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Digital BW, The Print

Index last updated: 2026-04-28 22:56 UTC

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Re: Speed graphic

2003-07-19 by Rick Colson

These were very solid cameras. The focal plane shutter gives you a lot more
choices for inexpensive barrel mount lenses, but they are notoriously
inaccurate and they demand a very HEAVY, solid tripod to eliminate
vibration. Test yours or have it tested to see what the focal plane speeds
are.

Determine what type of bellows it has. If it's leather, you can treat it
with a leather preservative. If it's anything else, leave it alone. Just
clean it off delicately or vacuum it gingerly. Check it for light leaks by
placing a holder in it loaded with Tri-x, remove the dark slide and leave it
out in bright light (sunlight) for a few minutes. Do not otherwise expose
the film. Processing tell you whether there are any light leaks or
objectionable internal reflections.

If you peel off all the "leatherette" from the outside of the camera and
sand it carefully (be sure to protect the shutter from sanding dust) and
apply a light oil or stain, these cameras can actually look really nice. The
wood is decent quality with a nice grain and it is fitted with tongue and
groove joints that look good when stained. If you like wooden "field'
cameras, you'll like the way this looks.

Last, if the focal plane shutter is botched, which it often is, you can
either leave it open or remove it completely and use lens shutters which are
less prone to vibration anyway.

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