Re: [Largeformat] Speed Graphic

[Clive Warren <cocam@cableinet.co.uk>]

From: Clive Warren <cocam@cableinet.co.uk>

At 6:19 pm -0800 4/12/99, Verna Knapp wrote:
>From: Verna Knapp <vernak@navicom.com>
>
>A good many years ago my brother bought a Speed Graphic
>from a photographer who was going blind. I now have
>that camera. It is a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 format, complete with
>film holders, and it appears to be in excellent condition,
>at least inside the box. The exterior has obviously been
>well used and well loved. I opened it up after many
>years of storage. When I started to extend the bellows,
>there was a creaky sound. They are a lovely black shiny
>leather, at least to all appearances. I decided not to extend
>them very far until I could get some advice on bellows
>maintenance. I don't want to put holes in them. Does
>anybody out there have any advice to me on this one?
>
>I think the camera is useable. I suppose I'll have to
>cut up roll film to get film for it.
>
>It looks like it was used for B&W work. There is a set of
>filters. There is just one lens, a 115, I think it was.
>
>I've been doing 4x5 for a while with a modern camera. This
>might be a fun thing to play with for medium format.
>
>Verna

Hello Verna,

The PaceMaker Speed Graphic 2x3 is an excellent camera.  I treat my bellows
with  a British product caled "Hide Food" which contains Lanolin and white
spirit. I have a jar sitting next to me right now near an old B&J monorail
which was treated about a week ago for the second time. The bellows no
longer make any worrying cracking sounds when extended :-)

Some people advocate the use of modern silicon compounds to avoid any
sticky after effect, however I am a traditionalist when it comes to
leather.  Have used the stuff for many years on leather jackets and camera
bellows :-) Silicon tends to seal the leather whereas lanolin lets it
breathe naturally.

If your camera has a Graflok back then find a roll film holder - a lot
easier than dealing with 2x3 sheet film. They are available in 6x6, 6x7,
and 6x9 sizes. Go for the lever wind variety as they hold the film flatter
than the older knob wind type.



All the best,

             Clive   http://www.cocam.co.uk
                     Photographic Services, Filters and Equipment, Infrared FAQ
                            http://clive.bel-epa.com
                            Adventures in Cyberspace - Digital Art and Photos