Century Graphic 2 1/4 X 3 1/4 format camera
Photo courtesy of Fred Sherfy - [email protected]
Visit Fred's Pentax Collector and Photo Home Pages
The Medium Format Camera Library pages have a
number of links to related Graphic/Graflex camera models, of which this
page and the above photo is a good example. Many people consider the
Century series to be among the best of these press/view cameras. You can
also find more information at the Graflex
Organization and many large format sites.
These cameras were made over a long period, from 1949 to 1970. They were a
popular 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" press camera very similar to the Pacemaker Crown Graphic
cameras. The black or grey colored body is plastic, making it lighter in weight,
with black or red bellows. Various lenses were used, such as the Kodak Ektar (f/4.5)
or faster Schneider Xenotar f/2.8. As you might expect, prices on the used market
reflect the lens attached, with the slower Ektar being less costly (~$200+) than
the faster Xenotar equipped models (~$250+). Take note that all models have a
Graflock back.
Low cost press cameras such as this have a number of uses in medium format work.
Most particularly, the limited range of movements is enough to cover many popular
photographic assignments. Because these press cameras fold up to a compact and
easily carried size and weight, they are easier to use in the field than most
monorail cameras. While the 6x9cm mini-view cameras are smaller than 4x5" cameras,
you may find that a 4x5" camera with rollfilm back has more movements or offers
a dual format (rollfilm or 4x5" sheet film), as well as double duty from one set
of lenses and lens boards. The main reason there are so few shift and tilt/shift lenses in medium format may
well be related to the ready and low cost availability of such press and technical
view cameras.
The links to the Noble History and Noblex 135 no longer exist.
My Question has to do with the information you included with the
picture of the Century 2 1/4 X 3 1/4. You stated that the "T" setting gave
the same results as the 100 setting. On my Century the "T" setting leaves
the lens
open after tripping the shutter. Tripping the shutter a second time
closes the shutter. My quetion is: whose shutter is working correctly,
yours or mine?
Your web-site is of great help for someone just starting to get
his feet wet in in the larger formats. Thanks.
Doug Ashby
[email protected]
[Ed. note: Doug is correct, the photo notes from the pictured example
make it clear that this particular camera had a glitch (not uncommon)
with the shutter. Typically, a "T" shutter is tripped and stays open
until you trip it again to close it. This is different from "B" or bulb
settings, where the typical action is to press on the bulb, but the
shutter stays open only so long as the pressure is kept up on the bulb.
Note also that I/we appreciate the updates on links that have changed or
stopped working. We have over 10,000 links on these 600+ pages, and it is
a major help to get updates notes from one and all to keep it up to date!
...]
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999
From: "David B. Rogers" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: 2x3 Century Graphic: undervalued?
Peter Caplow wrote:
> > David M. wrote regarding the Century Graphic: > > > >Assuming you have the uncommon graflok back (most don't), a good roll > > >back adds $100-$150 to the price. > > From everything that I've seen and read, all Century Graphics came with the > Graflok back. > > Peter Caplow
I believe Peter is correct. From what I have read and seen, the Century
Graphic was the first to have the Graflock back as standard. There are
other versions of the 2x3 Graphics (Miniature Speed, etc.) that have
spring backs, but I have never seen a Century Graphic that didn't have a
Graflock back. And they will take RB67 rollfilm holders also, which
makes them a great backup to an RB67 outfit.
David, who thinks they are one hell of a bargain -- especially now that
prices on eBay seem somewhat depressed.
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999
From: [email protected] (Peter Mikalajunas)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: 2x3 Century Graphic: undervalued?
Off by a bit.
For more info:
http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/graphic-models.html
Peter Mikalajunas
Photo links
http://www.megsinet.com/tintype
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