In a new video, I share how Tim Jr. and I make lens boards for my Graflex RB Series D 4×5 SLR that I use to photograph the Wild Horses of Missouri.
I am doing all of this work to be able to use my Graflex camera for my Pictorial Whispers project.
Explore how you can support my Pictorial Whispers Project and become part of a community dedicated to celebrating art and healing. By joining as a member, you will gain exclusive access to several unique benefits, including behind-the-scenes updates, early access to view new works, exclusive access to me, and much more. Your support helps sustain this deeply personal project, allowing me to continue creating meaningful art that resonates with memory, loss, and renewal themes. Join me today and become a part of the journey.
My Graflex RB Series D 4×5 SLR
The Series D has the following features:
- Focal plane shutter with speeds up to 1/1000
- Automatic lens shield
- Removable lens board (~95mm x ~95mm) or (3.75 in x 3.75 in)
- Supplemental focusing scale
- Minimum Focus 7 inches (but I use a 6″ Spencer-Portland lens on a recessed board)
- Maximum bellows capacity 12 inches
- Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz.
- Closed dimensions: 8 3/8 in x 6 3/8 in x 7 7/8 in.
Cut film, roll film, plates, as well as film packs can be used on the Series D.
The original cost of the camera was $100 and for an additional $50 to $75, the following lenses could be included:
- Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 (Kodak No. 32 6 3/8″ on the Series B and the Kodak No. 33 7 1/2″ on the Series D).
- Carl Zeiss Tessa f/4.5
- Schneider Xenar f/3.5
- Schneider Tele-Xenar f/5.5
I am just getting all of my gear lined up and in order and heading to the field with this new (100 year old) gear.
I previously used my Linholf Technika Rangefinder and the 100 year old Graflex RB 4×5 SLR is a game-changer for my wild horse photography because of the focal plane shutter giving me shutter speeds up to about 1/1000th, and the image is right side up and flipped because of the mirror in the camera. Did I mention I can use lens up to 24 inches!
I am starting off with three lenses as my field kit. For my normal lens, I am using the vintage Kodak No. 33 7 1/2″ F4.5 Anastigmat. This is the original lens that came with this camera when it was new back in the 1920s. For my mid-range focal length, I am using the beautiful Dallmeyer 12″ F5.6 Dallon Tele-Anastigmat lens. This is a great focal length for photographing wild horses. Last, but not least, for my long lens, I am using a Ross London 17″ F6.3 Teleros Telephoto lens. These three lenses and their associated focal lengths should get me off to a great start.
My Three Lenses For Photographing Wild Horses with the Series D Camera
Behind The Scenes Video
I hope that you join me on this journey and follow along. The best way to do that is to subscribe to my website here and receive an email when I publish new articles and videos.
Don’t worry, there is no cost, and I am not trying to sell you anything. I have been asked by several of my analog photography friends to share and document this journey because they are interested in supporting me, and also, learning new things as I work my way through each step of the process.
If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.
Explore how you can support my Pictorial Whispers Project and become part of a community dedicated to celebrating art and healing. By joining as a member, you will gain exclusive access to several unique benefits, including behind-the-scenes updates, early access to view new works, exclusive access to me, and much more. Your support helps sustain this deeply personal project, allowing me to continue creating meaningful art that resonates with memory, loss, and renewal themes. Join me today and become a part of the journey.