Film cameras
Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 and 4x5 User manual
User manual for Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 and 4x5. 37 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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- Brand
- Graflex
- Model / document
- Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 and 4x5
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 37
- File size
- 3.2 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 1 · Read text
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The
3'/+x4'/o ond 4x 5
ANNIVERSARY
SPEED GRAPHICS
Instruction and Reference Manual
i-View original page 1Page 3 · Read text
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1
A DESCRIPTIONOF
YOURANNIVERSARYSPEEDGRAPHIC
Your new Anniversary Speed GRAPHIC is a camera of the greatest
versatility. Ii gives you a choice of two shutters so thai you may enjoy
the greatest efficiency whether you wish to make a very short exposure
or a relatively long one. Focusing may be done by ground glass, range-
finder, or scale, depending upon the demands of the subject and the
lenses used. Three distinct methods enable you to compose your picture
with the greaiest ease-for most accurate composition there is the ground
glass; sliqhtly more convenient under some circumstances is the tubular
viewfinder which has a correction for parallax; and finally there is the
wire frame viewfinder which many photographers find unexcelled for
following moving objects.
The serial nurnber is stamped into the under side of the top of the
right front of the body as you face the camera and consists of six digits
about fi" high. Always give this number in correspondence regarding
your camera.
Interchangeable lenses give you the choice of focal lengths and
apertures so necessary for the many fields of photography in which this
camera is capable of working. Double bellows extension aids in the
photography of small objects and in the use of long-focus lenses. The
drop-bed will be readily appreciated when it becomes necessary to use
wide-angle lenses as in the photography of architectural subjects, and
on ihese and other occasions the movements of the front standard will
also be valuable.
Accommodation can be provided for the use of flash synchronizers,
an expedient which has been known to make the dilference between
good pictures and no pictures on many occasions.
The choice of negative materiais-including film packs, sheet film
and plates-is equalled by but few cameras. And finally, and perhaps
most important, all these features have been accomplished withoui a
sacrifice of rigidity or without a departure from good photographic
manufacturing practice.View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
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2
A fine camera is primarily an instrument rather than a machine.GRAFLEX
products have won a reputation for sturdiness and continued function-
ing under adverse conditions, but this should in no sense be considered
' an invitation to abuse these cameras. More damage is probably done by
people handling things wlth which they are not familiar, than by the
normal wear of service. To insure the long and trouble-free life of which
your camera is capable, follow and study these directions as you handle
it for the first time. Above ali, do not twist any knobs or push any buttons
on this camera until you know what this pamphlet tells about them. Do
not lend your camera to anyone not familiar with it, or without instruct-
ing him in how to use it. If you Iose ihis book or want addiiional copies,
write us.
OPENINGTHECAMERA
The preferred way to open the camera is to rest it on the left hand with
the viewfinder on the iop, and the thumb of the left hand inserted between
the carrying strap and the camera body. Press inward on the front (bed)
with the right forefinger, and at the same time depress the bed release
button with the thumb. As the bed then opens downward, its fall may be
checked by the righi hand. Continue firmly but gently to bring the front
down to the point where the spring-actuated bed braces lock the bed
firmly in its horizontal position.
Turn the knurled focusing knobs located near the front edge of the
bed to move the sliding track. This is the focusing adjustrnent and
will be considered in more detail at a later point. The front standard
rests on the sliding track, and it carries the lens with its associated
shuiter. To loosen the front standard, turn the front standard lock, so
that it is parallel io the track. Unlock and move it along the sliding
track, pulling it past the flat springs, until it snaps firmly against the
infinity stops. Lock the standar-d by taking the locking lever and the
side of the standard between the thumb and the index finger and push
the lever back by squeezing. This will keep the front standard firmly in
position. Always lock the standard. The lens with which this camera
has been fitted at the factory will then be in position for focusing with
either rangefinder or focusing scale.View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
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3
www.orphancameras.com
RlS lt{ c FRONTi r
L O C K N U T ;
BRACE
FRONTBED
Figure 1. The 4 x 5 Anniversary Speed Graphic, with the 127 lonrra.Graflex Optar, elements
coated, in Graphex Shutter with built-in synchronization with accessory rangelinder and
Graphex 37FA Flashing Unit. The 3 Y+ r 4Y+ Model is practically identical except lor size.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
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To close the carnera, rack the track all of the way back until the
focusing scale indicates the infinity position. Unlock the front standard
and push it all of ihe way back into the camera and lock it. Leave the
track lock unlocked and depress the bed braces and push up the bed
until it snaps securely.
