Busch or Graflex? A possible silly question.

[ElSeven]

So, here's the thing.

After years of dithering and excuses why and why not think I'm finally getting ready to take the plunge into large format. I've been looking at old press cameras, from a portability standpoint, as well as cost; it just seems like a good, inexpensive route to get into large format outdoor photography (while I'd love a Linhof field camera, that's not going to happen at least until grad school is done)

I've been bouncing back and forth between a Busch Pressman D and a Crown Graphic. I'd pretty much settled on getting the Crown Graphic, but there are quite nice examples of the Pressman that keep popping up on That Auction Site, for quite a bit cheaper than the Graflex cameras are selling for, and they continue tempt me.

So, I guess what my question, oh all knowing list, is just how hard IS it to find lens boards for the Busch? And, while I can take or leave the idea of roll film backs, the idea of a Polaroid back does have a certain appeal, so, how much of a hindrance would the lack of a Graflok back be?

Any help and information you can throw my way would be quite welcome!

Thanks!

[BenZucker]

I have used neither of these cameras, so take this for what it is worth. For me the polaroid Issue would be a deciding factor for me. I am lighting nearly everything I shoot, and i very regularly see things on the polaroid (fuji polaroid, what ever) that i don't notice while looking at the ground glass (both in terms of lighting, composition, and things that are actually in the frame). An other thing to think about would be which camera has a brighter standard ground glass. Hope this helps.

[outwest]

The Busch is a little jewel. Very compact and sturdy with a rotating back. Great for backpacking. The lens boards are smallish but work well for the usual kit of a 90, 150 and 210. They can be fairly easily constructed from hobby shop aluminum and epoxy using hand tools. The Crown is a nice camera but usually pricey. Between the two is the Burke and James Watson Press. All aluminum, rotating back and larger lensboards and usually very reasonable in price. You might also want to consider a Speed Graphic as the focal plane shutter will allow you to use cheap barrel lenses.

[Jim Noel]

Don't forget the little known B&J Press camera.
Better movement than the Busch, which is better than the Graphic, and a larger lens board.

[ElSeven]

Thanks for the replies.

For me the polaroid Issue would be a deciding factor for me. I am lighting nearly everything I shoot, and i very regularly see things on the polaroid (fuji polaroid, what ever) that i don't notice while looking at the ground glass .

This is precisely why I'm wondering about the usability of polaroid backs. I don't ever really use lighting in my shooting, but it's still nice to know how accurate your exposure is before you make a keeper. So, I guess I was wondering if anyone out there knew if any of the instant film holders would fit into the Busch's spring back.

The Busch is a little jewel. Very compact and sturdy with a rotating back. Great for backpacking.

This would be my primary use for such a camera. Something to haul around with me as I tramp around the out of doors. Something compact, and light(ish), that won't being packed away in the bottom of a back-pack.

Between the two is the Burke and James Watson Press. All aluminum, rotating back and larger lensboards

That's a new one on me! I'll see what there is to be found. Thanks.

You might also want to consider a Speed Graphic as the focal plane shutter will allow you to use cheap barrel lenses.

The Speed Graphic is actually another camera I've been eying. Half the time I've decided that I won't ever use the focal plane shutter, and that I should get the Crown, and half the time I'm convinced that I should get the Speed, because it would be foolish to limit my options. My opinion waffles based on the availability of nice examples of either specimen.

Again, thanks for the replies. It's given me more to think about, and at least one more option to keep an eye out for.

[John Koehrer]

Waffling again?
The nicest thing about the Speed is the ability to use shutterless lenses. It weighs slightly more than a Crown though.
Think of the Busch as an all aluminum Crown.

[Whiteymorange]

Each of the cameras in question has it's points.
The Speed is easy to find, easy to make lens boards for (4x4 masonite works fine), easy to carry around and has the built in ability to use just about any lens you can imagine that doesn't need a lot of bellows. I am using a magnifying glass and some lenses from overhead projectors right now for projects with my students. A Graflock back would be the most important option; the spring back is frustrating to no end. Not only does the Graflock allow the use of different adapters (roll film, polaroid, etc.) but it also may have a GG that includes a fresnel lens beneath the glass- very bright image. Down sides? No rotating back, very limited movements and, commonly, rangefinders that are only good for the one lens that came with the camera. (I may be wrong, but I believe that Hugo Meyers cannot be easily reset)

The Busch is metal, has a rotating back, more (but still limited) movements and is very nicely made. The lensboards, while possible to fabricate, are more complex and more expensive to purchase. The standard back is similar to a Graflak and will take any adapters that you have.

I have never owned/tried a Watson, but they do appear to be interesting cameras.

As said before, the individual camera that comes available may be deciding factor here. A good example of one will trump a worn out version of the other, hands down.

[outwest]

There was a 4/30 posting here in the classifieds for a B&J Press.

[theblood]

I've had a crown graphic for a long time, along with several other 4x5's. I've kept it with the idea of doing portraits and other shooting where quickness and portability become important.

But when I do put it into action, I'm not always thrilled with its operation, compared to my other 4x5's. Its only slightly easier to set up and has a very limited range of movements, so the tradeoff is not all that favorable in my opinion. Wide or long lenses are not really usable, either.

Having said that, there are a lot of great deals, and I would highly recommend a crown graphic for getting your feet wet. I just wouldn't rule out a nice wooden folding camera if you came across one.

John

[Sully75]

Each of the cameras in question has it's points.
The Speed is easy to find, easy to make lens boards for (4x4 masonite works fine), easy to carry around and has the built in ability to use just about any lens you can imagine that doesn't need a lot of bellows. I am using a magnifying glass and some lenses from overhead projectors right now for projects with my students. A Graflock back would be the most important option; the spring back is frustrating to no end. Not only does the Graflock allow the use of different adapters (roll film, polaroid, etc.) but it also may have a GG that includes a fresnel lens beneath the glass- very bright image. Down sides? No rotating back, very limited movements and, commonly, rangefinders that are only good for the one lens that came with the camera. (I may be wrong, but I believe that Hugo Meyers cannot be easily reset)

Whitey,

Why is the spring back so frustrating? Because you can't use different backs with it? Or something about the design?