Bad camera, should I return it?

[optique]

I know this might be a stupid question but I wanted to find out for sure

I bought a Crown Graphic w/135 Optar from a well respected new and used camera shop, for $300, rated as 8 or better.

This was to be my first LF camera.

When I attempted to close it back up, it would not. Something was preventing the rails from sliding back into the box part of the camera.

After some tinkering, I found that if I pushed on the rail a certain way, the rail would slide into the box part of the camera, but this is awkward to say the least.

I just got it Friday night so I have not shot film yet. However, the lens and shutter seem to work, and the rest of the camera looks good.

Should I live with it, or return it and look for a better camera?

Thanks very much.
Steve.

[Akki14]

Did you pull out the lens-bit (i'm using technical bits), focus a bit, then push the lens-bit back in and forget to "unfocus" and roll the rails back by using the focusing knob? At least on my ye ancient top handle speed graphic, it's not smart enough to pull in the focusing rails by itself, that's left up to the user to remember.

[Ian Grant]

You have to slide everything back, it doesn't happen any other way. Sounds like the rear rails have been damaged by someone closing the camera improperly. I bought a Speed Graphic like that for parts but was able to replace the rails and re-bild the camera.

The seller may try and say you damaged the camera so be careful.

Ian

[optique]

Ian and Heather,

I will look at it all again. Kind of disappointing since I wanted a immediately working camera. I guess this is what you get for buying a 50+ year old camera. I did not use any force to close it, so the problem can not be mine.

Ebay has buy it now Crown and Speed Graphics ranging from $350-$600, and most look better than mine. I had hoped to break into LF on the cheap, but a new Tachihara camera ($650) and a $200 used lens are looking better all the time.

Thanks
Steve.

[optique]

I took the camera outside under the bright sun and the exact problem is evident. To make a long story short, I just need to apply slight pressure to the side of the left rail and it slides into the box. The right rail seems ok.

I had my first experience loading sheet film into a holder and now I am off to take my first shots.

Thanks for your responses.
Steve.

[Ian Grant]

Steve I have 3 Graphics, a Crown, a Speed devoid of a shutter and a pre-Anniversary Wide angle Speed Graphic special. I use them but usually only when I'm not permitted to use a tripod.

They are OK cameras but not really ideal as a first LF camera, however once you know what your doing they are quite useful cameras.

For some reason they have became very over hyped and "Buy It Now" prices are high, they sell for far less here and the LFP info site.

If you can get your money back get a Wista, Tachihara, Shen Hoa etc thatsa far better option and all are far more versatile.

Ian

[optique]

Ian,

What is the main reason why my camera would not be a good first LF purchase? Too old and worn out? I am mostly into landscapes, presumably fairly "movement free", so I thought this camera would be appropriate. I can say already though the 135mm lens is not wide enough for my taste.

If and when the time comes, the Tachihara 45 or Shen Hao 45 comes to mind. Maybe get a good used 100mm lens for around $200.



Regards
Steve.

[Monophoto]

What is the main reason why my camera would not be a good first LF purchase? Too old and worn out? I am mostly into landscapes, presumably fairly "movement free", so I thought this camera would be appropriate. I can say already though the 135mm lens is not wide enough for my taste.
.

A camera is basically a light-tight box that holds film. In that respect, Graphics perform very well. And if you are mainly interested in landscape and other genres that don't require much in the way of movements, they are just fine.

"Old and worn out" - perhaps but not likely. There are field cameras being used by the ULF gang that are >100 years old and that are truly "old and worn out" - but still functional.

The usual complain about graphics is that they have very little accommodation for movements (essentially none with a 135mm press lens). You can put a conventional LF lens with a larger image circle on a Graphic, and while that will give you the ability to maneuver within the physical constraints of the camera design, it will still be a bit limited.

The most likely problem you may have with landscape is the absence of forward tilt - something that is sometimes useful to bring a foreground into focus. Graphics have reverse tilt - intended to facilitate dropping the bed so that the front of the camera bed doesn't intrude into the image when using a wide angle lens. It is relatively easy to disassemble the camera and reverse the front standard so that this becomes forward tilt.

[Ian Grant]

Steve, I now really only shoot landscapes. The Graphics only have a small amount of front tilt & only in landscape mode, but I shoot portrait mode as well. So poor because of lack of movements.

No they usually aren't too old and worn out Even the two real dogs I've bought off Ebay have been fully restorable, and are now excellent working cameras.

I guess because I started LF with a view camera and more movements than lenses are capable of I expect or rather want all the movements possible. However I'm able to live within the constraints imposed by Graphics if it means thats the only way to get an image.

Ian

[Tomf2468]

A crown graphic is a fine place to start. You do pay more for them than "I" think they are worth. You pay for the "name". Many cameras this age have an oddity or two, only you can decide if you want to live with it.

If you do return it, consider a used Burke and James press camera. Half the price (sometimes less than half) of the Crown and in some ways (for landscape) a better camera. Revolving back and easier front tilt. Not nearly the "name" value ;-)

Tom