system that best suits your kind of photography). I decided on a Speed Graphic 4x5 press camera because of its versatility (4 years ago). I also fell in love with the idea of a large negative and the quality that comes with it. Since using the Speed Graphic I found what I really liked was the large negative (6x9 cm), interchangeable lenses, backs and some movements (also the ability to compose on the ground glass and shoot handheld). So last year I bought a Century Graphic (a smaller version of a press camera) which is the lightest of the Graphic press cameras. I don’t want to confuse you by suggesting another different kind of camera to get, but I want to suggest you really consider what your photographic needs are and then decide on the best system that satisfies those needs. These cameras are also very reasonably priced. I paid under $300 (Can) for the Century, half of that for the Yashica-Mat and the quality of pictures are really impressive.

 

Also I suggest you do buy a Yashica-Mat and use it to learn about medium format, you won’t regret it and what you learn with that camera will definitely help you with your photography in the future. I hope this perspective helps.

 

Take care,

 

Zissis Parras

Hi John,

 

I have a similar setup to yours. But I picked the Century over the Crown so it could be a little lighter. I am also using a 105 (Schneider Xenar) and my 127 Kodak Ektar from my 4x5 Speed Graphic (I love that lens). I also nicked my 90 angulon from my 4x5 Speed as well. When I was looking for something wider I considered the 47mm but I mainly wanted it for architecture so I bought the Schneider Angulon 65mm which still allows me a little bit of movement. It's a very small and light lens which suits the whole idea of a small compact camera with lots of features. I also use a Bausch and Lomb Rectalinear lens off of my Kodak 3A folding camera in a Kodak Automatic shutter. The lens easily covers 4x5 so it's more than enough for the 2x3 size. The lens takes some really nice pictures for being 100 years old right now and its roughly 170mm which is a nice length for the 2x3 size of negative. In terms of quality the newer and more expensive lenses are always going to be tops but I think all of us who buy older equipment are not always looking for the best and newest but something that we can be creative with so take a chance on an old lens and see how it goes. Take care,

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

Hi Peter,

 

I have been using a Speed Graphic Pacemaker 4x5 for a few years and a few months ago I bought a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 Century Graphic. I have been using it over the summer and I have found it to be a very well made and sturdy camera, capable of some great pictures. As usual it depends on the lens that comes with it. Mine came with the Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 105 f4.5 lens, which is one of the better ones. The Century also comes with the Graflex Graflar or Trioptar, which are the lower end lenses. The roll film backs are easy to use and readily available online, also the size of a 6x9 cm transparency is very impressive when seen on a light table.

 

Deciding if the camera is right for you depends on what kind of photography you do. If you need limited movements then the Century (or any of the Graflex press type cameras) would suit your needs. Also in terms of shooting hand held I have found both my Graphic cameras so easy to use hand held, since they were designed to be primarily used this way. I also use mine with an electronic flash with great results.

 

In my opinion you can?t go wrong if you pick one up. No camera can do everything, so don?t look at the Century to master all of your photography needs.

 

Take care,

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

Great deal!! Just last month I too picked up a Zeiss Ikon Colora 35mm camera at an antique market with a case for only $10.00. I usually don't buy old 35mm since I mainly shoot medium and large format but it looked really cool and the price was too good to pass up. I haven't seen the results from the picture I've taken with it but it's a really fun camera to use.

 

Enjoy your new Zeiss Ikon.<div></div>

Hi Gang,

 

Thanks for all of the great information. You supplied me with more information than the little I was able to find on my own. I checked out the date of the Schneider-Kreuznach Radionar f4.5 105mm lens and it falls between September 1948 and July 1949. So even if the camera is old pre-war stock the lens is definitely post-war. The lens, shutter and bellows are all in very good condition so all that?s left is to go and take some pictures with it. I am impressed with the quality of pictures that some of you had posted, and I am familiar with the quality of Schneider-Kreuznach lenses so I am looking forward to see what it can do. When I take some pictures or get the found film developed I will post them for all to see. Thanks again.

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

Hi Gang,

 

I recently found this camera at an antique market. There are very few

markings on it and I would like to know more about it. On the back it

says: ?Made in Germany US - Zone?. On the inside of the drop bed it looks

like a stylized FW on a metal plate opposite to the collapsible foot (under

the drop bed). It has a very nice Schneider-Kreuznach Radionar f4.5 105mm

lens, in a Prontor II shutter with speeds from 1 to 1/200 B and a self-timer.

It?s also a dual format film and includes the 6x4.5 mask. I have included two

pictures for anyone to help better identify it. Some research I?ve done

suggests it is likely a Franka Werke folding camera. It also came with a

finished roll of Verichrome Pan 125 ISO film that I will be developing when I

get the chance. The little information I have uncovered about the camera it

seems that there is no way to identify specific the model of this camera. I

don?t have all of the answers about this camera, but this is a company I have

never heard of and am curious.

 

Any information on the camera would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

Congratulations! Enjoy your camera, get yourself a flash handle and use a manual electronic flash with that camera you will really have some fun. Enjoy.

