My flock of 4x5 Graflex cameras

I love 4x5 sheet film cameras. Big negative size adds a lot of possibilities and is so much fun. Let me walk through my fleet of big black Graflexes.

[@GrumpyTim]

In a world of great videos this has to be one of the very best. Love the music as always.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, thanks. It's always a lot of fun to play Steely Dan :-)

[@SopotKrzyn]

Dear Sir, Sitting at home in front of the computer on a rainy day in New York, watching your channel, you make me feel incredibly nostalgic for what once was. Especially in photography. Your productions are a great inspiration for me and encourage me to use my film cameras in my collection. I have the cameras you talked about in the last episode and I must admit that I feel great humility and fascination for the ingenuity and accuracy with which these cameras were made by people who did not have access to what we have now. And yet I dare say that with all the current technology it would be very difficult to produce the cameras we had 100 years ago... I would like to thank you very much for what you do for us, especially for those young people who are interested in or even fascinated by old cameras. Your photos are a great pleasure for my eyes and I thank you for that too!

[@jmcgonnell]

i agree. i bought a graflex last year after watching these videos. I got mine back to life with a couple of screwdrivers and a little help on a milling machine. since getting that camera I often wonder, what is ACTUALLY the more advanced technology, something that was designed in such a way that a clueless novice can fix it in a shed in an afternoon. or something so technologically dependent on specialist equipment and expertise that it has almost zero hope of being repaired if something goes wrong.

[@filmguy3d]

A great video! "I don't need intervention!" Hilarious!

[@ShootOnFilm]

:-) So far so good -- no intervention, yet ......

[@jimphilpott902]

I have a Graflex which I have not used. You are inspiring me to get it out and give it a try.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Go go go ! 😅

[@frozenf8]

That last small SLR is very cute. I did't know about it and I didn't know that it was the inspiration for Hasselblad!

[@ShootOnFilm]

It is a lot of fun!!

[@wolfganggerlach1868]

Very interesting again and fun too! The photos are excellent! Kind regards from Sweden!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Tack tack

[@stephensmith8325]

I'm sure you know that all of the different focal lengths Graphlex lenses come with a specific "cam" -- a small piece of metal -- that you can more or less easily change in the rangefinder to make it work with each focal length.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yes, I know. Maybe I should make a more detailed Graflex video about those and other stuff .....

[@distagon6052]

Thanks for sharing. Godspeed(Graphic) Ari

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks!!!

[@randallshreve7362]

Hey Ari, Love you channel! I have been doing photography since I was around 10 years, starting off with my Mother's old Ansco box camera (many family members worked for Ansco back in the day). Photography has, time and again, played a very significant role in my life. Interestingly, I was using both the 4x5 Speed Graphic, as well as the Crown Graphic when I was in my freshman High School Journalism classes and later owned a "Baby" Crown Graphic. For one reason or another I sold my Speed Graphic and always regretted the decision. However, I currently own an Anniversary Speed Graphic (post war) and a Pacemaker Speed Graphic (circa 1947 -1948) and a Burke & James Press Camera, all three in the 4x5 format (I, like you, please don't tell my wife that I have three). Additionally, I have a 110 year old 5x7 Seneca field camera and a 1963 Calumet mono-rail 4x5, so I too appreciate big format film. Many of your comments, as well as your wonderful photo art, has given me the opportunity to explore new and interesting projects. While I do shoot a lot of images on digital using my beloved Nikons, black & white film still renders images better than digital (in my opinion). I also very much appreciate the sharing of your music during your videos as it really adds a very personal and classy touch to your positive and uplifting photo art! Thank you. Hooper, Utah, USA

[@bartlevenson7851]

that 75 Nikkor looks great. I have the speed graffic, which is heavier, with the 162mm f 4.5. I also own the 90mm 6.8, 127 mm 4.7, a 210 4.5 barrel lens, a 240mm 5.5 tele arton, and the barrel 15 inch 5.6, which is 381 mm. I need a way to scan these negs, so I mainly use my Kiev 60, pentacon, and Kowa.

[@stephensmith8325]

Also, I recently happened upon 2 Grafmatic film cassettes, which hold 6 sheets of film. So, without changing the cassette you can shoot 6 films with an in-out-in-out movement between each film. Great for the reporters trying to get a good shot of Marilyn Monroe or something back then.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yes. I have one of those, too. They are handy!

