Gene,
I compared my RB D with a 4X5 Anniversary Speed Graphic and the focal
plane shutters work the same way - when set to "T", the shutter is closed.
When it is tripped, it goes to a fully open position ("O" on setting window
on the side of the camera). Leaving it set on "O" allows using lenses with
leaf shutters. However, if the rear shutter is tripped again, it goes to a
closed position, completing the Time exposure, if that is your intent. It
is something to watch for when using leaf shutters - that the rear shutter
is still in the "O" position.
Another Graflex feature is the mirror can be tripped independently from
the rear shutter, sort of like a "mirror lockup" on a 35mm SLR. Tripping
the body shutter release only raises the mirror; the rear shutter stays in
the Open position. This is the setting to use with leaf shutter lenses.
In the book "Nature Photography" by Ingmar Holmasen, mention is made of an
"automatic diaphragm" the author built for the Hasselblad 1000F/1600F
cameras. Lenses for these cameras used a "preset" diaphragm - the diaphragm
had to be manually closed to a preselected f-stop just before exposure.
Holmasen added rubber bands to pull the diaphragm ring closed. He would
hold it open to focus and it would snap closed as soon as it was released.
I have thought of doing something similar for the Graflex. It wouldn't be
quite as handy as the Super D Graflex with an automatic diaphragm, but
prices on Super Ds have gone out of sight. An adjustable stop for the lens
diaphragm lever to close against could be mounted on the lens board.
Something as simple as a hole drilled in the board at each full stop and
half stop with a pin moved to the appropriate hole would likely work. At
the moment I have too many other projects pending.
The Holmasen book is an interesting book if you can find a copy. The
author uses 35mm, Hasselblads, and 4X5 for his nature work. He shows many
modifications he has made to his equipment, including a tiltable back for
the 500C and modifying a Hasselblad bellows to make it a mini-view camera
with back tilts.
Leonard
At 08:26 AM 10/30/2001 -0800, you wrote:
>Hi Leonard,
>
>The thing with the shutter I was remembering was that Lyndon Fletcher
>had corrected me on the action of the "Open" position of the Speed
>Graphic shutter. On the Speed, that position only works as a "T"
>setting. In a dark room I think I could probably still get a pretty
>good exposure by manually opening the shutter, triggering the flash, and
>closing the shutter, but I don't think that's what you're after. I
>would be curious if the RB is different and allowed the use of the
>"open" slit at something other than Time.
>
>Gene
>
>Leonard Robertson wrote:
>>
>> Gene,
>> Yes, the RB D has an "open" position for the focal plane, so you
can use
>> lenses with leaf shutters if you like. I think this is true for most
>> Graflexes, other than maybe some of the early models.
>> The lens board on the D is 3 3/4" X 3 3/4", so there are size
limitations
>> on what shutter mount lenses you can use. On the D, the board is recessed
>> back into the front of the camera, so even if you get the lens into the
>> camera, there is limited access to the shutter controls. I can't use a #3
>> Ilex, but #1 Copals or similar should be fine.
>> The RB Auto Graflex is a different design than most Graflexes.
The front
>> of the camera folds down to make a bed, like a Speed Graphic. The front
>> standard is then out in the open so larger shutters will fit (although the
>> board itself is the same size as the D board). Also, the extension on an
>> Auto is long - approx. 18"+ is you want to use long focal length lenses. I
>> believe the minimum extension is less than a D, though. (Note, there was an
>> early Graflex model called an Auto that is not this design. It has to be a
>> RB Auto to have the fold down bed. Also, there was a 3 1/4" X 4 1/4" film
>> size RB Auto version, which you may want to avoid unless you enjoy cutting
>> down film.).
>>
>>
Leonard
>>
>> At 05:18 PM 10/29/2001 -0800, you wrote:
>> >Roger and list,
>> >
>> >I also have some Graflex parts scattered about. Got to love those big
>> >focal plane shutters. Though, I think there was some discussion about
>> >the Speed Graphic type shutter, and the predominant opinion was that it
>> >was probably not possible. Does the RB D have a "wide open" slit in the
>> >curtain that works at speeds other than "T" ?
>> >
>> >Gene
>>
>> >
>>
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