Unboxing an iconic 4x5 camera and photo shoot

Watch the video to see the mint condition 4x5 camera I have recently purchased, I will tell you all about it and also go out and take some 4x5 images, enjoy
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[@AldermanFredCDavis]

The joy of finding, buying, or coming across something vintage that you love, that is in mint condition! Like being a child on Christmas morning.

[@creepyloner1979]

getting a really beat up one dirt cheap and restoring it is fun too.

[@scottplumer3668]

@@creepyloner1979 both are true, but in restoring the used one, there's also the history of that camera to consider. All the images it captured, all the memories created. But as an old camera collector myself, finding one in at least working condition is nice!

[@stevest55]

My goodness, how in the world can you find a 60-70 year old camera that is still brand new? Just amazing!!!

[@latom123]

This was he BEST Graphlex demo I have seen. Few know how to drop the front bed... I used one of these in the early 70s. Yes I'm OLD Thanks

[@randallstewart1224]

I used a Crown like this in high school in 1961-62. The Speed Graphics were better known, having a little used focal plane shutter in addition to the leaf shutter mounted with the lens. This lens here is a Tessar copy, very normal for the camera in its day, except that the original lens was likely to be a Kodak Ektar of the same formula, focal length and aperture. The original shutter was probably branded Graflex, made in the US by Wollensak.

[@thomascochrane4922]

I used one in the 60s!

[@burneshollyman2621]

Sir, I just visited your website and looked at your images. I was blown away! You are a brilliant photographer and have created some of the most amazing images I have ever seen (and so many of them). Your work belongs in the British Museum! You are too modest. You have tallent on loan from God. Well done!

[@thomascochrane4922]

What an amazing bargain. You jammy sod! Give you £320 for it.

[@michaelcase8574]

An advantage of the Crown was that you could use a wider angle lens than with the Speed.

[@MrMartinsla]

Beautiful piece of kit. Like it was made yesterday.

[@uwattie]

Thanks again Martin for another terrific video, and a wonderful church too. You are increadably lucky to find such an amazingly pristine camera. At first I did think that the £300 was rather high, but when you see it's beautiful condition, it is likely the only one remaining in A1mpristine++++. Congratulations on a wonderful find and on another Ace video.

[@mickcookson8009]

Martin what a great buy. Nice to see you took you're hat off inside the church, not many do that now, I was just in Italy and most times I was the only one to remove my hat when visiting the churches. Nice images Martin as usual .

[@martinhensonphotography]

Glad you noticed that, thank you

[@philipstrachan455]

What an amazing camera! 🙂👍

[@petervanderkruk8346]

The camera is an exceptional find. The church is beautiful. The pictures are stunning.

[@yorkieinnz4648]

👍Always enjoy your presentations but listening to your voice really makes me homesick.

[@satyarod]

Beautiful camera find!

[@alpcns]

What a great find. Beautiful camera, I like all the movements. That Schneider lens has a great reputation too - isn't that Xenar optic a 4-element Tessar design?

[@joseguimaraes1094]

Thank you, Martin, for showing this lovely camera and the photos you've taken at that marvellous little church. Have a nice weekend.

[@eyeperture]

I'll say the same, this is the best Graflex demo indeed, straight to the point and explained the front element movements which I didn't know was there.

[@abmbarry]

Well Martin, that is a find! have used the Speedgraphic quite a bit. And in the early 80s I had a Linhof Carden Master "L" system. 4 X 5. I often used Type 55 Poloride Pos Neg. Very handy. Prof plus Neg. I built an 8 X 10 Pinhole. f290. Exposure = many hours. Wonderful results. Scheimflug Principle to calculate the plane of focus. I used it a lot on product shoots. Cheers from Oz.

[@barrycross8688]

First time on your channel. Now a subscriber. Love your work Martin.

[@chesslover8829]

As you may already know, you have a 4x5-inch press camera that has never been used. For only £300, it's a bargin. You did not pay too much. Enjoy.

