Graflex National Series II User manual

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    XNSTRUCTIONS
             far
      2%x2%
  Nationel
 GR.AFLEX
        Series II
                stith
      Telephoto Lens


                edO$06\e



             M.de la U.S.A.
- FoE rrron Gnarr,Bx ConpoRerron
        &OCHESIER,.N&W YORK

INTRODUCTION
  The National Graflex Camera Series II  incor-
porates features made possible by rirore than 50
years of practical experience by Graflex in the
manufacturing of precision cameras. Its design
enables anyone to make keepworthy photographs
regardless of previous photographic  experience.
  Carefully following the instructions in this book-
let will make it possible for you to gain maximum
satisfaction from vour use of this camera.

Instructions for Using the
   National GRAFLEX
       I. LOADING THE CAIVIERA
 _ _Qp"" gover by pressing the Cover Catch Button M,(Iig. l.).          .When the-cover opens, the fbcusing hood automatically erects itself.
   Pull Bulb Release Lever I  (fig. I) to maLe sure
 shutter is released. Close cover.- Slide the Bottom Catches W to "O" (open), (fis.2).
   Separate inner from outer case as shown in fig. J. (Jpen^     cover.
   Insert roll of film into film chamber under H (fiE. l)so that slot in end of spool is engaged i"  ["y'.
 Note:.Low,er spool                   .-rr,.rig"orrt of *Jy u'hen rnserting and removing"nppor?. """spools.
 - Insert empty spool in spool chamber under Wind-ing Knob D"(fi's. t)    thai th" J;t-;,sd!,properl.y.               "i
  Remove sticker from film. Holdine Film Release
Q (fig. l) in direction of amow, uirollIilm. tq reach take-up spool. Thread into ""tri.i;;alone slotwith,film.leader spacsd e.ret"tly between flanges. "Tr..,
the \\'inding Knob D until ih. fil-  tishte;s.
   Place the bottom case back on the camera, makinE
sure that it is seated against the top. \\'hile'pressinE
the bottom lirmly into place, slide the C.f.lr". Wloward "C" (closed). Open lrrl,r'uindow bl.sliding
Button Q (fig. 2) upward.
  While holding Film Release G in direction of
arrow, wind the film with Knob D until number I
gppears in the center of the Rubv \\'indow R(fig. 2). Close  lrrL,,,' rn.indow slide.

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Frcunp 5. Se,panarrNc THE Casr,s.
   Hol{ing the Release G toward arrow, pull uo on
 the Indicator Knob H ({g..1), permittingit to iurn
 freely until the pointer is just clear of tie startine
 position S toward the number 9. Release G turn Film. Winding Knob D until the fiirn tightens:.".rj 'l'he tilm is now in position for the first exposure.
 II. GETTING READY TO TAKE THE
          PICTURE
  . Open lens door by sliding the Lock Button T
 downward and pulling outward.. See that lens door
 swrngs downward to firm position.
  Open top^  cover by pressing inward on Cover Catch M.
  Set mirror to focu^sing position by moving lever
E toward the back of the camera.
  See that the dot on the Bulb Control I  is located nearest "I"  (instantaneous).
   Becau.te o-f the increa,red .ren.ritivitv ol pre,rent dau
/tlm.r i{ b adui.rable toJo[d down the hiod-w'hen windiig
                        5

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                                                                                                                                          .:l
     the ,rhutter. Thit al.ro make,r the film s'indino knob          t     more acce.r.rible.

