Difference between revisions of "National Graflex"
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| − | The '''National Graflex''' was a compact SLR made by [[Graflex]] from 1933. It made 10 exposures 2¼×2½ inches on 120 rollfilm. There were two models, Series 1 1933-35 and Series 2 1934-41.<ref>{{McKeown12}} Page 366.</ref> It had a focal-plane shutter and a B&L Tessar f/3.5 75mm lens. | + | The '''National Graflex''' was a compact SLR made by [[Graflex]] from 1933. It made 10 exposures 2¼×2½ inches on 120 rollfilm. There were two models, Series 1 1933-35 and Series 2 1934-41.<ref>{{McKeown12}} Page 366.</ref> It had a focal-plane shutter with a top speed of 1/500s and a B&L Tessar f/3.5 75mm lens. |
| + | |||
| + | ==Overview== | ||
| + | The National Graflex is an odd camera. It is in many respects, the first prosumer 6x7 or “Ideal Format” single lens reflex camera, from an American camera builder no less. It has a folding leather viewfinder hood with a built in focusing magnifier and build in analog exposure calculator for verichrome. It has a top shutter speed of 1/500s and f/3.5 Tessar lens, both reasonably fast for a consumer oriented camera of the 1930’s. Additionally it uses the now more common no. 120 film. | ||
| + | |||
| + | However, in contrast to these desirable traits the camera has a few shortcomings. It’s viewfinder can be difficult to view through while stopped down, and is sometimes dim when fully open. It’s control scheme is not intuitive and takes some practice and patience to get used to. It has no provision for flash synchronization. It’s knob wind and shutter wind require some force to set, which may be difficult for some users. And it’s horseshoe clip lens mount can be fiddly and difficult to mount in a hurry, (though most other cameras used screw mounts at the time, which were not much better.) | ||
| + | |||
| + | Despite all this, when working within it’s quirks and limitations, the National Graflex can perform admirably, and produce excellent results, particularly with modern faster films. | ||
==Series I== | ==Series I== | ||
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==Series II== | ==Series II== | ||
| − | The National Graflex Series II was produced from 1934-41. While practically identical to the Series I, it has several minor improvements. The ruby window gains a small toggle to cover the film once the frame counter has been set. | + | The National Graflex Series II was produced from 1934-41. While practically identical to the Series I, it has several minor improvements. The ruby window gains a small toggle to cover the film once the frame counter has been set. The top plate gains two threaded inserts for cable releases. One on the the left, for instantaneous exposures. The other on the right, for bulb exposures. Additionally, the Series II has a modified horseshoe clip lens mount, which permits the use of a B&L 140mm telephoto lens. |
==Operating== | ==Operating== | ||
| − | The National Graflex | + | The National Graflex control scheme is very different from later compact SLR’s. Like it’s larger Graflex siblings, each operation is a distinct control. The mirror must be set to focus the lens, and reset after each exposure, via a small thumb lever on the left hand side of the top plate. The shutter must be wound before each exposure, and the shutter speed must be selected after winding. The aperture must be stopped down after focusing wide open. Film must be wound after each exposure with little provision for double exposure prevention. All of these controls must be adjusted before taking an exposure. |
===Opening and loading=== | ===Opening and loading=== | ||
| − | To open the National Graflex | + | To open the National Graflex: |
| + | |||
| + | Open the top plate, by pressing on a small metal button on the camera’s rear. Lifting the lid outwards away from the user, reveals the camera controls, folded leather viewing hood (which should erect itself with a gentle lift), and exposure calculator built into the lid.<ref>The calculator is calibrated to Verichrome with a 24 Weston meter number, or 32 ASA</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Warning=== | ||
| + | When closing the lens door: the mirror should be set to the focusing position. Turn the lens focus lever to it’s lowest position, and swing door up until it locks closed. The shutter should not be wound when the camera door is folded in, to release the shutter without tripping the mirror, pull the the bulb lever towards the rear of the camera. | ||
| + | |||
| + | When closing the lid: be sure the focusing magnifier is folded down before collapsing the hood and closing the lid. | ||
==Accessories== | ==Accessories== | ||
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* For the Series II only, a B&L f/6.3 140mm telephoto lens. | * For the Series II only, a B&L f/6.3 140mm telephoto lens. | ||
* A satchel type carrying case, made from boiled or patent leather. | * A satchel type carrying case, made from boiled or patent leather. | ||
| − | * An ever-ready type carrying case, made from pebble grain leather. | + | * An ever-ready type carrying case, (the “sportsman”), made from pebble grain leather. |
| + | * A carry-all case with room for filters and accessory lenses, and film, made of black sole leather. | ||
| + | * A zipper case, made from waterproofed tan suede leather. | ||
* A graflex crown Jr. tripod was offered in black ebonized wood, with satin chrome hardware. (also available with an optional leather carrying case.) | * A graflex crown Jr. tripod was offered in black ebonized wood, with satin chrome hardware. (also available with an optional leather carrying case.) | ||
* A leather filter wallet with 6 series filters. | * A leather filter wallet with 6 series filters. | ||
* A leather folding lens hood. | * A leather folding lens hood. | ||
| + | * A Direct view sight finder, which screwed into the bottom tripod socket | ||
| + | * Microscope adapter. | ||
| + | |||
{{Flickr_image | {{Flickr_image | ||
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==Links== | ==Links== | ||
* [http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/graflex/National.html National Graflex Series 2] at [http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/graflex/National.html/index.html Jo Lommen's website] | * [http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/graflex/National.html National Graflex Series 2] at [http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/graflex/National.html/index.html Jo Lommen's website] | ||
| − | * [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/00224/00224.pdf National Graflex Series I instruction manual] | + | * [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/00224/00224.pdf National Graflex Series I instruction manual] at [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/rlgraflexmisc.htm Pacific Rim Camera’s website] |
[[Category:Graflex]] [[Category:N]] | [[Category:Graflex]] [[Category:N]] | ||
Revision as of 04:47, 15 April 2020
The National Graflex was a compact SLR made by Graflex from 1933. It made 10 exposures 2¼×2½ inches on 120 rollfilm. There were two models, Series 1 1933-35 and Series 2 1934-41.[1] It had a focal-plane shutter with a top speed of 1/500s and a B&L Tessar f/3.5 75mm lens.