[@kmcsmart]

On your recommendation I’ve already bought a Graflex 2x3 RB series B and a 4x5 Speed Graphic Pacemaker. I was hoping to put a condenser lens on the pacemaker but maybe an old anniversary is better. I will see. What back are you using for the 6x12 on 4x5? There is something magical about the Graflex cameras. Indeed they are very special, functional and not at all pretentious. Thanks for the great tour. I thought I knew all about these cameras but I still learned something today.

[@ShootOnFilm]

I have a Da Yi back.

[@jovandevijver9400]

I owned a Graflex Crown Graphix some 15 years ago. It was complete with flash unit. I 've sold it a few years ago :-( I only kept very nice the lens, an Ektar 127mm

[@carbonejack]

Your secret is safe with me. Fascinating subject. Just curious, as a fellow gearhead and sometime collector, do you have a place where you store all your gear?

[@michaelcase8574]

Graflex had some great backs to make shooting faster for the press Boys. There were bag backs and auto backs that could hold 8 sheets.

[@ShootOnFilm]

True. They are handy!

[@pgmisha]

That was fun! I love all the snaps, crackles, whirs, and pops of these ...real steampunk!

[@ShootOnFilm]

They are!!! 😅

[@flyingo]

Personally, I think the history of Graflex photographic gear is fascinating and possibly more interesting than even that of Kodak, Minolta, Pentax, Nikon, etc al. Without the early Graflex cameras, “news” photography and most other applications of image creation as we know it would not be the same. Thanks for sharing yours!

[@jmtubbs1639]

Yes but were plenty of European press cameras, starting with the first of them all, the Goerz Anschuetz, which has to be the main raison Graflex were less common in Europe.

[@williamshaffer9216]

What an amazing man you are! Iloved thisvideo. Thanks!

[@camerongillie7838]

Okay, you have now really inspired me to finally dig out my Speed Graphic and shoot some photos!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Go for it!!!

[@tim31415]

Great collection. I've seen many old movies with the press crews hand holding their Graflexes, but I'll still stick with putting my Crown Graphic on a tripod. You failed to mention one of the most interesting impacts of Graflex cameras on society and popular perception. The classic picture or drawing of a speeding car, with the tires and body "leaning forward" comes from the vertically travelling shutter curtain of the Graflex.

[@ShootOnFilm]

True. I should have discussed that too!!! My bad! 😊

[@davidottman9501]

No, clearly not hoarding. Collection maybe... 😂 I got my first Graflex out of curiosity, it's different. There is always a second one, leading to a "collection." The 2x3 versions are fun too. It took a while until I realized their best feature - 2x3 format is a miniature 5x7!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yeah. They all have their special characteristics!

[@Murgoh]

Lens boards can easily be made by 3D-printing, I have one with a 70mm extension tube I made (got a file for a lens board on Thingiverse and modified it to add the extension) to use a 300mm Soviet lens on my Speed Graphic as the bellows is not long enough for such a long focal length. Unfortunately the range finder on my Speed Graphic Pacemaker is broken so I'm limited to either using the ground glass or the distance scale. Also the cable for the lens shutter is stuck so I must use the release on the lens itself. Does not really matter because I mostly use a cable release anyway. And yes, Graflexes aren't really available in Europe, I had to get mine from the USA and pay taxes and shipping.

[@ShootOnFilm]

You are right - 3d printing makes things easier. But nothing beats plywood and a saw :-)

[@Murgoh]

@@ShootOnFilm Aluminium and a milling machine would be even better. But the 3D-printed boards are surprisingly strong and rigid, no flexing of any kind even though the 300mm Industar is really heavy. I originally considered the printed one a prototype to test the concept, I was going to make the final version from aluminium, but the 3D-print works so well I have just used it. It's lighter too so less stress on the camera body.

[@iansimpson9351]

Thanks Ari I can see a Graflex size hole appearing in my bank account soon 🙂

[@ShootOnFilm]

Is it good or bad? 😅

[@jaydigshistory36]

Ari, can you do a video on adjusting the Graflex Rangefinder for different lenses? That would be a huge help to me I'm sure at least one other person too.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Let me see if I could do that .... I must think about how to make these more targeted videos....

[@jaydigshistory36]

@@ShootOnFilm Thanks Ari.

[@paullacotta5645]

Man, you’ve got some lovely results with your Graflex, Ari! But for me, the furthest I’ll go into large format is my pinhole! Thanks for inspiration! You’re terrific.❤️👍😊

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@ejorbe]

It is nice to see your collection of Graflex cameras and photographs from each. I have never shot 4x5 and seeing videos like this does give me an itch, but I don’t know if I am ready to commit to it yet! It does make me want to get out and shoot though! Thanks for a great video!!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks. Yeah, once you try them, there is no turning back. Beware ;-) Thanks for watching!