SHUTTERS
. The Speed GRAPHIC Camera is usi.rally provided with two shutters.
For slow exposures (durations longer than perhaps l/50th of a second)
and for synchronized flash photography with the larger size negatives
and existing lamps, a between-the-lens shutter is still preferable. The
shutter built around the lens of your Anniversary Speed GRAPHIC is an
excellent example of this iype. For action requiring exposures shorter
than about l/50th o{ a second, the focal-plane shutter has never been
surpassed in efficiency. And no focal-plane shutter has ever surpassed
that in your Anniversary Speed GRAPHIC in dependability. Naturally
only one of these shutters can be used at a tirne; the one not
being used rnust be set open during the exposure (as will be
explained below).
The front shutier is kept from rotaiing on the lensboard by a iocating
pin fitting into a hole in the lensboard. Should it be necessary to remove
the shutter from the lensboard to fit a solenoid release or for other reason,
. first remove the flange from the back of the lensboard.
Some shutters have built-in contacts for synchronization with hiqh-
speed gaseous discharge tubes and some also provide for synchroniza-
tion with differeni types of flash lamps. Detailed instructions for the
various shutters appear on the {ollowing pages:
Most flash lamps have a lag of either five or iwenty miliiseconds and
they are referred to as type "F" and "M" lamps as indicated in the follow- *I ing table:
5 Millisecond 20 Millisecond
i Type "F" Bulb Type "M" Bulb
(qas filled) (wire or foil filled) I
G-E and Westinghouse SM No. 22, No. Il, No. 5, etc.
Wabash SF No. 2, Press 25, 40, elc.
I
ldView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
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THEGRAPHEXSHUTTER
DIRECTIONS: The No. 2 Graphex shutter is rim-set, with 9 speeds
from 1 to I l4OO second plus Bulb and Tirne. The knurled rim carries
the designations T, B, I, 2, 5, 10, etc., (the numbers corresponding to
instantaneous expcsures of I, I12, L15, t/10 sec., etc.) and the desired
one should be set directly opposite the arrow above the letter "P" of the
word Graphex.
The speed setting may be changed before or after cocking the shutter,
but is more easily accomplished before cocking. Settings between the
marked speeds will not give intermediate exposure times. When turning
the knurled rim to I l4OO a slight additional pressure will be required to
overcome the resistance of the booster spring.
As illustrated the cocking lever is at the upper left side of the shutter.
Moving this lever clockwise cocks the shutter. After the shutter has been
cocked, the lever returns almost to its original position, but exposes a red
dot, indicating that the shutter has been cocked.
The release lever is at the bottom of the shutter. Pressing toward the
right or inward on the Finger Release, if one is fitted to the camera, with
the forefinger will release the shutter mechanism.
The Graphex shutter is cocked in the usual manner for Tirne and
BuIb, as well as instantaneous exposures. When set on T, the first
pressure on the release opens the shutter,
and the second permits it to close. When
set on B the shutter remains open only as
long as pressure is maintained on the re-
lease. A cable release and tripod should
always be used for Tirne and Bulb ex-
posures.
The cable release socket is next to
the cocking lever. The aperture scale
and aperture pointer are at the bottom
of the face of the shutter.
Figure 2a. The l2Trnrn Kodak Ektar Lens
in No. 2 GRAPHEX Shutter with
built-in synchronization.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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6
The Press-Focus Lrever, at the top of the shutter, may be used for
' opening the cocked shutter blades for focusing purposes, eliminating
the necessity of resetting it to the Tirne setting for that purpose. Move
the Press-Focus Lever clockwise and down to open the blades; move ii
counter-clockwise and up to close them. This lever will not function
.i: unless the shutter is cocked, and does not interfere in any way with the
, normal operation of the shutter..,
FlashSynchronizationwith GraphexShutters
The two contact posts extending from the side of the shutter are con-
nected to an internal switch. in the GRAPHEX (X) Shutters (identified
by a large "X" next to these posts), the contacts are for use only with
high-speed gaseous discharge tubes. When using these be sure to obtain
full wiring or circuit data from the manufacturer of the lamp. Synchroni-
zaiion with standard flash bulbs is effected through the use of a solenoid
or other external synchronized tripper.
