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| My press camera likes sitting on my leather desk chair as much as I do. |
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| The view finder on top and the focus finder on the side. |
The Kalart rangefinder focus finder on the side is quite easy to use and focus without needing the ground glass.
There is a focus/distance scale on the front bed and if shooting outside with ASA100 ASA125 B & W film I just set the focus for infinity and the lens at f16 for shooting in the bright sun. I generally carry my LunaPro SBC with spot attachment in case I decide on more critical exposure. For transparencies I do not guestamate my exposures and will use the correct focus and exposure as measured by my Luna Pro or Spotmeter-V.
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| Second paragraph, last sentence should be 'takes care....' |
Here are photos over 60 years old and are still sharper and have better color than most digital cameras can do. I do hate that I cannot buy Kodachrome any longer.
Nice post. I've enjoyed owning an Anniversary Speed Graphic now for several decades, and recently got a modern Fuji 135-f/5.5 lens. If you want some fun, try shooting Harman Direct Positive Paper in your press camera. I rate the paper at an exposure index of around 3. Great fun.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I haven't really gotten into film photography, let alone medium or large format, due to my student's budget...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a hobby I'd like to someday develop! Thanks for sharing.
A lovely camera. You may tempt me to exercise my Speed Graphic and Sinar 4x5s.
ReplyDelete@ JoeV and TonysVision,
ReplyDeleteI had a Graphic before the B & J (I forget the model, big, focal plane shutter and bulky) I did not like it as much as the B & J. Still both have many similar features.
I'd love a Sinar. Fantastic cameras.
This takes me back to my college days. I mostly used an mpp 5x4 monorail for copy work onto graphic film for making silkscreen positives. Joe's direct paper pos idea sound like a good idea but it would be great to see some prints from neg. Thanks for showing this gorgeous looking camera!
ReplyDeleteI want to try the direct paper.
DeleteI used Graflex cameras in college and several different formats when I worked for a large company. I had a Speed Graphic in VA, but I did not like the huge size and focal plane shutter. Nice otherwise.
I'd like to get a better shutter and lens on this one. If I start using it regularly like when I lived in VA I'll change out the lens and shutter.
I bought the B & J in Virginia and it was one of my most used cameras.
DeleteThat is so cool. For years I wanted to get a Speed Graphic and it just never happened. They come up about once or twice a year on shopgoodwill, but the collectors have tumbled to it and you can't get a good price anymore. Anyway, can't wait to see what you do with it. You could post past work as Ted has done lately...
ReplyDeleteI've seen B & J press cameras with betters lens/shutters than mine go for under $200 on Ebay. Everybody & their brother want Garflex (no matter the model) cameras and run the prices up.
DeleteGraflex
DeleteHaha! Me in the ocean.. that's never going to happen Bill :) We have a lot of problems with sharks here also, in fact there was a huge public outcry because our WA government wanted to start a sort of culling program.. very unpopular, 99% of the public believe that the ocean belongs to the sharks and sea creatures and if we choose to swim in it we have to take our chances! Love the look of your B & J Press camera Bill and so admire you for still using film.. it's much more of a challenge to frame and think about each shot before you press that button! Would love to see some of your photos!
ReplyDeleteAh, those were times, when you had to be smarter than the object in your hands...
ReplyDeleteHi Bill, had a laugh when you said you used to use Pledge :) What is Murphy's, is it a polish?
ReplyDeleteNice post, Bill. I would like to learn more about analog cameras. It seems that my life is moving more analog all the time. I guess that's what working in IT will do for ya!
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