                                                                                                                          1      Wind shutter by turning shutter winding knob K                        .,|                           possible.     blockwise                    as               as far
       Set shutter                    to                    the                           desired speed by lifting upward    -1
    on Knurled Ring "L" and permitting  it to drop into
     position when the dot is opposite the chosen ipeed
     numDer.
   USING THE NATIONAL GRAFLEX
         EXPOSURE GUIDE
      Note: Exposure Guide is readil.v visitle when
    hood is heldln folded position.
        Select from the five groups under "Description of
      Picturel' the classification which best describes the
     subject to be photographed. Set the slider r.vith its
      left'edge at the ho,r-. oi day opposite the line indi-
     cating the group of months in which you are mak-
     ing the picture.
      The Exposure guide classifies light conditions into
     three groups which may be described as follows: If
     the skv is clear and there are verv dark shadows, it is
      con_sidered Eright. If there are light cloudd or haze    and the shadows are gray or transparent,  it is Hazy.
    When the skv is overcast and there are no well de-
:L   fined shado*",  it ir Dnll.  If it is raining or very dark
     clouds fill the sky, good pictures mav sometimes be
    made by allowing double that exposure indicated for
     "Dull;" i.e., whe-re No. 4 is directed, use No. 2.
      Select the prevailing light condition, "Dull",        {
    "Hazy", or "Brisht". In the horizontal row of num-     be.s i.r ihe windJ*s opposite description of picture       it{
    and the kind of daylight available ybu will find the
     correct shutter rp"""d-nn-ber  for "each of the lens                   I
    diaphragm settings indicated directly above at the
    top of the slider.                                  I{    Erample:  If the subject to be photographed is a
    person standing in the shade; the time is 3 P. M;
       it is a day in |uly; the light condition is "Hazy1"               t
                             6

Frcunr,4. THB ExposuRr, GuroB.
the proper exposure is determined as follows:
 l  The subject is classified in the second group under
   "Description of Picture."
2. trt will be noticed that "|uly" appears in the low-
   est of the month greups.
3. The slide is set with the left edee at "5 P.M." in
   the bottom row of figures oppositl "Time of Day."
4. Using lens diaphragm settin1  -f .8, shutter speed
  No. 2 will give the correct exposure. (This you
    will find in the "8" column, directly opposite the
  "Hazy" adjoining .vour chosen picture subject
   group.)
  The speeds, expressed in whole numbers on the
exposure guide and shutter setting knob,'are con-
verted to fractions of seconds on the table attached
to the focusing hood.
  Where there is no motion in the subject, select
from the guide the lowest possible speed number and
use the correlated '/"  number indicated on guide

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lil        directly above. This is the procedure for most          prctures.
         The Exposure Guide is calibrated to Verichrome
         or films of equal speeds such as Panatomic. When[[,         gsing Super-Se!'sitive Panchromatic film, allow for
             its greater speed.by adding one number to the Guide
illlI        readrngs for mid-day use, and t*o numbers to the
         readings lbr use early or late in the day.
        Erample: When using Super-Sensitive panchro-
        matic films, if the Gu-ide cLll. tb. Shutter Soeed
        No. 2, use Shutter $p.gd N". 5 at mid-day o. sieed        No. 4 early or late in the day.
            Shu,tter Speeds applicable for action pictures are
          provrdecl on page 16.
          Allowances to be made when National Graflex
           filters are used are shown on pages 20-21-22.
                 _ If you have any questions relating to the use of
          lilms other than those treated herein, or resarding
              t}re- use of the National Graflex Exposure C-"ia"  ii
         different_latitudes, you are invitei to write our
         Servrce Llepartment.
                   FOCUSING
            , Bring the concealed magnifier into position in the
         fbcusing hood by pressing downward on i\lagnifier
       ControlC  (fis. l).'
         With the lens wide open, focus on principal object
         of interest by moving-focusing lever O (ng. Z;'
        or down untrl the obTect appears sharpest on the"p
        ground glass.
          Fold down magnifier.
                 ta. Set lens diaphragm V (fig. 2) at predetermined   1                           ttt/ number.
         Compose picture on ground glass.
             III. IUAKING THE PICTURE
      _ Holding the camera firml.y, press Mirror Release
         .Button F all the way downward-. This releases both
        the mirror a.rd shuiter.