. Those GRAPHEX Shutters wiih a dial setting arrangement, shown at
the right in Fig. 2a, have a special gear train providing built-in syn-
chronization. This gear train is automatically engaged as the shutter
iscocked unless the notched synchronization control lever has been moved
to the "OFF" position. Should the shutter aiready be cocked before mov- r\O" ing the control lever from the or or "OFF" positions to
other positions, the synchronization mechanism will not be cocked unless
the shutter itself is released and recocked; hence, in such an instance
recock the shutter to cause the synchronization mechanism to be en-
gaged. The control lever of the dial setting arrangement on the side o{
the shutter has click stops to permit accurate setting for synchronization.
Make certain that the stop is definitely engaged in its detent before cock-
ing the shutter. The control lever adjusts the delay of the operation o{ the
shutter to correspond with the correct ignition lag of the lamp being used.
Set the lever to the "20" or "M" position on the dial to synchronize the
shutter with standard wire or foiljilled flash lamps such as the G-E and
Westinghouse Nos. 22, Il and 5, and the Wabash Nos. 2, 0, Press 40
and 25 lamps. Set the lever to the "5" or "F" setting to synchronize the
shutter wiih ihe gas-filled SM and SF lamps. When using high-speed
gaseous discharge tubes, set the lever at the "O" or "X" setting, and
follow detailed wirino or circuit hookup data for use with the shutter from
the manufacturer of {he tube.
To use the built-in synchronization, attach the flattened right angle
connection of the A-20 connecting cord to the coniact posts on the
shutter as shown in Fig. 2a, and plug the oiher end into the SERIES
OUTITET at the back of the battery case. In the GRAFLEX Flash Syn-
chronizer Battery Case, this outlet is reached by unscrewing and swing-
ing down the red push button switch. The shutter is released and
synchronization is effected only by the operation of the release lever as
outlined on preceding page.View original page 8Page 10 · Read text
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If desired, a cable release may be used to operate the shutter. Unscrew
the cable release screw plug located next to the release lever and aiiach
the cable release at that point. A cable reiease and a tripod or other
firm support should always be used for Iong instantaneous and all
"Time" and "Bulb" exposures.
The Press-Focus Button, just over the numeral I on the shutter speed
scale, is used to hold the shutter blades open for ground glass focusing
without resetting the shutter to "T". with the shutter set for any speed
and cocked, hold down the Press-Focus button as you press the shutter
release lever. The shutter blades will then open and remain in this
position. To release ihe Press-Focus button, and make ihe shutter ready
for the exposure, merely recock the shutter with the cocking lever. The
shutter will then operate in the normal manner when released.
Some of the No. 2 and all of the No. 3 Supermatic Shutters have the
delayed action mechanism. This has its own cocking lever (above the
letter "T" on the speed scale), which is moved to the right away from
the Press-Focus Button only after the shutter has first been cocked.
Pressure on the shutter release lever wili release this additional mecha-
'nism, and it will automatically make the exposure after a delay of lO io
I5 seconds. This device can be used when the phoiographer wishes to
get into the picture himself, and will release the shutter without iar when
slow speeds must be used with the camera held in the hand.
FlashSynchronizationwith SupermaticShutters
The two contact posts extending from the side of the shutter are con-
nected to an internal switch. In the Supermatic (X) Shutters (idengfied
by a large "X" after the word "supermatic"), the contacts are for use
only with high-speed gaseous discharge tubes (Kodatron, etc.) When
using these be sure to obtain full wiring or circuit hookup data for use
with this shutter from the manufacturer of the tube. Synchronization
with standard flash bulbs is effected through the use of a solenoid or
other external synchronized tripper.