[@martinhensonphotography]

I think I did OK with this camera, quite a few cameras I have bought over the years from ebay seem to have one problem over another, this ones perfect, thanks

[@chesslover8829]

@@martinhensonphotography It sure looks perfect to me. Congratulations!

[@thegroove2000]

Martin you deserve that camera.

[@ML-rm3vk]

Terrific lens and and camera I have one I used one of these beauty's in high school back in the 1962 enjoy.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow! Mint. Great find 👏

[@jsollowsphotography]

Oh my goodness Martin it’s so gorgeous. I shoot a Speed Graphic 4x5 and I enjoy it a lot! Loved the video and your channel is one of my favourites!!

[@trondsi]

I have a Crown Graphic. It's the only large format camera that I have. Every few months I take it out to take some photos.

[@Darltornjacket]

I’ve used a Linhof Technica For years Always delivers A true tank from 1957

[@martinhensonphotography]

Great cameras, thanks

[@MrMonsterfred]

One more fascinating video. Well done !

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks you

[@distagon6052]

Good find

[@chriscorey5164]

Good Lord, what a beautiful find!

[@andrewnoden9117]

Hi Martin, what a great video, the photos were really good, composition was spot on. Thanks from a Bolton lad😊 now living here in Ottawa Canada 🇨🇦 cheers from Andrew

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you Andrew

[@257squadron]

Jammy Martin! Great video.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@kevinrichards1667]

Wow you won lottery what a camera

[@creepyloner1979]

the better way to get fall or forward tilt is to use the side tripod mount and tilt your tripod head sideways to turn the camera upside down. you also have front swing, shift, rise and fall when the camera's sideways.

[@ArthurFellig]

This is a great tip. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@mauricemitchell4053]

That’s a mint beauty…mine is in a ‘used’ condition. 😊 Excellent pictures!!!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks

[@kalaharistuart]

Lucky bugger Martin 👍🏽

[@jessbenson100]

Love it love it love it. Thanks for the show. I'm now a subscriber :)

[@steviebonn]

thoroughly enjoyed your review. What a lucky find. I have a superspeed graphic that I have owned for 40 years. It does have a rotating back on it. Was that only on certain models? Thanks for the great content. Cheers, Stephen

[@001smudge]

simply beautiful, what a bargain!!!

[@savinggracechurch4112]

I used something similar when I was doing my diploma at Telvista in Meanwood Leeds, a Toyo-View, and a MPP mk8 later in life up on Ilkley moor. I think the manfroto video tripod was heavier to carry than the camera 😅 I had a Wista 6×9 back on that one, though. You are so blessed Martin what a cracking deal you got. It's a minta!

[@glennporter5035]

Wow Martin your SpeedGraphic looks brand new. Great pics too.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks, it’s actually a Crown Graphic special

[@chrisloomis1489]

I am so surprised , in the original wrap and box , wow. I have one that was a DNR US Government camera , that was gifted to me by an elder gentleman , years ago. Same lens the 135mm 4.7 , these cameras are expensive to shoot if you use a lab for film developing but at home you can save money . I have an Ebony and the Crown Graphic in 4x5

[@martinhensonphotography]

i was very suprised when I opened the bed, to see it unused, was a real thrill, thanks

[@JanneRanta]

What an amazing find. The camera surely found a great home.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks

[@JonathanCampDesigner]

Ok, so you get the award for getting the bargain of the century! This camera in half good condition going for over £1k normally in the UK!!

[@williamsingman1489]

Hi Martin I love your videos. What a great find. I have a beautiful Ebony SV45 and a 135mm Rodenstock lens which I purchased new over 20 years ago. Ebony is no longer made. My favorite film back then was Poloroid type 55 film which yielded a print and/or a negative depending on exposure/development time. I haven’t used my 4X5 in years. After watching this video I got the camera out and decided to give it another whirl. You are absolutely inspiring. Please keep your videos coming.

[@martinhensonphotography]

I will keep the videos coming, thansk

[@Gee-I-Joe]

What a great find! Wow!

[@bluzizalright]

Absolutely beautiful! Lovely images. Always look forward to your videos.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks very much and glad you enjoy my videos

[@christinebeckett7060]

What a find!!

[@MilliePat]

I purchased this camera two months ago from a camera shop. Don’t have a tripod yet so I will try it handheld. Very new to these cameras.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a Micropress camera with the Schneider 135 mm f4.7 lens. It's the same as the camera you are showing, but Made in England. Mine has two shutters. Focal plane and between lens. It's much more useful than field cameras. So robust and quick to use. I use Fomapan 200 film which costs just over £1 per sheet.

[@Gothamatic]

ThAnk you for your wonderful video and wisdom.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Ypur welcome, thanks

[@matthiassommer9317]

Wundervolle Kamera wunderbar vorgestellt... Thank You Martin Matthias aus Berlin

[@martinhensonphotography]

Vielen Dank

[@stevef2114]

that is a beaut :)

[@flyingo]

That’s an amazingly good condition Graflex! Cheers!

[@martinhensonphotography]

I dont think its ever been used, thanks

[@TristanColgate]

I've just gotten a MPP Technical Mk8. Quite similar, but also has some rear movements. It's my first large format. Probably should have gone with an intrepid (I'd have paid less), but the old cameras have so much character, couldn't resist. I already have an MPP MIcrocord TLR, both cameras were built in Kingston upon Thames!

[@martinhensonphotography]

I think you done the right thing until you get the hang of 4x5 and camera movements, intrepid are good and sell very well but it’s the price not the quality of the camera

[@tgchism]

What a wonderful find with that camera! Nice shots indeed!

[@tarmacscratcher]

I love my Anniversary Speed Graphic. Classic cameras. 😊

[@martinhensonphotography]

They are wonderfully designed, thanks

[@stephenhenson8274]

He'lo Martin, Been following you for . Well it seems like a lifetime,,, got to say this Video I would say, is probably one of your best, the way you explained in detail about this Camera, aas got to Inspire up Cummings young photographers, photos were Fab, you cannot replicate this on Digital, Well done 👍

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks Mick, reall appreciate your comments

[@redsphoto6708]

Wow, that's an awesome condition Graflex!! Great photos as always!! Smart play buying it for the price you got it for. With the prices these days even beat up ones can go for that much. Also smart play buying one so you can use your other as an enlarger haha. Sometimes I am tempted to do the same. There is also something to be said for a camera that's easier to setup then a field camera like the Intrepid while still offering a more accurate 'quick' focus through the rangefinder than zone focus/ground glass cameras like the snapshot.

[@martinhensonphotography]

It is very fast for a 4x5 camera, thanks

[@ML-rm3vk]

Very nice lens

[@franciscranfield2051]

Brilliant video Martin - thank you for your wonderful work making these videos!!

[@martin-f5482]

lucky you! congrats!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks

[@billbarraclough9653]

Another wonderful video, Martin!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks, glad you enjoy them

[@erosario64]

Beautifully done.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@graystray5652]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Beautiful photographs! What a lucky find to get that camera in such pristine condition.

[@martinhensonphotography]

I was lucky and loved using it , thank you

[@harrywlodawski2120]

Another fantastic video Martin. Thank you so much for making these.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Your welcome

[@ralphvandergeest]

Congratulations on your purchase! I have one of those too and they are a pleasure to work with! A great pleasure that is! I use the Crown Graflex for street photography with a grafmatic. On the topic of Graflex stuff: you also may one day want to lay your hands on a Graflex SLR, you know: with those chimneys. They also are a blast to work with. Good luck with your photography, your channel is a real pleasure to watch!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you, I keep looking for the Graflex SLR, one day I should find a good one

[@johnmartin8526]

Another Fab video Martin, and a stunningly beautiful camera! Hope you continue to get awesome images from it , as it should be !

