Re: Flea market aquisitions

[tom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Tom Benedict)]

It sounds like the Combat Graphic is an imminently hackable camera,
probably with a lot less hacking than you might think.  If I'm not
mistaken, all of the Graphic cameras had Graflex backs on them, so
you should be able to use 4x5, roll-film, 35mm (with a little work),
and very likely 70mm, though I've never seen the beastie.  In any
case, a Graflex mounting plate can be made at any competent machine
shop for a reasonable fee, and then you can put your OWN 70mm
contraption together without hacksaws, hammers, or mods to the original
camera.

As far as lenses go, you've got me.  A reasonable wide angle to find
on a 4x5 is a 90mm.  I'm still kicking myself over something I did
(or didn't do) at a recent auction.  It was a US Signal Corps Speed
Graphic with a 90mm Schneider Angulon in a Compur shutter with Linhof
markings.  The lens itself sold at a local shop for $260, and the camera
went for about $120.  I probably should've kept bidding, but looking at
the guy who did get it, I think he would've done just about anything to
get that camera.  (You know that glazed look people get when they're at
auctions?  The look where you start fearing for your personal safety if
you get between them and what they're bidding for?  You got it...)

The 90mm works out to about a 24-30mm lens on a 35mm, depending on how
you look at it (negative area isn't the same ratio).  Nice wide-angle
lens, and an unbeatable negative size.

Speaing of which...

I haven't looked yet, but is Kodak HIE still available in 4x5 sheets?
I've finished my second roll of HIE, and I love it.  My wife can't stand
the grain, though (she's of the school where ISO 100 is a fast film).
My obvious answer is to use a bigger negative and only enlarge to 8x10.
Short of finding an ultra-fine grained IR film, that's the only way she'll
ever try it.  Besides, it sounds like a lot of fun to try.

Tom



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Topic No. 2