Supermatic shutters with a slot in the fact plate next to the contact
posts are complete wiih .built-in synchronization mechanism per-
mitting internal adjustment to synchronize the action of the shutter with
different types of flash bulbs. The Supermatic shutters with built-in
the lever which was used to cock the self-timer in previous mod.els is now {+
referred to as the synchronizer lever and it must be moved clockwise .i
as far as possible to cock the built-in synchronization mechanism. Other-
wise the {lash bulb will not be f ired when the shutter is released. Set the
binding screw in the slot in the face of the shutter to the "20" or "M"
position to synchronize the shutter with standardwire or foil-filled f lash lamps
IIView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
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9
such as the G-E and Westinghouse Nos. 22, 1 I and 5, and the Wabash Nos.
2,0, Press-4Oand 25lamps. Setthe screw to the "5" or "F" setting to syn-
chronize the shutter with the gas-filled SM and SF lamps. Afier loosening
the screw and moving the indicator to the desired position, tighten this
binding screw securely. Set the aperture pointer, adjust the shutter speed
ring, and cock the shutter as usual. Push the synchronizer cocking lever
(previously used to cock the self-timer) toward the two prongs on the
shutter rim as {ar as it will go. The shutter is ready to provide positive
flash lamp synchronization when the shutter release lever is pressed.
CAUTION: Do not use the Press-Focus Button without first disconnecting
the connecting cord or removing the flash lamps.
When using the Kodatron or other speed lamp, do not use the syn-
chronizer cocking lever, since the mechanism is automatically in adjust-
ment and contact for such lamps will be made when the shutter blades
open. Obtain complete wiring or circuit hookup date for use with this
shutter from the manufacturer of the lamp.
To use the buiit-in synchronization, attach the flattened riqht angle
connection of the A-20 connecting cord to the contact posts on the
shutter as shown in Fig. 2a, and plug the other end into the SERIES
OUTITET at the back of the battery case. In the GRAFLEX Flash Syn-
chronizer Battery Case, this outlet is reached by unscrewing and swing-
ing down the red push button switch. The shutter is released and syn-
chronization is effected only by the operation of the release lever as
outlined on page 7.
THECOMPURSHUTTER
All ihree types of Compur shutters with which a Speed GRAPHIC
may be equipped are fundamentally similar to the following extent:
They are built around the lens, and contain its iris diaphraqrn (by
which you set the stop or aperture of the lens); they produce the conven-
tional Time and Bulb exposures without "cocking"; and automatically-
timed Instantaneous exposures from I second to something shorter
than l/IOOth of a second after "cocking."
It must be cocked to produce an instantaneous exposure, and this is
done by moving the cocking lever clockwise until it catches. After
cocking, the shutter is released by moving the release lever counter-
clockwise or squeezing the cable release that may be screwed into the
cable release socket. When a shutter is set for T, the first pressure on
the release opens the shutter, the second closes it. When set at B,
pressure on the release will open the shutter leaves, and relieving this
pressure will permit the leaves to close.
Never attempt to cock a Compur shutter when it is set f or T or B.
Neyer attempt to move from an instantaneoussetting to T or B while the
shutter is cocked.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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10
The Rim-SetCompur
The Compur shutter illustrated in Figure 2c is referred to as being
of the "rim-set" variety, because the choice between the exposures
which it is capable of giving is made by rotating the knurled rim. It
carries the designations T, B, 1,2,5, I0, 25, 50, 100, etc., (the numbers
corresponding to instantaneous exposures of 1, I 12, I /5, 1/I0 sec., etc.)
and the desired one should be set directly opposite the arrow (which
points at I00 or l/I00, in the illustration). For any exposure except
T and B, the cocking lever is rotated as far as it will go in a clockwise
direction after setting the speed. Never attempt to change from or to the
highest shutterspeed while the shutter is cocked.
The working aperture of the lens is set by moving the pointer of the
diaphragm control along the scale carrying these aperture designations
on the face of the shutter.
In the case of this rim-set shut-
ter, a delay of approximately ten
seconds in the release of the
shutter will automatically be pro-
duced if, after the shutter is
cocked, the delayed action but-
ton behind the cocking lever is
moved back and the cocking
lever is then pushed still farther
to the riqht. Pressure on the
release lever or the cable release
will actuate the delay mechanism,
and after approximately ten sec-
onds the shutter itself will operate
and make the exposure. To pre-
vent damage to the shutter this
delayed-action mechanism must
never be used with the highest
shutterspeed.
