Yesterday I purchased a Graflex 4×5 Speed Graphic Pre Anniversary-Pro Press camera, and also a Graflok back to fit to it from eBay. They’re located in the US so they’ll take about a week to get here. This particular model was manufactured between 1928 and 1939.
Here ends the first quest to acquire a large format camera. Phase two will be obtaining a field camera with more movements, a bag bellows, and some ultrawide shuttered lenses.
I ordered a 6×12 roll film back from Badger Graphic (in Wisconsin) yesterday. The roll film backs fit onto large format cameras with graflok backs and allow the use of medium format roll film (large format cameras usually use sheet film). The 6×12 means I can take exposures that measure 6cm high by 12cm wide, which will be adequate for large panoramic reproductions.
Shen Hao 6×12 Roll Film back, at Badger Graphic for $USD295
At the same time I ordered a Toyo 3.6x loupe for critical focus. Large Format cameras employ a huge ground glass viewfinder, and the loupe acts as a magnifying glass when placed against the ground glass, so that you can confirm you have your focus correct in all the important areas of your composition. The Toyo loupe is made especially for large format cameras with fold out hoods on their back, so it is fairly long.
Toyo 3.6x Loupe, at Badger Graphic for $USD43.95
I received an email from USPS last night about the shipping which was impressive. I should get the gear next week at a guess. Should be fun to play with.
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