L'a RB Auto Graflex original / The original RB Auto Graflex

IN ENGLISH BELOW THE LINE

Estic enamora d'aquesta càmera. Poques vegades pots trobar una càmera antiga amb aquesta espectacularitat en aspectes molt diversos (aspecte, volum, detalls, sò) i a sobre funcionant. Per acabar-ho d'adobar no funcionaba bé del tot i això fou un extra d'amor-odi fins aconseguir reparar-la. I aprenent a soldar, entremig.

Aquesta meravellosa i no precisament petita càmera és la Revolving Back Auto Graflex, en format 4x5 polzades. Es tracta del model original de la RB Auto Graflex, molt més nombrós en variacions posteriors, també molt boniques, però just un punt menys que aquesta. En efecte, mentre que la majoria de RB Auto Graflex que es veuen per la xarxa son dels models de 1909 (en tinc una) o sobretot el fabricat entre 1916 i 1941 (amb apertura superior cap a darrera).

Aquesta càmera és la RB Auto fabricada entre 1906 i 1908, només en format 4x5, i de fet té un aspecte molt més arcaic que els models posteriors, asemblant-se a la original "Graflex" del 1901, o també a la inmensa Press Graflex del 1907. La millor informació al respecte és el llibre de R. P. Paine (1981): The All-American Cameras. A Review of Graflex.

Tant el visor de xemeneia amb el nom estampat, com l'extensor del objectiu estampat en acer li donen un aire unic. I a això cal sumar-hi el inconfusible so del obturador de pla focal Graflex, originariament amb velocitats de fins 1/1000 (tot i que no la penso forçar pas tant, que té més de 110 anys!). L'objectiu és un B&L Zeiss Protar f6.3 / 10".

L'unic però important problema que tenia era que el conector entre el moviment del mirall (i pertant el disparador) i l'obturador, estava desencaixat, i calia soldar-lo. Ha costat deu i ajuda, però crec que ara aguanta bé.

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I'm in love with this camera. Rarely can you find an old camera with this awesomeness in very diverse aspects (appearance, size, details, sound) and on top of that in working condition. The only minor glitch was that the link between release & shutter was damaged, but that was an extra love-hate issue until I managed to fix it. And learning to torch solder, in between.

This wonderful and not exactly small camera is the Revolving Back Auto Graflex, in glorious 4x5" format. This is the original model of the RB Auto Graflex, much more usual in later variations, also very beautiful, but just a point less than this one. In fact, all of the RB Auto Graflex that are seen on the net are models of 1909 (I have one of these) or especially the ones made between 1916 and 1941 (with rear-opening top). And remember, those are SLR, reflex cameras, like a modern DSLR, but huge and archaic.

This is the RB Auto Graflex made between 1906 and 1908, only in 4x5 format, and in fact has a much more archaic look than later models, resembling the original "Graflex" of 1901; or also the huge 5x7 Press Graflex of 1907. The best information in this regard is the book by R. P, Paine (1981): "The All-American Cameras. A Review of Graflex".

Both the chimney hood with gilded name & fur edge and the steel-stamped lens struts give it a unique air. Full steampunk. And to this must be added the unmistakable sound of the Graflex focal plane shutter, originally with speeds of up to 1/1000 (although I don't plan on forcing it so much, it's over 110 years old!). The lens is a Bausch&Lomb Zeiss Protar f6.3 / 10 ".

The only but important problem I had was that the link between the movement of the mirror (and therefore the release lever) and the shutter, was dislodged, and had to be soldered with a butane torch. I had to learn the trade a bit, and got several days nowhere, till I managed to assemble all again, but I think it holds up well now.

This is the typical later RB Auto Graflex:

www.earlyphotography.co.uk/site/entry_C299.html

www.camarassinfronteras.com/articulos/rochester/graflex.html

camera-wiki.org/wiki/Auto_Graflex

A lot of SLR Graflex here, but not a single one of the same model:

graflex.coffsbiz.com/civilian.html

Taken on: February 9, 2021

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Camera: Pentax K-5, f/16.0, 15 sec, 37mm (=55mm), ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Pentax K-5
Aperture:	f/16.0
Exposure Time:	15
Focal Length:	37mm (35mm equivalent: 55mm)
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	+1 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Center-weighted average
White Balance:	Auto
Contrast:	High
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	K-5 Ver 1.00
Show full info

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