On the right, is a Graflex Miniature Speed Graphic. The Miniature Speed Graphic has a 11.5cm f/4.5 Carl Zeiss Tessar and the homemade camera has a 12cm f/3.5 Schneider Kreuznach Xenar. The lenses are roughly equal although the faster Xenar probably has a small edge. I got the Miniature Speed Graphic thinking it was the correct copy, but there is a minor difference.
The difference between the Speed Graphic and the Crown Graphic, is the Speed Graphic has a second focal plane shutter. There is also the Century Graphic which is the same as the Crown graphic, but with a plastic body. Many Graflex cameras, both the came with an accessory rangefinder. On the photo on the bottom left, the Miniature Speed Graphic, (looking at the rear right side) the levels and dials along the right for operating the focal plane shutter. The long metal attachment and tube is the rangefinder.
The focal plane shutter is really only needed if you attach a separate lens without its own leaf shutter. Alternatively, if you want a shutter speed faster than 1/250 Compur shutter maximum, then it also may be needed.
'The front of the cameras look very similar. The Speed Graphic has the rangefinder on the left side and a view finder on top.
The rear of the camera is where you load the sheet film holder. You can focus on the ground glass. The homemade camera is constantly exposed and the Graflex has a hood that pops up.
So is the camera really handmade? My grandfather was a tool and dye maker, so he had the skills and access to the tools. He also had a nack and a talent for making things. The numbers on the distance scale are punched
Notice the machined distance scales on the Speed Graphic.
I haven't tried to use either camera with film yet, although I will soon as I have both 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" film and sheet film holders. Only Efke, a Croatian manufacturer, makes 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" sheet film, in black & white in three speeds - 25, 50, and 100.
Both cameras are nice. The Speed is a fun camera, I have an old (1939 or so) Speed 2x3. Once a year Ilford has a special run where they make film available in odd sizes, 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 and 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 are available then. Not the cheapest, but it gives you some different emulsions to work with. I have three Grafmatic film changers which make it easier to carry the film. Six sheets in a holder only slightly thicker than a regular holder. Good luck with your cameras.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear about the Ilford special runs as some HP5 could be useful. I'll have to look into the Grafmatic film changers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments!