Returning to my 4x5 “roots” with Graflex Crown & Speed Graphics and view cameras with all movements has had a very positive impact on all of my photography lately. Especially with color transparency emulsions. The need for a more methodical approach to each frame has almost subliminally caused me to apply similar pacing to my medium and 35mm work. Keeping these old beauties “alive and kicking” will definitely have positive impact on all image acquisition, in my opinion.
I love my crown graphic. Been using mine since the late 90’s. I find handheld is the best way to enjoy it and makes it super convenient to bring everywhere.
I don't much shoot 4x5 or 5x7 anymore, but when I do, I use Ilford Ortho Plus. Why? Because I can load it under a deep red safelight. After the 3rd or 4th time you mess up a sheet trying to load it in a dark bag, just in a darkroom, it gets REALLY frustrating FAST due to wasted $$$ and/or shots that turn out poorly. Also, I think it's worth it to use roll film for panoramic use cases, which is what I am far more likely to use these big cameras for. I didn't catch you mention that use case. Even then, I tend to grab my panoramic back for my 645 camera instead.
It didn't help in this case that all the sheets had sprockets as it was cut down from large rolls of film! I didn't realise this until I pulled them out of the tank from developing! And you're right I didn't mention using roll film backs as I have never used them before, but that is always an option especially with the Graflok back. Thanks for watching 🍻
@@AlexLuyckxPhoto DAYI is selling brand new roll film backs for 4x5 that are multiple aspect ratio in a single back - 6x12, 6x14, and 6x17. They're not cheap, but they're fat more affordable than an X-Pan 😁
Very fair review. Regarding the tilt mechanism, potential buyers should be aware that it doesn't natively do front forward tilt. This can sort of be done by dropping the front bed (wide angle position), then tilting the lens back. It's a bit of a pain and is limiting. This is primarily the reason I finally sold my Crown Graphic, since I use this movement quite often in my work.
I've never tried that trick with lowering the bed, but I don't use a lot of movements. But yes, if you are big into using movements a Crown is not a good fit, a field or a monorail are your friends! Thanks for watching 🍻
Nice! :) That camera and 4x5 slides would be cool! :) I will, however, stick to 120 as I am a hand-held photographer as I find a tripod a bit too slow!
Awesome video. I work just down the road from the old Graflex factory. Hopefully this video doesn't drive the prices up as I am still looking to get Crown Graphic.
Your copy is in very good shape. There are a lot of those missing various parts. Where did you get yours? The images in the review on your website are lovely.
9:25 Comparing it to what though? I come from the Linhof Super Technika V & similar to Master, 2000, 3000. A box a manual lens & rangefinder & hood. You even have the newer style lens of the XL so easier to read & set In fact I have both the Pacemaker 45 & 23. They are nicely lighter to carry than the my Linhof of sene vintage. Every bit as smooth and can share lens.
Compared to a medium format or 35mm camera, of course. I know apples & oranges, but not many photographers jump right into large format as their first experience. Thanks for watching 🍻
@@AlexLuyckxPhoto oh yes. But then that adapts to medium roll & sheet & the Pacemaker 23 or Crown operated the same other then being little smaller. I like the Pacemaker 23 or Linhof Press 70 for 70mm film
Very informative thanks. I use the Speed Graphic and often think about extra lens. Most lens do not come with lens boards, did you have much of a problem finding the right size board.
@@waynevierhout Dick Raas, best way to describe him, not at all as a slight. Especially as someone of Dutch heritage! Thanks for the kind words and for watching 🍻
I don’t think I have the patience for large format, but I do like the idea of having a light saber lol. Good stuff Alex
I would love to have a lightsaber from a flash unit also! Thanks for watching 🍻
Returning to my 4x5 “roots” with Graflex Crown & Speed Graphics and view cameras with all movements has had a very positive impact on all of my photography lately. Especially with color transparency emulsions. The need for a more methodical approach to each frame has almost subliminally caused me to apply similar pacing to my medium and 35mm work. Keeping these old beauties “alive and kicking” will definitely have positive impact on all image acquisition, in my opinion.
I agree; working with large formats has changed how I shoot all my images, 120, 35mm and even digital. Thanks for watching 🍻
Welcome to the world of Graflex. Been using since 1970 It is my default daily driver
@@MrCouvade It’s a great world! Thanks for watching 🍻
I love my crown graphic. Been using mine since the late 90’s. I find handheld is the best way to enjoy it and makes it super convenient to bring everywhere.
