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RB Auto Graflex - Antique
lifeinfocus
Registered Users Posts: 1,461 Major grins
Graflex 4x5 RB Auto model. Don't have exact date yet for this model, 1909 - 1941, trying to figure that out. Included in 1916 Graflex Camera Catalog.
Cleaned it up some but have more to do. Have to be careful to clean mirror because of the coating.
Lots of fun figuring out how to use and see image in the huge viewfinder. Manuals are scarce and what is available takes time to use.
4x5 single sheet film. Lens f/4.5 210mm Hermagis, Paris.
It has taken a while but I got it to focus. Setting shutter is two step process - shutter aperture (slit in cloth) and spring tension. Maximum shutter speed is 1/1000 - which was remarkable for the day.
Rotate film magazine for landscape or portrait shot. RB - Rotating Back.
Lots of great history on these cameras.
I expect to use it as a teaching tool at local camera club for awhile. Got it at our church rummage sale to support them by cleaning it up, figure how to use and then sell it or buy it to support charities.
Cleaned it up some but have more to do. Have to be careful to clean mirror because of the coating.
Lots of fun figuring out how to use and see image in the huge viewfinder. Manuals are scarce and what is available takes time to use.
4x5 single sheet film. Lens f/4.5 210mm Hermagis, Paris.
It has taken a while but I got it to focus. Setting shutter is two step process - shutter aperture (slit in cloth) and spring tension. Maximum shutter speed is 1/1000 - which was remarkable for the day.
Rotate film magazine for landscape or portrait shot. RB - Rotating Back.
Lots of great history on these cameras.
I expect to use it as a teaching tool at local camera club for awhile. Got it at our church rummage sale to support them by cleaning it up, figure how to use and then sell it or buy it to support charities.
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Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Thanks Ziggy. I was hoping you would comment.
Oh, I forgot to mention, lens are interchangeable. Of course, that is another story.
I think the only way to process the film is to do by oneself.
Film costs about $45 for 10 color images and $33 for 25 B&W images.
"You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
Phil
One last thing to do is to clean leather exterior better with saddle soap.
Hard to imagine how much time it took to take photos and process them back then.
I admire the early photographers' patience and perseverance.
"You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
Phil
yes, definitely more work involved than today.