An Accidental Entry Into LF

[tryals15]

I found this Graflex, along with a Crown Graphic in a trunk at a garage sale for $3 yesterday morning. Just the one lens between them. I think I made out ok.

Now I just have to read this entire forum. Where do I start?!

[Roger Thoms]

Definitely do a search here on APUG, as there is tons of info. Also check out http://graflex.org/ as this sight is dedicated to Graflex cameras.

And yes you did alright.

Roger

[munz6869]

Get some film holders and a box of film - work out how to load 'em - go shooting to figure out what else you might 'need', and how you'd like to process the film...

Marc!

[ignatiu5]

You clearly have a surplus (I mean, you can't shoot them both at the same time, can you?), so I'm willing to take one off your hands for $1.50 plus shipping.

[tryals15]

You're too kind, really.

I'm going through the forum now, but I'm trying to figure out about film holders, I only got one yesterday and I know I want more than that... I read somewhere that there are 3 versions of Graflex backs; are there non-OEM brands too?

[summicron1]

presumably they both have backs, so you don't need those.

You want fidelity style film holders -- can be bought new or used, you can find lots used for about $10 each. New can be had at Freestyle http://www.freestylephoto.biz/180903...lder-Twin-Pack


Another option is the Grafmatic film holder -- it holds 6 sheets at once, costs $75 for good used at KEH.

All sheet film holders can be used with any kind of back that your camera has on it, spring or graflok. The crown should have a graflok on it, but no matter, they all use film holders.

I'll give you $5 for your spare body

if you go to www.graflex.org you will find a massive data resource on these amazing and highly useful cameras.

[EASmithV]

Wanna know where your garage sales are

[Steve Smith]

I'll give you $5 for your spare body

I'll go to $7


Steve.

[Roger Cole]

Go here and start reading:

Large Format Home Page

And check out the forum:

Large Format Photography Forum

[bdial]

The Graflex holders are among the oldest you'll find, but you don't need to worry about getting only graflex holders. The cameras take standard 4x5 holders, they are plentiful though you will likely spend much more on the holders than you did the cameras.
Heck, film will cost more than the camera.

For starting out, I'd stick with standard double sided holders rather than a Grafmatic. They can be handy, but can also be finicky to operate.

Good find!