Figure 2c. The Rim-Set Compur Shutter.
The PressCompur
This shutter, supplied only with the Carl Zeiss I3.5 cm and 15 cm
Tessars 114.5,is a modification of the "rim-set" Compur. It differs in that
the delayed-action mechanism is replaced by a catch to hold the shutterView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
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11
Ieaves open for ground-glass focusing, in the same way as the Press-
Focus Button does in the Supermatic shutter.
To hold this shutter open, trip it (when set for any speed) with the
catch button held back, and cushion the cocking lever with the finger
so it will not strike hard against the catch; this will retain the shutter
leaves fully opened for focusing on the ground glass. After focusing,
re-cock in the normal manner for the actual exposure, and the catch
button will release itself. This catch button replaces the self-timing but-
ton. The self-timing mechanism has been removed from this shutter.
The Dial-SetCompur
The chief difference between the "rim-set" and the "dial-set" Com-
pur lies in the speed selection meehanism. The function of the knurled
rim of the former is divided be-
tween the two dials in the latter.
With T (sometimes Z) or B of
the smaller dial (the locking
disc, between the shutter release
Iever and the cable release sock-
et) set opposite the short white
line carried on the face of the
shutter, operation of the release
lever will produce Time or Bulb
exposures without cocking. When
the I (sometimes engraved M) of
this small dial is turned to the
short white line, the instantaneous
exposures shown on the larger
speed dial will be produced after
cocking the shutter. The speed
dial (carrying the choice of in-
stantaneous exposures) has an
arrow engraved on its front sur-
face to show the direction in which Figure 2d. The Dial-Set Compur Shutter.
it is to be turned in changing speeds. Never attempt to rotate this dial
against the arrow, or the mechanism will be damaged.
The working aperture of the lens is read against the scaie carried on
the top side of the shutter behind the speed dial or on the face of the
shutter, and controlled by a lever at the base of the shutter.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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19
FOCAL.PLANESHUTTER
The focal-plane shutter with which this camera is pro-
vided consists essentially of a durable liqht-tiqht curtain
(Figure 3) having five rectangular openings or slits, a
0-'xr!t 0Pil{
chosen one of which passes in front of the film or plate in
making an exposure. The portion of the curtain which is
not covering or exposing the negative is wound on rollers
A.l0 to 40 at each end, and in making the exposure passes down from
the top to the bottom roller. The exposure time is governed
B'?0 ro 150 by the width of the slit and by the tensions of the spring
which causes the curtain to move when the mechanism is
released. The front shutter rnust be open on Tirne
C-200ro{00
whenever the focal-plane shutter id used.
The controls for the focal-plane shutter are located on
D.100n 1000 the right side of the camera housing (as,normally used from
the back), and appear as in Figure 4.
The Shutter Speed lab/e on the top of the camera in- I
cludes numbers representing exposure times customarily IiI
Fis.3. re{erred to in terms of fractions of a second, obtainable with it,
The Curtain.
the various combinations of curtain apertures A, B, C and
D and tension numbers I throuqh 6.
These reference letters and numbers are changed progressively from
O to D in the slit aperture window by turning the shutter-winding
hey counier-clockwise, and from I to 6 in the spring tension window
by turning the spring tension control counter-clockwise. In so doing,
progressively smaller slits and higher tensions are made available for
the exposure. To reverse either operation and return to a wider slit or
lower tension than indicated, the shutter release or tension release is
moved, to allow the mechanisms to unwind one notch at a time. It will be
found easier to set io a higher tension before winding to a narrower slii.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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13
When the shutter hag been set in accordance wlth the above direcgons,
the exposure is made by carefully sgueezing the shutter release or the
plunger of the cable release. Avoid jarring the camera.
To make a time exposure with the focal-plane shutter, wind or release
the curtain until T (Time) appears in the slit aperture window. Set
the tension at I ; rest the camera upon a rigid support; open the shutter
with one pressure upon the release, and terminate the exposure by a
second pressure.