A cable release threaded into cable release socket
 Y (fiS. I) ma.v be used. Dep_ressing the plunger will
 cause the exposure to be made. A self-timing-device,
  if attached to the cable release, r.vill delay t-he e*po-
 sure permitting- the operator to be included in the photograph.
     IV. GETTING READY FOR
       NEXT PICTURE
   Reset mirror to focysing position by moving Lever
 E toward the back of the-camera.
   Release the film lock by sliding Button G in the
 direction of the arrow. Then rele-ase  it.
  Turn Film Winding Knob D clockwise until,
 without strain, it turnJno further.
 (Automaticall;' the pointer on the film meter, has
 turned and is now pointing to the number of the
 next picture to be made. For the tenth and last
 picture it will aga.in point to "S.")
    V. CLOSING THE CAIUERA
   FiTst: SEE THAT THE MIRROR IS SET IN
FOCUSTNG POSTTTON (KNOB E  BACK
FIG. _1). Rel_ease the shutter'by pulling Bulb Re- lsass.Iiever. I. (fis. l).  Be .rui ihot ,llogrifer  i.r
Jolded down beJore clo.rin.q hood. Close do*n"the hood
by pre.ssing. at^the sidei near the base and fold top
toward back of camera. Close the cover.
   Second: To close the lens door, turn focusing lever
O (fis.. ?) t"-lo_west position, and swing len! doo"upward into locked position.
    VI. UNLOADING THE FILIU
  When the Indicator hand returns to "S," film is in
position for the last exposure. Following this expo-                                          -...o*.sure, hold the Film Release G toward                                                      i.rd

holding this lever back while counting off the time
        determrned tor the. exposure. At the expiration of
        desired time terminat-e the exposure Uy         pressure on lever |.                          ".t"".irg
         Note: When puJling bacl< on lever / to start        exposure, be careful not to hold the shutter windine
       knob K. Do not allow the Iever to .rr"p b.ck .i  ."fi        of exposure, but release in a gentle, even manner.
       A cable release threaded into cable release socket Z
      Tay pe used_for making bulb exposures. To make          t.he picture, deprel* the-plunger of the cable release
         lor the duratron of the exposure. Release the pres_
        :ul:gl  the plulger to terminate the exposure. ^The        Self-Timer and Delayed Exposure Device supplied as
      an accessory for the National Grafle, Sbiies  I II      Cameras provides exposures of controlled duration
        ra_nging from one-half second to ten full seconds.
       This accesscry should be operated according to the
        lnstructrons accompanyi ng it.
          Re-set mirror.
        Wind film for next exposure.
       To re-set for instantaneous use turn I  (fiE. l)       clockwise so that the dot is locatecl .r""rJ"i ..i,        (instantaneous).
     _ fnstantaneous "shots" at night: The fast J.3.5        lens and efiicient focal plane shu"tter in combirrition
        w.ith fast film, will capture elcellent close-ups at
        night with onlv one photo flood lamp.
                  VIII. LENSES
           The 75 rnrn. f.3.S B & L Tessar
          This National Graflex lens is of the Tessar Series
      IC type, made especially for this camera. To those
      who are familiar with lens qualities this will stand for
       the best.
       The focal length is 75 millimeters. The speed is
        J.c.5.
                                                   ll

DEPTTI OF FIELD*
  The diaphragm settings are marked J.5.5, 4, 5.6,
 8, ll, 16,22. Each number from 5.6 to 22 designates
 an aperture approximately one-half as great as the
 preceding number. For example, J.5.6 is half as
 great asJ.4 and about twice as great as,/.8.
  As may be observed through the focusing hood,
 the field in which objects are sharply defined deepens
 as the diaphragm opening is reduced. Depth of field
 at any diaphragm setting is that field in which all
 objects are sharply defined.
  A table showing the exact depth of field for each
diaphragm setting is found on opposite page.
  On the ring, back of the lbcusing lever on your
camera, are indicated three settings, namely 4, 8 and
 16, each of which respectively refers to the lens dia-
phragm setting J.4,/.8 and/. 16.
  When the focusing ring is set at four and the lens
diaphragm is set at J.4, the field in focus is from J2
feet to infinity.
  When the settings 8 and 16 are used with their
corresponding diaphragrr"-/" numbers, the depth of
field from 16 feet to infinity and B feet to infinity
respectively. This renders in effect universal focus
performance, when customary focusing through the
hood is impracticable.

