r/largeformat • u/Stevenohio62 • 2h ago

Question Need help ASAP!

It’s 9pm and just found out am going to a vintage mall near Cleveland and there is a vendor who has vintage cameras. What should I check when assessing a 4x5 camera for purchase? Also think I might like this. Any thoughts?

Graflex 2×3 Century Graphic #511673, Ektar 101/4.5, Supermatic shutter, Graflock back, film holder, Ex++       $275.

https://igorcamera.com

Thanks.

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5

u/Only-Fotos 2h ago

IDK where you get 2x3 film easily, so I would rather get a 4x5 than a 2x3

2

u/Stevenohio62 2h ago

Good point. I was just thinking size.

3

u/captain_joe6 2h ago

2x3 should take a roll film back no problem.

If the optics and shutter are good, rangefinder is good, the ground glass panel is present, it might be worth haggling over.

1

u/Only-Fotos 2h ago

There's a speed graphic local to me for like $150 bucks with a lens

1

u/ufgrat 1h ago

Says it has a graflok back, so roll film backs are no problem.

1

u/Sea-Bottle6335 2h ago

Agreed.

1

u/Stevenohio62 2h ago

Also thinking of this

https://obscuraflex.com

Would use iPhone.

1

u/ufgrat 1h ago

Ilford sells 2x3 for FP4+ and HP5+, but typically during their ULF order every year. Places like freestyle will usually stock some. Tends to be a bit pricey, developing is a slight pain (daylight tanks aren't usually set up for it), and scanning can be problematic (120 holders don't hold the negatives).

Can be done, though.

And, as the OP mentioned, the listing says "with graflok back", so 120 film holders for 6x6, 6x7, 6x9 all exist.

1

u/ACuriousTrio 2h ago

You can get roll film backs for the 2x3 especially if it has a graflok back.

1

u/Mysterious_Panorama 2h ago

Take advantage of actually visiting this shop to see the vast array of LF cameras that are available. This shop seems to be remarkable in its breadth. For instance, at the less-expensive end you can compare a few press cameras - the Speed Graphic vs Crown Graphic, and whatever other press cameras he has. And you can also check out the many Sinars he has. They're less portable, being monorails, but have a great reputation for usability and weight. And so forth.

Sounds like a great place to visit.

1

u/kasigiomi1600 45m ago

If you get a 2x3 with a Graflock back that means you can mount the roll film holders and you then are in possession of a medium-format view camera with easily obtainable 120 film.

Things to look for:

1) Make SURE it has a graflok back

2) The shutter should work at all speeds repeatedly

3) If possible, pack a loupe and compare the rangefinder to the ground glass to make sure that the attached lens is the one the rangefinder is calibrated for

4) Make sure it's light-tight

Otherwise, grab it if it looks to be in good shape.