My $2 Medium Format Camera

[@randallstewart1224]

This camera, the Graflex 22, has an orphan's history. In the early 1940s, with WWII cutting off the supply of German TLRs, several US companies formed to produce relatively cheap TLRs for domestic use. The Ciro Company made one body out of sheet metal, no diecast chassis there. No auto film advance. No integrated film advance and shutter cocking. No rangefinder or Fresnel screen to brighten the focusing finder. They eventually offered six models based on the one body, the difference being various combinations of shutter and lens. Most used a cheaper shutter (like the one here) and a Wollensak made triplet lens, decent but far from cutting edge even then. These were lowish priced, but not cheap relative to other US made cameras. By the later 1940s, Rollei started exporting 'Cords and 'Flex back to the US, and the party was over. By the mid-1950s, Ciro wrapped it up and sold the tools and production of its TLR to Dupont (big in photo film, paper and chemicals back then), which put its name on a cheaper versionl of the Ciroflex, and then learned why Ciro closed business. Graflex was dying trying to hold onto a camera business which was failing, so naturally, it bought up the Ciroflex production from Dupont, making two models (the very cheapest - here, and the most advanced version), named them Graflex, and then learned the hard way what Ciro and Dupont had already figured out. As shown here, even the lowest form of Ciroflex can do nicely if used properly. Given the low lighting, slow shutter speed, and weird "dreamy" falloff of image sharpness toward the edges, Linus was shooting with that triplet wide open. If you shut it down to 8.0 - 11, the lens becomes quite sharp. The dim viewfinder is hopeless unless you replace and modernize the screen, maybe replace the reflex mirror, but that costs more than the thing is worth, so live with it. Average cost of a decent Ciroflex with triplet lens and better shutter: $20 - 40. Pay no more. If you find a Ciroflex Model F (best Wollensak shutter and Tessar copy lens) for cheap, send it to me to rebuild an Ansco Automatic Reflex, which normally uses the same triplet as the Ciroflex. (An even odder story of "penny wise, pound foolish" from America's "not Kodak" camera maker.)

[@linusandhiscamera]

Great info tysm!

[@mkiv20v]

Remember hearing a trick to determine light leaks, correct me if I’m wrong lol. 1- go into a dark room and open your camera back 2- grab a flashlight (phone flash is fine) and point it directly at the lens 3- face the cameras back (where the film would be exposed) toward a wall in the dark room, if any light casts onto the wall you have a light leak. I believe doing this with the camera back closed as well completes the check, obviously light leaks can happen due to the camera back/door.

[@linusandhiscamera]

that sounds like a pretty solid way of finding out if you have one tbh!!

[@urionandon]

it won’t work for tlr cameras, moreover, it can only identify light leaks in shutter cloth material, but you won’t find out about light leaks in the back door

[@mkiv20v]

@@urionandon even if the lens is open on the bulb setting ? With the camera back closed ?

[@urionandon]

@@mkiv20v With the camera back closed and in bulb mode - probably you might see some major light leaks, but I’m pretty sure the small ones will remain unnoticed. The only guaranteed way to avoid light leaks is to check if light seals are intact and replace them if needed.

[@mkiv20v]

@@urionandon 👍🏼 figured, seems best to check for major leaks before throwing a roll of film in it.

[@anatolipolyakov753]

The way you communicate with your subject, and your endearment and adoration is very heartwarming. Much love from Oregon USA.

[@flicksbymarlon]

Great flicks, $2 is a crazy steal.

[@linusandhiscamera]

of the CENTURY!

[@lilymartinez5219]

These were insane!! so sick manual cameras are definitely the underdogs, i always get super hyped getting my pentax k100 or my canon a1 images. killed it !

[@linusandhiscamera]

thank you so much!! i loooove manual cameras!

[@howardblakley713]

It's so nice to see someone taking photos for the love of photography! I recall my old Rolleicord and my Yashica Mat 124G, lots of fun.

[@renemies78]

The pictures you took of your friend are so beautiful! They're probably my favorite pictures you've shared with us on youtube! Really beautiful pictures Linus.

[@RyanCuan]

Like you have said before in your previous videos Linus, it's not about the gear you're using but how well you use them. I was so happy to meet you and Willem last Friday, keep up the great work and keep the videos coming!! 😎

[@linusandhiscamera]

so good meeting you man!!

[@jansayga1465]

As to an old camera being so sharp, I was recently literally flabbergasted by how sharp Smena Symbol’s lens is when focused correctly (which is hard since you have to guess how far the object you’re photographing is from you) and it’s a 35mm camera!

[@linusandhiscamera]

right!!