       REMOVING THE LENS
  Remove the lens and mount by lifting the nickel
finished horseshoe clip N (fig. 2) directly back of the
focusing lever free from the lens board. Note: Turn
*Depth of field is often referred to as.depth of focus.
                          l5

the focusing lever O (fis. 2) to lowest position before
        detaching lens.
          The 140 rnrn. f.6.3 B & L Telephoto
        The use of the 140 mm./.6.5 Telephoto lens givesI     an image on the film which is approximately twice
        as large as that obtainecl with the 7S rnrn.J.S.S lens.t      This has the same effect as reducing the distance
      from the camera to the subject by approximatelv
       one half.
        The lenses may readily be interchanged. Remov_
        ing the rri&eled horseshoe clip on the lens mountins
       door permits the removal of the ,"g"i";J;;;l   Ni;;;:
      Turn focusing lever O to lowest position before de_
       taching lens.
       The Telephoto lens is placed on the camera with
       the focusing lever on the left side when facing the
      camera from in front. Replace the nickeled horse_
      shoe clip.
     A depth of field table applying to the Telephoto
       lens appears on opposite page.
                 CLEANING
         Since dust will accumulate on lens, ground glass,
     and focusing mirror, it is desirable to occasionally
      clean the surfaces thereof. To facilitate cleaninj,
      remove the lens and mount from the camera.
        Light dust accumulations can best be removed bv
      using a fine camels' hair brush.
       To clean lens, breathe on the glass and wipe gently
      with a soft clean cloth, free from lint, or with lens
       tissue. Do not touch the surface of the lens elements
      with anything hard ot rough.
        Replace the lens in the camera by placing it with
                                I5

I       the slotted band in front of the guides and gently
         push it back so that the guide pins enter the slots.
         Replace the clip. Note: The focusing knob should
          be on the left side when facing the lens from in front.
       IX. THE FOCAL PLANE SHUTTER
         The lbcal plane shutter is so called because it
           oper:rtes near the fbcal or picture plane, i.e., at the
           film instead of at the 1"."    other iutters do. This                                         ".          shutter consists of two curtains                                            so arranged that the1,
       may be moved with respect to each other therebv
         providing changes in the shutter opening. These
         changes vary frorn an opening full picture width, to
       an opening a small fraction thereof. The shutter
       moves at the same velocity for all speeds and,
         through the varying aperture, provides a wide range
         in exposure time. The eight settings p"ovided .re
        numbered  f , 2, 3, 4, S, 6, T and 9.
          These shutter speed numbers showing on shutter
       winding knob K  (fig. l)  correspond to  those
        appearing on the exposure guide.

              SHUTTER SPEEDS
        The individual shutter speed numbers have the
         following equivalents when expressed in terms of
         fractions of seconds:
            No. l-   l/50          No. 5-l/125
             No. 2-  l/b0          No. 6-11200
             No. 5-  l/60          No. 7-ll250
             No. 4-ll100          No. 9-ll500
        Added efiiciency in your  Graflex Focal Plane
                                 t7

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 Shutter has ma<ie it possible to provide this group
of shutter speecls, all of which permit holding the
camera in the hand without danger of movement.
Operating in the closest possible proximity to the
 focal plane, and utilizing all the IIS added tight ob-
tained, this shutter assures National GRAFLEX
users out-standingly sharp reproduction of both
still and action subjects.
  In photographing moving objects the motion
table will assist you in determining what shutter
speed number will be anrple to arrest the action.
  You will note in referring to the table that arrest-
ing motion depends on:
    l.  The speecl u'ith which the object is moving.
  2. The distance of the object from the camera.
  3. The angle in which the object is moving in its
relafion to the camera.
  The "Table for Photographing Mol'ing Otrjects,"
page 16, deals with each.
  Having determined the shutter speed number,
refer to the Exposure Guide for the '/"  number
which will permit the comect exposure.