[@liveinaweorg]

🤣 Your secret is safe with me, Ari.

[@ShootOnFilm]

;-)

[@stephenm103]

I love that notion that "..I dont have the patience to shoot photography properly...." All these years I thought *I* was just "sloppy" . . . but early on, I started the habit of "shoot-shoot-shoot" . . . . . .and then look at results and learn. Throwing a lot of mud on the wall and seeing what sticks!!! Never ventured beyond MF but - also w/my big hands (octave and a half reach on the keyboard) - I also find myself more comfortable with big brutish cameras with knobs and dials! It occurred to me that you did a nice job of summarizing some of the pro's and con's of SLR versus Rangefinder (or TLR) design and functionality. . . . . . it might be rudimentary for your audience but my read through analog Reddits makes me think there's a crying need to summarize those differences for noobs who are wanting to jump in to analog for the first time. Nice to see you giving the nod to Cal Poly! SLO such a wonderful area and community. Embarrassed to admit that I've checked in (more than once) into that very funky "Madonna Inn"! Made it a point to drive the entire west coast (in several trips) from San Diego to Vancouver and the best part of the California coastline (I think) is between SLO and Monterey Bay.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks. Yeah, it is a wonderful coastline. Spent some time there when my daughter was at the college there

[@stephenm103]

@@ShootOnFilm Ahh yeah. A child's education gives one a lot of reasons to travel. . .

[@scottklein4844]

I love that last shot in the snow. I don’t bring my old folding cameras out unless the weather is perfect. Ari you’re brave!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks. Yeah, I've made a habit of using my cameras in all kinds of conditions. My theory is that a camera stays in better shape when used :-)

[@colinmccluskey3468]

entertaining as always Ari. some excellent pictures too.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@geraldfawley5557]

Hi Ari. You will despair of me but I've had a Speed Graphic for many years and never used the built in shutter or the rangefinder. Always mounted on a tripod and focused on the ground glass. I pictured myself being Ansel Adams and using the zone system. There are many ways to approach photography and you seem to always be able to find the most unique way! Thanks for the video😊❤

[@ShootOnFilm]

That is an excellent way to use a Speed Graphic -- such a versatile tool!!! :-)

[@wingslanding]

Can you recommend a good graflex repair shop. I guess you would call it the big main spring. I am in California. I bought a very new Graflex in the official camera case and right away I pulled it out too far and the spring dislocated. ? I love your teaching style, you have taught me a lot, mostly how to stop procrastinating and get out and shoot. Thanks.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, thanks. This is probably the best source of Graflex knowledge and preparemanship in the US: instagram.com/graflex_parts/ I know Minnesota is not in the neighbourhood, but he might know who to turn to...

[@phillipP8848]

That is not an adiction, only a passion. Always love your piano backing. Many thanks.

[@ShootOnFilm]

This is a passion -- agreed! Thanks for watching. Playing those piano parts is always a lot of fun!

[@jamesprovenzano7021]

Hi Ari. Love the Graflex cameras. Here’s something else you can do with the Spees Graphic that has focal plane shutter - pinhole photos! You have a very wide range of focal lengths with the bellows - from about 85mm - 300 or so. The drop bed helps get it out of the way for the wider shots. I made a turret for mine with multiple sized holes and a zone plate so I can get the right pinhole size for the used focal length. Like you did on your for one lens, I made markings on the bed for the measured lengths from the film plane to the pinhole.

[@ShootOnFilm]

So so true. That is a very good use of a Graflex!!!

[@jmcgonnell]

if anything id say you dont have nearly enough Graflexes.

[@ShootOnFilm]

That I agree. But a good start, right?

[@BiggeDink]

We go to San Luis Obispo every year. Nice town. Thanks for the 4x5 info!

[@ShootOnFilm]

It's an awesome place!!

[@jonathanhotopf1823]

Steely Dan and Speed Graphic=perfection

[@ShootOnFilm]

Steely Dan makes everything a bit better 🙂

[@wcrofford]

Thanks a lot, now I, as you say, NEED to find one of these!

[@ShootOnFilm]

:-) Did you?

[@windynotes]

More Steely Dan tunes please. Hehe

[@ShootOnFilm]

There is never too many!