[@reyescr_]

I loved how your photos turned out, the spot looks truly magical, and you have such a unique perspective. Greetings from Peru! You've already inspired me to start taking some shots with my Yashica A that's been gathering dust here (although I might need to cover it up a bit because I do have some light leaks, haha).

[@linusandhiscamera]

Thank you so much!!!

[@giovannibistolfi515]

2:42 i could feel your brain melt for a moment as you were trying to figure out which way the model had to move, due to the inverted view in the viewfinder. Lovely camera and pictures btw!

[@MikeBarrios11]

Love seeing you work through your process of visualizing the images

[@linusandhiscamera]

thank you bro

[@dtailO]

I just recently had a very similar experience with an old Mamiyaflex automatic B. Its amazing when we can use what we have to make images that are usable today!!! Great work

[@dct124]

8:00 brother this camera is going to be your best teaching tool. It'll teach you focus distance i.e. depth of focus mentally.

[@angrd020]

Brotha, those images from a $2 G-Flex totally slayyy....! 90% of that comes down to the photographer though.

[@linusandhiscamera]

haha true true

[@tim31415]

The mirror likely needs replaced. Also, your model looks like it is without the fresnel condenser. This can be added fairly easily and will make a big difference. There is no reason to be surprised at the image quality. Wollensak optics can compete with the best of them. But by far, the coolest feature of the Cirroflex/Graflex TLR's is that the focus is done with a snail cam!

[@URBONED]

These are some magical photos dude. Seriously beautiful stuff. You might have to add a tape measure to your kit to help with focusing, I use one whenever I shoot my Super 8 camera because the viewfinder isn't as precise as just measuring it and going off the lens distances.

[@firstletterofthealphabet7308]

A sort-of-simple trick for shutter speed testing: open up the tested camera’s back (no film loaded, of course) and point a digital camera with the lens off through it. Get the digital camera to meter right at the shutter speed your tested camera is at, put the digital camera in bulb, and if the tested camera’s shutter exposes it right, it’s probably close enough. I can’t explain it very well but this worked for me.

[@theangrymarmot8336]

This is why I have a very diverse camera collection. Depending on how I feel that day - I can grab a camera that reflects the mood. These old cameras have character - and the way they render a scene can be quite different - just like different film stocks. When you have cameras that also physically work in different ways - it can have an effect in how you photograph something, and what you photograph. I find the pictures I take with my Bronica EC to be completely different than the type of pics I take with my Contax RX or Fuji GS645w for example. I think subconsciously when using cameras of different eras or operations my brain changes the way it views things, lol.

[@stevenmeitner8477]

That flare at 6:35 is angelic.

[@jasonabrahamsmith]

Killer photos and you made it back to that location! Such a rad spot.

[@linusandhiscamera]

thank you so much!!

[@richardwest217]

I enjoyed your video, thanks. It prompted me to dig out my Ciro-Flex model A, a precurser to yourGraflex, and to run a roll of Kentmere through it. I was amazed to get 12 useable images from it. Amazed because the adhesive holding the mirror in place had dried out and during it's journey through the post to me, the mirror had come loose and broken into 3 parts. I glued them together as best I could and glued them back into the camera. Here in the U.K. I often attend wartime period events in costume and now I can legitimately use a TLR since my model was made in about 1941. (But I get better quality from my 1930s Ensign Selfix 20 folder.)

[@byjewelandrea]

Love these !! I have one & have been intimidated to use it for years. Lol, Can you do another portrait video with a more in depth tutorial of how you load the film & make sure you’re getting the correct exposure, please?

[@spencersanderson4590]

Having someone shine the phone flashlight close up for focus is so real

[@linusandhiscamera]

SO real

[@NickMaksy]

What a relaxing video 🙂

[@DLivingston]

You always kill it. Nice work Linus!

[@billyspocketlife]

The third Marty photo was is dope, it's giving joji vibes and I'm here for it

[@NunoAlmeidaPhotography]

That's crazy! These look so good!!

[@linusandhiscamera]

thank you so much!!

[@Pepsiphopia]

My tip for the shutter cable release button is to use loc-tite. Lost mine on a night shoot :(

[@erikcohen9279]

Love finding out unused cameras still work, makes me feel better about my graveyard 😭

[@linusandhiscamera]

bro fr

[@qvarfoto]

Amazing stuff Linus, I loved these photos. Fantastic! Cheers

[@bachdinh4404]

Beautiful photos as always.

[@doctorstrobe]

Wow. You're always good at what you do but the camera and glass are actually pretty decent!

[@jasontroll]

These are beautiful

[@linusandhiscamera]

thank you jason!!