                          l8

f
 I
 I         X. NATIONAL GRAFLEX
 f            ACCESSORIES
II         NATIONAL GRAFLEX FILTERS
      A full set of filters for National Graflex includes
         Il-1, K-2, ){-1, X-2, Sky Filter and Cop.ying At-                                                                              -filt"t      tachment. A  dust-prodf, Morocco le"t^lie.
f       case is available.
         The proper use of filters with the National Graflex enhanceg
        the photographs obtained through the introduction of correct
         tonal values. These tonal values add to the natural life-like
          qualities of the photograph by reproducing in different shadea
         of gray the varied color brightnesses of the subject. Thege
          qualities combined with the brilliancy and crispness of National
        Graflex negatives further contribute to the superior results
        which lead to more interesting pictures.
          Since photographic films are much more eeneitive to blue
        than to other colors, color variation is not recorded with the
       game brilliancy as apparent to the eye, unless filters are used.
      A filter plaeed over the lens of the camera absorbs the predomi-
        nating color and represents the varioue colore of the subject in
         the photograph by tones which correspond more nearly to the
         brightness of the colors as seen by the observer. For example,
            if the subject contains orange against a background of blue, a
         color filter, such as the National Graflex I(-2, would absorb the
         blue sufficiently to cause the background to photograph darker
        than the orange. Without the filter the orange would photo-
        graph darker, and the blue lighter, than is apparent to the eye.
        The use of a filter, then, enables the film to reproduce the various
         colors of the subject more nearly in accord with their true
         tonal valueg.
        The filters listed herein are the recognized W-ratten type,
         especially selected for uee with the National Graflex. The
       mount is eo constructed that the filter may be resdily attached
        or detached from the National Graflex lens with assurance of
           its being properly placed for maximum efficiency.
       Our Service Department  will be glad to Bupply further
        information relating to the use of National Graflex Filters in
        meeting specific requirements, upon request.
                                l9

National Graflex Lenses and Accessories





           Filleii and Case





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                         Frcunp 5.
         THE COPYING ATTACHMENTS
          These handy devices permit the photographing of
    l         subjects lying quite close to the camera*'         slipped over the front of the Bausch & ".rdLomb""" Tessar"".ily
  I   i          lens.
  I       The lB " attachment permits the filling of the
        entire picture area with a head and shoulders
        portrait. A 12' attachment may be used for photo_
        graphing subjects that distance from the camera.

                               23

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             SUNSHADE
   This worthwhile accessor)' prevents the entrance
 into the lens of extraneous light.  It folcls and slips
 into its own flat leather case when not in use.

     SLOW EXPOSURE ACCESSORY
   Exposures slower than  I /50 of a second can now be
 made with. vour National Graflex Series II Camera
 through use ol the accessor.v self'-timer. This ac-
 cessorv makes automaticallv timed exposures rang-
 ing from rl to l0 full seconds. It can also be used
 as a self'-timer allowing the operator to move in front
 of the camera ancl become :r palt of the scene being
 photographed.

     DIRECT VISION SIGHT FINDER
  This is of the optical t;'pe and fitted vi,ith cross
lines for the proper centering of the subject when
sighted with the linder approximately three inches
from the eve. When attached to the bottom of the
camera, with the small screw fitting into the tripod
socket, it permits making photographs over the top
of nearby subjects. It  is especially useful in a
crowd. For prefocusing of the lens see page thirteen.