@@mixschrecks3839 Nice! Also I’m jealous that you can use it handheld! That never meshed with me, thanks for watching 🍻
I don't much shoot 4x5 or 5x7 anymore, but when I do, I use Ilford Ortho Plus. Why? Because I can load it under a deep red safelight. After the 3rd or 4th time you mess up a sheet trying to load it in a dark bag, just in a darkroom, it gets REALLY frustrating FAST due to wasted $$$ and/or shots that turn out poorly. Also, I think it's worth it to use roll film for panoramic use cases, which is what I am far more likely to use these big cameras for. I didn't catch you mention that use case. Even then, I tend to grab my panoramic back for my 645 camera instead.
It didn't help in this case that all the sheets had sprockets as it was cut down from large rolls of film! I didn't realise this until I pulled them out of the tank from developing! And you're right I didn't mention using roll film backs as I have never used them before, but that is always an option especially with the Graflok back. Thanks for watching 🍻
@@AlexLuyckxPhoto DAYI is selling brand new roll film backs for 4x5 that are multiple aspect ratio in a single back - 6x12, 6x14, and 6x17. They're not cheap, but they're fat more affordable than an X-Pan 😁
Very fair review. Regarding the tilt mechanism, potential buyers should be aware that it doesn't natively do front forward tilt. This can sort of be done by dropping the front bed (wide angle position), then tilting the lens back. It's a bit of a pain and is limiting. This is primarily the reason I finally sold my Crown Graphic, since I use this movement quite often in my work.
I've never tried that trick with lowering the bed, but I don't use a lot of movements. But yes, if you are big into using movements a Crown is not a good fit, a field or a monorail are your friends! Thanks for watching 🍻
the 203 Ektar is an amazing lens
That it is! Thanks for watching 🍻
I use a monorail in the studio but I would like to get a Graflex for the field. This video was helpful, thank you for sharing.
@@qnetx Cheers! It’s a great affordable 4x5 for the field! Thanks for watching 🍻
Well done, Alex! Film is a great way to SLOW DOWN.
Thanks! It was a long slog but always worth it! Thanks for watching 🍻
@AlexLuyckxPhoto Creating a TH-cam video presentation is also another way to SLOW DOWN, I'm sure! One of the best I've seen.
Very well made video, Alex! Andy
@@andrewhowarth4578 🍻
Nice! :)
That camera and 4x5 slides would be cool! :)
I will, however, stick to 120 as I am a hand-held photographer as I find a tripod a bit too slow!
4x5 Slides are amazing, but 8x10 are mind blowing! Thanks for watching 🍻
Awesome video. I work just down the road from the old Graflex factory. Hopefully this video doesn't drive the prices up as I am still looking to get Crown Graphic.
@@dan.allen.digital oh that is so cool! I hope so to! Thanks for watching 🍻
Your copy is in very good shape. There are a lot of those missing various parts. Where did you get yours?
The images in the review on your website are lovely.
@@robertkerner4833 Thank you! The camera came to me as it is all parts intact save the body release armature. Thanks for watching 🍻
9:25 Comparing it to what though? I come from the Linhof Super Technika V & similar to Master, 2000, 3000. A box a manual lens & rangefinder & hood. You even have the newer style lens of the XL so easier to read & set
In fact I have both the Pacemaker 45 & 23. They are nicely lighter to carry than the my Linhof of sene vintage. Every bit as smooth and can share lens.
Compared to a medium format or 35mm camera, of course. I know apples & oranges, but not many photographers jump right into large format as their first experience. Thanks for watching 🍻
@@AlexLuyckxPhoto oh yes. But then that adapts to medium roll & sheet & the Pacemaker 23 or Crown operated the same other then being little smaller. I like the Pacemaker 23 or Linhof Press 70 for 70mm film
The Ektar 203mm f 7.7 is not a tessar it is a dialyte 4 elements 4 groups . Very sharp wide open
@@daveschroeder9187 Thanks for the correction! I always thought that because it was an Ektar it was a tessar! Thanks for watching 🍻
Very informative thanks. I use the Speed Graphic and often think about extra lens. Most lens do not come with lens boards, did you have much of a problem finding the right size board.
@@peter2712 The older wooden boards yes, the metal boards are easier! Thanks for watching 🍻
"Chain smoking dutch-man" aye? I take offence to that statement. Seriously though, beautiful camera and good review. Thanks Alex.
@@waynevierhout Dick Raas, best way to describe him, not at all as a slight. Especially as someone of Dutch heritage! Thanks for the kind words and for watching 🍻
I thought I saw Hocking Hills in there somewhere.
@@MarksPhoto Yes you did! 🍻
Using is called the dance. A repeatable rhythm. Try using on a monopod
@@MrCouvade I have tried the monopod with the Crown and several other cameras of mine but it never worked out for me! But thanks for the suggestion 🍻