 

Zissis<div></div>

I travel a lot with a Yashica-Mat LM (6x6) and a Canon EOS 10s. I have taken them together with me to Cyprus, Europe and the UK. I also cycle regularly with the Yashica-Mat. The Yashica-Mat is another TLR and weighs about 1kg, it?s heavy but very reliable and the photos are excellent. I always ask myself before I go on a trip will I really need this or that piece of equipment and at then end I always come up with the same answer, after the trip I really appreciate how great the photos are and I won?t remember how much stuff I brought with me. So I suggest you find yourself a reliable sturdy camera that?s easy to use and that way you can focus on your picture taking opportunities. Don?t forget to bring a good flash with you, I do, and the extra weight is forgotten after I see the great pictures I took.

 

Have a good trip to Europe.

 

Zissis Parras

Thanks Gang, this was exactly what I was looking for.

 

Zissis

Hi gang,

 

I will be in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a week and I wanted to know if there

were any camera stores there that sell old used equipment. I realise there

are few stores like that them these day, but I thought I would ask. Thanks in

advance.

 

Zissis Parras

Thanks everyone for the kind words. The aperature was likely f22 and f32, I'm sure that helped increase the depth of field and make the image not as soft if it was set at f11. When I get my B&W developed I would love to make a print from one of them, that would be a good final test of the quality of the camera.

 

Take care,

 

Zissis Parras

Last one, thanks for your patience.

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

Downtown Mississauga Canada.<div></div>

I am including three more pictures. Enjoy.

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

Hi gang,

 

I posted some pictures from a box camera I purchased at an antique market. With

your help it turned out to be a Houghton Ensign A Box Camera (120 roll film) f11

with three Waterhouse stops (1910-1914). I did find some film still in the

camera, which I will eventually develop and post the results (if any). I put

some B&W film through it, but have been too busy lately to develop it. So I

then put some Fuji Superia 100 ISO colour negative film. Here are some of the

pictures from it. I shot most them on the same day earlier in the month in the

city where I live in Canada. The negative size is just about 6x8 cm and got 8

pictures on the 120 roll. I then scanned the negatives at 700 dpi on my Epson

Perfection 1660 scanner. I must say for a camera possibly 96 years old with a

basic lens and one shutter speed (1/40) the pictures are great. I also shoot

4x5 so I am used to really good quality, but for spending only $6 ($CAN) I am

impressed.

 

Enjoy

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

I also use an old 90mm f6.8 Angulon. It�s very small and light and fits the camera very nicely. Also the quality of the pictures the lens produces is awesome and I like using lenses that are from the same era as my camera (1950�s).

 

Zissis Parras

Thanks for all your help gang. I also found on a UK web site a description of a similar camera for sale:

 

�Houghton 2 1/4 B, unusual side-loading wooden box camera, simple lens and shutter, three Waterhouse stops, excellent condition. �20.50.�

 

There was also a description of another camera without the aperture dial:

 

�Houghton Box Ensign 2 1/4 A (1912), 12 on 120, unusual side opening and loading box camera, shutter inoperative, cosmetically very good condition. �14.50.�

 

So you are probably right about the company Colin and Peter. Without more information, it looks like it might be an Ensign B rather than the A. It was you suspected Peter the strap was the only thing missing from my camera that had the company name on it.

 

Does anyone have an idea what the shutter speed might be? For now I am assuming 1/50 of second. I put some T-Max 100 in it and I am going to try it out soon. Depending on when I get around to developing the film and how they look I will be willing to post them.

 

Thanks again, you really saved me a lot of time identifying this camera. With so many companies making box cameras during those years I thought it would take me a while to find out which company made mine.

 

Zissis Parras

Here is another view,

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

I recently bought an old box camera from an antique market and I would like

some help in identifying it. It doesn�t have any markings on it, inside or

outside. Included are some photos and a description of the camera. It is

made out of wood and takes 120 roll film, since I found a used roll in the

camera that I am going to develop. The film wind mechanism on the right side

(looking from the top), access to the film is by sliding two small latches on

the right side and removing the entire side panel along with the film wind

mechanism. There is a selector switch on the front of the camera with two

settings, T (Time) and I (Instantaneous?). I am not sure what the shutter

speed is. In front of the lens there a dial with aperture numbers on it f11,

f16, f22, f32. The only numbers I found was on the handle for the aperture

dial #401307, and inside the camera I found the numbers 95 stamped into the

wood body on two different panels. Any information about this camera or hints

on where I should look to find out more would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

Zissis Parras<div></div>

I have 4 Grafmatic backs and I have had them since I started using my Speed Graphic (3 years now). I love them! I have found they are easier and quicker to use and load than the double sheet holders. Once you get the hang of them they become second nature to use � just like the Speed Graphic. I usually have 2 loaded with colour (slide) film and 2 loaded with B&W film and I also make notes on which one I am using and which shot I am on. I have found this system invaluable when viewing my pictures later. The number wheel, that imprints the number of the picture on the film, is a godsend and has really helped me when I go back and check my notes for each picture. When you are shooting 6 shots in a row of sunsets it�s hard to tell #1 from #4 and the numbering system really comes in handy. It�s true that you need to test how the Grafmatics work before you buy. I bought all of mine from camera fairs and was able to test them all. I think some of the prices for Grafmatics on Ebay get too high, and even though this is old equipment, there are lots of them around so wait until you get some that look really clean (from the photos). Also if you don�t already go to your local camera fairs, start going. These are the real places to find bargains and you are able to test the equipment too. Take care.

 

Zissis Parras