         CARRYING CASES
  Although the National Graflex requires no carry-
ing case, such an accessory affords added protection
as well as convenience in carrying. There is avail-
able a choice of fbur distinct cases-each havine
its worthwhile features.

                        24

The New Carry-All Case
  The new Carry-All Case provides a convenient
means for carrying the camera and all its accessories.      .
  This case is merde with compartments for the
National Graflex Camera, Telephoto lens, an expo-
sure meter, two filter cases, the direct vision sight
finder, sunshade and slow exposure device as well as
space lbr additional rolls of film. It is made of black
sole leather, plush lined and suppliecl with lock,
handle and shoulder straps.
                ttSportsrnan" Case         The
  The "Sportsman" positions the camera on the
chest-at natural picture-making position-and
permits using the camera in {he cace. (See fig. 5).
  This case is made of black genuine leather; is
plush lined; has an adjustable leather neck strap
which can be quickly extended to permit canying
the case suspended from one shoulder; and com-
plefcly encloses the camera for carrying.
         The Zippered Suede Case
  Made of soft waterproofed tan suede, this case
has proven a popular favorite. It folds for pocket
carrying, and is complete with an adjustable leather
shoulder strap.
         The Hard Leather Case
  Made of black, genuine leather, and of rigid con-
struction, this case meets a wide acceptance. WiU
withstand hard usage, and with its adjustable leather
shoulder strap, is a great convenience.
                        25

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               TRIPODS
  Two light-weight tripods are now offered which
 are particularly adapted for use with your camera
 in making "bulb" exposures.

           Crown Unit Tripod
   The Crown Unit Tripod is supplied as a complete
 unit, with the legs permanently attached to the
 tripod top.
   This tripod is made of ebonized chemy, with nickel
 metal fittings. The length of the Cro*n Unit
 Tripod when closed is IBJ{ inches-44 inches when
 the two sections of the legs are full;, extended. The
 top of the tripod is felt covered, with a diameter of
3\  incbes.

          The Crown Jr. Tripod
  The Crown fr. Tripod, as supplied, includes three
legs, a detachable top, and an ingenious carrying
unit. It, too, is made of ebonized chemy, with nickel
metal fittings. Its length closed is lZ inches; when
extended, 44 inches. The tripod top measu rcs Ssl
inches.
 When the tripocl is fJd"d' .rp for carrying,
the legs are nested within the carrying unit-the
top attaching to it b-v means of the camera clamp
screw.

                       26

THE COPYGRAPH OUTFIT
        The Copygraph Outfit permits using your National
       Graflex in making photomicrographs, copies of
        charts, maps or books, as well as table top studies,
        just as -vou view them in the focusing hood.
        For more information about this versatile outfit,
       see your nearby Graflex dealer . . or write for a
       complete, illustrated folder.
          GRAFLEX Enlarg-or-Printer
      Many times interesting picture possibilities are
       discovered in a section of a negative. An enlarge-
      ment from a small negative section makes an inter-
        esting and "keepworthy" picture.
       The Graflex Enlarg-or-Printer was designed to
       allow your using the National Graflex lens for mak-
       ing these interesting enlargements. With one com-
       pact unit you are provided with an enlarger, contact
        printer and retouching destr , almost a complete dark-
      room in itself. The compactness of this unit will be
       appreciated by those who are forced to work in a
       confined space. It requires no installation or setting
     up. It is always set to go.
        Not only will the Graflex Enlarg-or.Printer accept
      your National Graflex negatives but will accommo-
       date any negative ranging from 35mm to 2fux31or
       that section of a 4x5 negative.
      The Graflex Enlarg-or-Printer will completely,
     round out your enjoyment of National Graflex
      photography. Complete information on this versa-
          tile unit will be sent you upon request by our Service
       Department.
                              27

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