Contents
Overview
The National Graflex is an odd camera. It is in many respects, the first prosumer 6x7 or “Ideal Format” single lens reflex camera, from an American camera builder no less. It has a folding leather viewfinder hood with a built in focusing magnifier and build in analog exposure calculator for verichrome. It has a top shutter speed of 1/500s and f/3.5 Tessar lens, both reasonably fast for a consumer oriented camera of the 1930’s. Additionally it uses the now more common no. 120 film.
However, in contrast to these desirable traits the camera has a few shortcomings. It’s viewfinder can be difficult to view through while stopped down, and is sometimes dim when fully open. It’s control scheme is not intuitive and takes some practice and patience to get used to. It has no provision for flash synchronization. It’s knob wind and shutter wind require some force to set, which may be difficult for some users. And it’s horseshoe clip lens mount can be fiddly and difficult to mount in a hurry, (though most other cameras used screw mounts at the time, which were not much better.)
Despite all this, when working within it’s quirks and limitations, the National Graflex can perform admirably, and produce excellent results, particularly with modern faster films.
Series I
The National Graflex Series I was produced from 1933-35. It looks almost identical to the later Series II, however, it’s horseshoe clip mount lens is not interchangeable with the series II, and cannot accept the 140mm telephoto.
Series II
The National Graflex Series II was produced from 1934-41. While practically identical to the Series I, it has several minor improvements. The ruby window gains a small toggle to cover the film once the frame counter has been set. The top plate gains two threaded inserts for cable releases. One on the the left, for instantaneous exposures. The other on the right, for bulb exposures. Additionally, the Series II has a modified horseshoe clip lens mount, which permits the use of a B&L 140mm telephoto lens.
Operating
The National Graflex control scheme is very different from later compact SLR’s. Like it’s larger Graflex siblings, each operation is a distinct control. The mirror must be set to focus the lens, and reset after each exposure, via a small thumb lever on the left hand side of the top plate. The shutter must be wound before each exposure, and the shutter speed must be selected after winding. The aperture must be stopped down after focusing wide open. Film must be wound after each exposure with little provision for double exposure prevention. All of these controls must be adjusted before taking an exposure.
Opening and loading
To open the National Graflex:
Open the top plate, by pressing on a small metal button on the camera’s rear. Lifting the lid outwards away from the user, reveals the camera controls, folded leather viewing hood (which should erect itself with a gentle lift), and exposure calculator built into the lid.[2]
Warning
When closing the lens door: the mirror should be set to the focusing position. Turn the lens focus lever to it’s lowest position, and swing door up until it locks closed. The shutter should not be wound when the camera door is folded in, to release the shutter without tripping the mirror, pull the the bulb lever towards the rear of the camera.
When closing the lid: be sure the focusing magnifier is folded down before collapsing the hood and closing the lid.
Accessories
The National Graflex was offered with several graflex made accessories:
- For the Series II only, a B&L f/6.3 140mm telephoto lens.
- A satchel type carrying case, made from boiled or patent leather.
- An ever-ready type carrying case, (the “sportsman”), made from pebble grain leather.
- A carry-all case with room for filters and accessory lenses, and film, made of black sole leather.
- A zipper case, made from waterproofed tan suede leather.
- A graflex crown Jr. tripod was offered in black ebonized wood, with satin chrome hardware. (also available with an optional leather carrying case.)
- A leather filter wallet with 6 series filters.
- A leather folding lens hood.
- A Direct view sight finder, which screwed into the bottom tripod socket
- Microscope adapter.
|
| National Graflex Series 2 image by Nesster (Image rights) |
Notes
- ↑ McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). Page 366.
- ↑ The calculator is calibrated to Verichrome with a 24 Weston meter number, or 32 ASA