This shutter can be locked in any position by moving the shutter
lock button toward the rear of the camera. It will be unlocked auto-
matically when the shutter winding key is turned again. Always lock it
on O when using the front shutter.
CAUTION: Becauee one of the
curtain slits passes in front of the
picfure aperture every time the
curtain is moved (either in wind-
ing it or in releasing it), it is
necessary to protect any f iln in
the camera from unintentional
exposure by having the slide in
the film holder while the focal-
plane shutter is being set; other-
wise injurious fogging of the film
is liable to result.
*
Figure 4.
The Focal-Plane Shutter Control Panel.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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1 4
FLASHSYNCHRONIZATION
The Speed GRAPHIC Camera can be used for flash synchronization
through either of two systems. Some shutters are complete with built-in
mechanism automatically producing synchronization. Complete in-
structions appear on pages 4, 6 and B.
With a shutter having built-in synchronization, the required accessories
will be in the nature of a flashing unit consisting of a battery case, re-
flector, battery case support and a cord extending to the shutter. This
cord should be attached to the shutter and to a Series Outlet in the
battery case. This outlet is usually at the back of the battery case, some-
times on the underside of the head. In the GRAFLEX Battery Case, it is
beneath the red push button switch and is made available by unscrewing
the switch and swinging it down. Other shutters require a complete
synchronizer consisting of the battery case, reflector, solenoid or shutter
tripper and suitable connecting cord.
A battery case, carrying a reflebtor and socket for the lamp, is usually
attached to the camera by means of a suitable coupling on the range-
finder encircling bracket shown in Figure 8. A rnagnetic release,
whose function is to release the shutter at the proper instant, must be
properly positioned in relation to the release lever. With most shutters
the Solenoid Release of the GRAFLEX Synchronizer may be left perma-
nently on the lens board.
To operate the synchronizer after it is in place, the focal-plane shutter
is first opened by setting O in the slit aperture window, the front shutter
is set for one of its highest speeds
and cocked, a flash lamp is inserted
in the socket, and the button for clos-
ing the circuits on the rear of the
battery case is pressed to make the
exposure. With a correctly adjusted out-
fit using any flash lamp designedf or be-
tween-the-lens shutter synchronization
the shutter will be opened and closed
while the flash is at its maximum in-
tensity. Recommended lens apertures
and shutter speeds should be obtained
from tables furnished by makers of the
Iamps.
Figure 5, The GRAFLEX Flash SynchronizerView original page 16Page 17 · Read text
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? 1 5
Ground-GlassFocusingfor Flash
When a magnetic release is in place, its finger may be in such a
position as to make the front shutter inoperative for either Time or Bulb
exposures. As far as the flash synchronizer itself is concerned this is of
no importance, but it may be exceedingly annoying when ground-glass
focusing must immediately precede use of the flash. This difficulty has
been overcome through the introduction ol the press focus button and
press focus lever built-into the Supermatic, GRAPHEX and press Compur
Shutters, previously described. In other shutters it may be necessary to
remove the tripper finger or link.
LENSES
The lens of your Anniversary Speed GRAPHIC is mounted in a shutter
incorporating an iris diaphra€tm, and the shutter is screwed into a
metal flange attached to the lensboard. The lensboard is held in place
in the front standard by slide lochs. Each lens should have its own lens-
board.
To remove the lensboard, move the slide locks in the direciion of their
slots, holding the board at ihe iop to prevent its falling out. Then lift it
oui by grasping the shutter.
The 3vtx4ve Anniversary speed GRAPHIC has slide locks top and
bottom, while the 4 x 5 model has a slide lock on the top only.
The diaphragm scale (aperture scale in Figures 2b, c and d) is
marked in f/ numbers, indicating the relative sizes of the operring,
secured by moving the diaphragm control lever. Full information orr this
subject will be found on page 25 under the heading Correct Exposures.
Your camera, when fitted with a lens whose focal length is approxi-
mately egual to the diagonal of the negative, will give a "normal" angu-
lar coverage or field of view-that is, about 45. to SO".