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks very much

[@number6705]

Great find and price - enjoy using! Like your video - thanks

[@martinhensonphotography]

I will enjoy it , thank you

[@petercooper9054]

Wow. I'm sure you got a bargain. I paid £150 for a Minolta xd7 body years ago when they had proper film camera shops. I once had a crown graphic that I picked up at an auction. It was wonderful to use and I like the viewing hood as it's metal sides unlike my linhof which is leather and tends to not stay open enough. I sold it years ago to a guy in Holland and never replaced it. One thing I remember is they are not that heavy so great for throwing into a rucksack. I had the same moment a few years ago when a linhof technika 5x7 came up from a German seller with two lenses and a 5x4 reduction back. The 90mm angulon is mounted in a rare focus attachment as well. Despite the weight I love it and the price while not £300 was very good for a mint condition example which is hard to find. I took it out to the bluebell woods the other day with some expired Agfa transparency film. Now I just need to get the time to develop it. Once again thanks for a great video.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Yea I agree, this is my 2nd crown graphic, really enjoy using them

[@jllanesphoto]

Martin, thank you so much for your making this video. I own the same exact camera and lens, with a different shutter. I have taken some great pictures with the 6X7 roll back. I actually use the rangefinder and the distance scale with great results. Always looking out for your next video. Stay healthy and keep shooting film. Your friend Jerry.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@lensman5762]

Nice to see you again. That is a fortuitous buy, Martin. I just wondered if leaving a £1500.00 camera on top an 4X5 enlarger makes any sense? Lovely photographs, BTW. I think you would have got away with F16 or even F11 when taking the photo of the frame on the wall. There, your foucal plane was parallel to the film plane, and persoanlly I'd do anything to avoid pushing the film into the reciprocity region. Keep safe.

[@martinhensonphotography]

The chamonix did not cost me much,had it for years and it’s not destroyed just for the moment it’s serving another purpose, the last exposure your correct don’t know why I did that 😂, thanks

[@GeorgiosKalaydjian]

Enjoyable video, and Congrats for the Camera

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@legionchef]

Try out the torch rangefinder gadget - its very cool and useful for finding focus in dim conditions. I have the same camera as you!

[@martinhensonphotography]

The torch finder worked when I first got it then the bulb went, finding it very difficult to get a replacement that works correctly showing the filament , bought some from China but they were to bright

[@mikkelyt9420]

Beautiful camera 😍, a fabulous find. Congrats and enjoy 👍🏻

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@kevinthephotographer9346]

Interesting to see this bargain purchase in use. Presumably, when the camera is mounted for a vertical shot, the movement which is designed to give tilt on the front standard, will provide swing if needed. I occasionally did this when I had a shift/tilt adaptor for an RZ67. I've just ordered a monorail camera to complement my Intrepid. I'll mainly use it at home, due to the weight, but I hope to take it out for some church visits where there is parking nearby. Thanks for sharing.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Yes you would get swing in portrait format , thanks

[@seanmac5507]

it's great to see one in it's original box. I have an older one with the sidemounted Kalart. They are wonderful machines to use and have a charm that's all their own.

[@martinhensonphotography]

thank you and aggree with your last statement

[@xjuanx92]

Beautiful! 😍

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@marike1100]

I had a Chamonix 45N, wonderful, lightweight camera. Also a Wista field camera, and an extremely heavy Sinar F. I’ve never been able to find a Crown Graphic in anywhere near that condition, she’s a beauty. Congrats!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@karthik7800]

Hey! Great find! I have the 23 version of this camera. Not sure if someone already mentioned, you can reverse the front standard assembly(left to right) and get front tilt and loose the back tilt! It’s pretty simple to change. This will be useful for landscape focus. You can find KZbin videos oh how to do that

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks, yes I have seen that video, really want to keep the back tilt and hopefully dropping the bed should allow the front tilt, if it does not work I will do the reverse, once again thank you for pointing that out

[@markusklein6309]

Congratulations! What a luck to find such a camera in this condition. I remember another video of you where you tested a lens in this graveyard. Great photos! Thank you for your explanations!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Your Welcome

[@user-kcrpine]

Nice!! Personally I’ve grown exceedingly fond of my Meridian 45b which is sort of a late 1940’s American take on the MPP with maybe a little Technika thrown in. An old stock Super at that price was a fine buy, sir. Congrats!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@iaincphotography6051]

That was delightful, what an amazing camera, just that thought of using it handheld. Maybe a phase one back on it would work OUCH!

[@Foxglove963]

Use film. When the computer crashes, all your pictures will disappear. Magic, eh!

[@iaincphotography6051]

@@Foxglove963 I have done more than my time with Film, and lets be fair 1TB of back up is cheaper than 4 rolls of film.

[@martinhensonphotography]

@@iaincphotography6051 Would be an interesting way of using it, thanks Ian

[@jonathanhotopf1823]

Never seen one of those in that condition, would be interesting to know how old it was. Having a top mounted rangefinder puts it post 1955, but this looks a lot newer from the packaging I would think looks somewhere in the 60s.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Im thinking it could be younger than you suggest, need to see if I can find out, thank you

[@kdj.imagery4317]

You mentioned that it was used as a press camera as well as for crime scene photography, what was the flash sync on it? Perhaps something like 1/60th @ f11? Maybe 200 ASA? Also, does it have dual tripod sockets or did you just tilt your ball head? Cheers!

[@martinhensonphotography]

This camera would sync at any speed because of it’s leaf shutter , it has only one tripod socket

[@jmtubbs1639]

The rangefinder is coupled with a large number of small ball bearings, or should be. They are missing on mine, so far.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Yes that true, mine seem t be all there, hopefully, thanks

[@liveinaweorg]

Beautiful, Martin. A rare find in that condition I suspect. Churches and large format cameras go hand in hand. I'm trying Fomapan 200 in 4x5, less expensive than HP5+. Shot six images at the weekend, just need to develop them now. How are you finding the Intrepid enlarger setup?

[@martinhensonphotography]

I going to give Fomo 200 at some time, heard good results about it, the enlarger kit works a treat, the control panel is easy and practical to use, would highly recommend it

[@JimNorman-op1cv]

The Grafmatic back holds 6 sheets.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Yea I realised that and added that as a pop up in the video , thanks 🙏🏼

[@nelxonmiranda]

Hello. I have that camera and I am wondering what size adapter ring you used. Is it #6 push on? Thanks, enjoy your presentations.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Not sure what you mean by adapter ? If your mean filter thread size it’s 40.5

[@theoldfilmbloke]

Could not have gone to a Better Enthusiast who will TREASURE IT --ENJOY !!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you Peter, it has pride of place in my collection

[@michaelsherck5099]

Was buying a camera less expensive than buying a used 4x5 enlarger for you? Here in the US it would have been much less expensive to buy a used 4x5 enlarger and a lens.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Its not just the cost, its the room needed for a 4x5 enlager in my small darkroom area, the Intrepid kit fits the bill perfectly as now I have the ability to use 35mm up to 4x5 on one enlarger

[@Wildmountainsafaris]

odd - my previous comment has been deleted

[@martinhensonphotography]

I can assure you I have not delete your post, I agree very odd, thanks

[@Wildmountainsafaris]

@@martinhensonphotographyi just congratulated you on the bargain camera - fantastic find. And wondered if you’d ever review a film like Kodak Eastman double X for us!

[@dDAMKErkk]

U lult aangaande - unboxing - ik 'krijg' een uitéénzetting - betreffende uw - omgeving, - gewoon dat ding 'presenteren', is dat een idee?

[@raybeaumont7670]

Looks like you found yourself a new toy Martin. I have a Toyo 4x5 monorail. It's great for subjects such as your church interiors but pretty useless out in the field - too much of a target for any sort of breeze. My next one will be a field camera design with full movements. Enjoy the graflex. Best wishes from the Rhondda.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you