[@chriscard6544]

your videos are always very inspiring and awesome. I enjoy

[@ShootOnFilm]

Happy to hear that!

[@BarwickGreen]

I've been very tempted by a "Graflex Super Graphic with Kodak 127mm F4.7 Ektar Lens 4x5 Film Camera Kit" in my local dealer but I would need to get developing tanks for 4x5 and learn how to use it. I have never used larger format, just medium format. Maybe when I retire.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Don't fear 4x5. It's not that complicated!

[@BarwickGreen]

@@ShootOnFilm I'm sure it isn't, but it does mean buying more stuff and learning more things.... I'm not finding enough time to shoot the cameras I have. But a Super Graphic with a lens for £399 is tempting. Sadly I don't think there is a film holder with it.

[@chriscard6544]

I have a question: many trolls try to say that digital has the same render as analog. It's true and not true. How can we answer this without being a fanboy ?

[@ShootOnFilm]

It depends. A large 4x5 or even bigger sheet film is probably unbeatable. Medium format digital cameras are unbelievable in their capabilities and are probably pretty close to medium format film -- and I believe full-frame digital cameras beat all 35mm film cameras. In 99% of the cases, your casual iPhone shot is perceived as better quality than any of your film shots. But it's like saying Pavarotti is better than Bob Dylan. Meaningless .... :-)

[@chriscard6544]

@@ShootOnFilm:) yes thank you, Im happy with my Stenopeika 4x5 but I wanna go to Deardorff camera

[@stuartbaines2843]

Perhaps you need the smaller 3x4 models ? 😅👍

[@ShootOnFilm]

Not a bad idea!

[@stuartbaines2843]

😂

[@johnjon1823]

Given the size, perhaps it is a gaggle.

[@ShootOnFilm]

The English language is sometimes a sea of madness: A Pride of lions A School of fish A Pack of wolves A Herd of deer A Flock of birds A Gaggle of goose An Unkindness of ravens A Murder of crows A Parliament of owls A Gulp of magpies A Consortium of octopus A Litter of puppies A Pod of dolphins An Army of ants A Swarm of flies A Gang of four (Chinese species) A Team of oxen A Shrewdness of apes A Troop of baboons A Pandemonium of parrots A Shoal of bass A Tower of giraffes A Muster of peacocks A Sloth of bears A Troubling of goldfish A Drift of pigs A Sounder of boars A Band of gorillas A String of ponies A Cloud of grasshoppers A Prickle of porcupines A Caravan of camels A Leach of greyhounds A Down of hares A Gaze of racoons A Cast of hawks A Bloat hippopotami A Rhumba of rattlesnakes A Coalition of cheetahs A Crash of rhinos A Bed of clams A Shiver of sharks A Smack of jellyfish A Labour of moles A Barrel of monkeys A Business of ferrets A Watch of nightingales A Wisdom of wombats A Family of otters A Decent of woodpeckers A Zeal of zebras A Nest of snakes A Troop of kangaroos A Host of sparrows A Dray of squirrels A Leap of leopards A Fever of stingrays A Bevy of swans A Plague of locust An Ambush of tigers A Drove of donkeys A Knot of toads A Dule of doves An Aggregation of manatees A Convocation of eagles A Bale of turtles A Venue of vultures A Pledge of wasps ...to list a few...

[@johnjon1823]

You left out "A Joe of Biden", which is not a baby kangaroo, but is a distinct form of madness located in Washington DC, at the confluence of the rivers of Pride, Moral Turpitude, and Graft. Insanity a trois.@@ShootOnFilm

[@gregneymeyer5220]

How about a shout out for the TLR 22? ;)

[@ShootOnFilm]

I used to have one but sold it -- wasn't really my favourite :-)

[@gregneymeyer5220]

@@ShootOnFilm 😮‍💨

[@danncorbit3623]

Rikki Don't Lose That Number, You don't want to call nobody else. Send it off in a letter to yourself. They just don't make 'em like they used to, in more ways than one.

[@ShootOnFilm]

So true. Are we getting old? Btw there was an awesome Michael Omartian interview at Rick Beato channel about this particular song! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g17Jdn6caKapacUsi=YYj0kgFHMu6TXKjg

[@danncorbit3623]

I'm subscribed to him, @@ShootOnFilm along with wings of Pegasus, professor of Rock, the kiffness and some other music channels.

[@smsellars]

Mum’s the word! 😎

[@ShootOnFilm]

👍