To photograph large objects at close range you can use a wide-angle
lens-an objective of relatively short focal length but specially desiqnld
to cover the negative. The image of each object will be smaller at a
given distance with a wide-angle lens than with a normal lens, but there
will be a wider field of view. (see under The wide-Angle Lens for
{urther information.)
For a larger image of objects at a distance, use a long-focus leng or a
telephoto. The latter type is sometimes preferable, because it does not
reguire so great an increase in bellows extension and still gives a larger
image. Needless to say, the field of view of a long-focus or teleph-oto
lene ig smaller than that of a normal focal length.View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
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16
other things being equal, a wide-angle (ehort-focus) lens will have a
greater depth of field and angle of view ihan the normal focal lengih,
while long-focus and telephoto lenses have a smaller depth of field and
angle of view. l-r
Equal f/ numbers have the similar values on all lenses, regardless t- of focal length.
COATEDLENSES 4I
The coating of lenses is one of the most recent accomplishments in
. the optical industry. A coated lens will have a brownish-purple color
on the surface. This color is similar to the tarnish or iridescent color
that was previously considered detrimental in lenses. The process of
coating deposits a metallic salt, such as magnesium fluoride, on the
surface of the lens in an extremely hiqh vacuum.
The coating of lenses is done only on the air glass surfaces and not on
the cemented surfaces. The advantages of coating photogiaphic lenses
are an increase in transmitted light by a reduction in light loss caused
by internal reflections, a definite increase in brilliance or contrast of
the image and the elimination of flare spots due to multiple reflections
within the lens. Every surface of a lens that is coated will increase the
light transmission. However, with most standard lenses, this increase
in liqht transmission will not be noticeable due to the exposure latitude
of most of the films currently available. The added brilliance due to the
coating of the lens surfaces should be noticeable and should result in
finer photographs.
The coating which is now being applied to lens surfaces is almost as
hard as the average optical glass. While no special precautions are
necessary for cleaning the surfaces of coated lenses, they should be
handled as carefully as all fine lenses. AII surface grit and dust should
first be removed with a soft camel's hair brush before the lens is cleaned
with a fine lens tissue or a soft cloth such as a well-laundered linen
handkerchief. Do not apply pressure on the cloth. simply breathe on
the surface of the lens and wipe gently with easy circular motions. If a
lens cleaninq fluid (only those specifically recommended by lens manu-
facturers) is to be used, do not apply it directly on the lens surface.
Instead place a drop or two on the lens iissue or cloih and wipe the lens
with the moietened material.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
1 7
FOCUSING
The focusing scales on Speed GRAPHIC cameras are of the vernier
type, one part carried on the camera bed and the other on the sliding
track. The distance indicated is that from the subject to the film or grorrrrj
glass. To focus on any desired distance, iurn the focusing knob until the
lines corresponding to that distance on the two parts of the focusing scale
Iie exactly next to each other. when the front siandard has been pulled
against the infinity stops and locked and the lines opposite the infinlty
marks (oo) on the two scales coincide, the camera-will befocused on
very distant objects (infinity). To focus sharpiy on an object l0o feet from
the ground glass, for example, turn the focusing knobs until the lines
marked 100 on each scale coincide as shown in Figure 6.
To factlitate guick use a modification of this scale is shown in figure 6.
For the shorter distances the single indicator line on the movable scale
can be set opposite the desired footage mark.
when several lenses are to be used interchangeably a new vernier
scale musi be fitted for each if this meihod of focusing is to be used.
The tracks are easily moved by means of the focusing knobs as long
as the track-iock points front. Turning the lock leverco thut its free end
points toward the nearest knob, locks the focusing mechanism.
Ground-Glass Focusing must naturally be done with both shutters
open (as in making a Time exposure as descrrbed in the section on
Shutters), and preferably with the camera on a tripod and the lens set
at its maximum aperture. The(ground glass i.s made
accessible by pulling down on the small latch in
Figure B, which allows the focusing panel cover to
spring up. After use, this hinged door is pressed back
into its closed position to prevent damage to it or to
the glass focusing screen. Accurate focus on the
ground giass screen can be obtained by varying the
posiiion of the lens with either focusing control knob.
ligure 6. The Veruier Focuriug Scale.View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
18
The focusing panel in a GRAPHIC Back recedes to permit the en-
trance of a GRAPHIC Film Holder or Film Pack Adapter so ihat the film
will lie in the focal plane where the image is formed.