[@adoremedearly]

really beautiful portraits

[@robbellphoto]

Personally love little light leaks. What a lovely video

[@linusandhiscamera]

thank you so much!!

[@neama3572]

great video Linus. What lens you using with the RB67 btw?

[@chriscard6544]

Beautiful shots and model

[@linusandhiscamera]

appreciate you!!

[@conrailwitty]

That accidental double exposure is really great.

[@thevoiceman6192]

Nice photo. Pretty lady. I always use all the cameras I get. Never just sit on a shelf. I priced the graflex 22 on ebay. Over $100. Use my Rolleichord hand held with a cable release.

[@Vadim.vangog]

Very very nice pictures, thanks for the video!!!

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

Super nice images Linus!

[@Mygrainphotos]

I recently got a TLR as well and it's been so fun to shoot with! What film did you use for these btw?

[@linusandhiscamera]

Gold 200! Ran out of everything else!

[@Mygrainphotos]

@linusandhiscamera sweet, now I sorta know what I'm getting into with that! Recently ordered my first 5 pack this week for my rolleiflex! 😁

[@sneakingelephant]

That shot at 7:03 came out great

[@linusandhiscamera]

thank you!!

[@IainHC1]

WOWWWWW!!! You got some awesome photo's there!! 🙂

[@MikeGrayFilm]

beautiful photos man!

[@drewcigna8197]

$2....this man Linus don't miss.

[@billyspocketlife]

I have a similar camera and I'm actually thinking about taking it on a trip to Massachusetts and new York

[@ferencbodor]

damn these turned out fine

[@linusandhiscamera]

thank you so so much!!

[@maze400]

Now I have to go through my box and find my old Rolliecord and Yashcaflex. I my have a Rolllieflex too.

[@linusandhiscamera]

have fun!

[@mynameisnotcory]

Holy shit they look amazing…i literally just told my mom she could toss a box of attic stuff with 2 of those in it…didnt even think to try them!

[@spearit66]

Wow! These are Great!!

[@camerafusion]

Nice images as always

[@duongrkudo]

Haha you look cute when leaning on that tree directing the model 😂😂

[@dct124]

5:45 should be a lesson to all portrait shooters. That lens isn't sharp enough to show all her facial pores. That's what you want. It's not resolution, it's lens softness, b/c a film camera especially one shooting 120 film if scanned at max is going to scan beyond 300mp. This is why Leica is still so loved for its lenses. If you're shooting industrial, architecture, or landscapes I can understand the use of super sharp perfect lenses. Gorgeous rendition and output.

[@TRUEFFEL321]

I own a Yashica A Never heard of this brand... just checked ebay. Uff. 2$ are a super duper great deal. Just found a few for around 300 bucks.

[@michaelbennettphoto]

Lovely Linus💛

[@MrHaydnSir]

i desperately need a camera like this ..a more "modern" TLR ..my TLR is from 1932 and has too few settings to be able to actually take a photograph 😕

[@the5as1marchingarts]

I think every photo was a winnn!!

[@NANCEmusic]

that jawn was only $2?? that’s crazy

[@linusandhiscamera]

2 bones brother 2 bones

[@novais]

There's happy accidents, the first double exposure turned out great

[@HueyPProductions]

Rick Oleson sells screens that brighten the viewfinder

[@mistermars1479]

real nice!!!

[@milanovevlogy]

gold

[@LaFuenteOnFilm]

Nah why can’t I find a steal like this 😭🤣

[@linusandhiscamera]

you’ll find one

[@matty_mash]

$2?? London stores be selling this like gold

[@linusandhiscamera]

😂😂 this camera in particular is p cheap online!!

[@am_photo2rue]

Great best movie

[@AsLittleDesignAsPossible]

Amazing shots. you probably just upped the price of that camera hahahaha. stock going up

[@linusandhiscamera]

doubtful 😂

[@JUANManuelfotos]

I never heard that camera lucky to find expensive bc rear camera

[@VOLTEcrmp_samp]

Дякую за натхнення, тепер я хочу придбати собі Любитель 166, це найдоступніший апарат середнього формату який я можу придбати в себе в Україні ціна на такий всього 15$)

[@linusandhiscamera]

oh wow! that’s dope!!

[@aaronledesma7355]

I got my Av-1 canon camera with a 70-210mm macro lens for ten bucks

[@dct124]

Lol and they say film slows you down 😅 not when you're losing the sun it don't.

[@_o__o_]

at around 2:38 i definitely heard a fart

[@_o__o_]

nevermind... i realized that was me

[@Renzsu]

Best $2 ever spent?

[@linusandhiscamera]

YES

[@stevenpearman2261]

Bruh/bro count: 4

i love your videos but please, stop using “bruh” …