If your camera has a GRAFITEX Bach, it will accept the GRAFLEX focusing panel interchangeably with the GRAFLEX film and plate I
aitachments. $
RangefinderFocusing
This camera, as illustrated, is eguipped with an accessory internally-
coupled rangefinder. Before leaving the factory it was adjusted so as
. to synchronize (i.e. give an exact indication of critical focus) with the
particular lens with which your speed GRAPHIC was equipped. Any
change in lens, even if the focal lengths are nominally the same, will
require a checking and probable readjustment of this rangefinder if it
is to be used for the most accurate focusing. Such a re-synchronization
should be attempted only by one with such experience; and then only
in accordance with the procedurb recommended by the manufacturer
of the accessorv.
To use the ranqefinder look through the small window in its side near-
est the back of the camera (or through the extension eyepiece attached
to the rangefinder), being sure to keep fingers or other obstructions
away from the two windows in its front side. Move the camera until
the object to be focused on is in the center of the field visible through the
rangefinder. Careful examination will now reveal a smaller and brighter
fleld in approximately the center of the larger one, and this smaller field
contains a second image whlch can be shifted by turning the focusing
conhol. A little practice will enable you to lotate the small field in the
exact center of the larger one without conscious effort, and this exact
centering is necessary to the most accurate use of this accessory. A
critical focus is indicated for that object or portion thereof which shows
a single image in this central field of the rangefinder. A double image is i indicative of "out of focus," and may be corrected by turning the focus-
ing control in the proper direction. Whenever possible, rangefinder focusing is facilitated by picking a portion of the object which presents f
sharp lines of good contrast.
Althouqh this rangefinder is a great convenience in focusing, it does
not tell you the exact amount of the scene which will be included on the
negative. That is the function of a viewfinder, described in the next
secflon.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
19
VIEITFINDERS
Three methods are available to the user of a Speed GRAPHIC for know-,l ing how much of a given scene will be included in the negative. For most
purposes the tubular viewfinder mounted on top of the camera near the
{ rangefinder will be used. Details of the means by which this finder can
be adjusted for parallax and for different focal-length lenses are shown
in Figure 7. The small dial at the back of the finder has four markings,
which can be aligned with the white line at the top of the finder. Notches
assist in locating the four
points so that subjects at dis-
tances of 6' , B' , 15' and B
(infinity), respectively will be
centered by the camera lens
on the ground glass when
the subject is centered in
the finder. When using the
finder, set this dial for the
distance to the subject.
Figure 7. The Tubular Viewfinder.
Caution: Be sure that the front standard of the camera is centered lat-
erally and vertically.
The size of the front aperture in this finder determines the maximum
field of view seen through it, and may be changed by the insertion of new
rnasks to correspond with the fields covered by lenses of various normal
and long focal lengths. The mask supplied with the camera was chosen
to match the lens fitted to it. Each mask is identified by a number, and
data concerning their use will be found in a special circular available
on request.
The wire frarne finder is brought into action by raising the peep-
sight from its folded position against the rear of the camera top, and
by extending the frame from its telescoped position behind the front
standard. This extension is accomplished by grasping at its center the
upper of the two horizontal rods lying along the top of the front standard
and pulling it directly upward until both bars are raised. This finderView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
90
must be collapsed again before the front standard can be returned to the
camera housing preparatory to folding up the bed; its vertical sides
telescope into the collapsed position when its top horizontal member is
pressed evenly at each end in a downward direction. This wire frame
finder permits you to observe the picture full-size and from eye level,
and is therefore well suited to the following of moving subjects.
Viewfinders in generai should not be relied upon to give too accurate
an indication of the exact limits of the picture to be secured on the nega-
tive, since the amount visible depends upon the position at which
the observer holds his eye-a thing which varies between individuals
and is greatly influenced by whether or not the user wears glasses.
They are used to best advantage when your eye is held as close as
possible to the rear element of the finder. When very accurate com-
position is necessary, place the camera on a tripod and use the
ground glass.
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From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.