Ok, I finally found a 2D in good condition & @ a reasonable price.
It's got the 4x5 reducing back (which I probably won't use) but
doesn't have the rear extension (which I might really want).
But it also comes with a couple of lens boards, which will be a big

This looks like a good deal:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=710&item=3840986504

I just got a Crown Graphic Special w/ the standard Xenar 135 f4.7, and
it is the first 4x5 I've owned with a working rangefinder.  The only
problem is that the vertical alignment seems off (although the
horizontal appears accurate).  How do I correct this?  I've searched

Does anyone know if any of the Speed/Crown graphic cameras are able to be
focused with the rangefinder alone? Is it accurate focusing (of course,
assuming the rangefinder itself is in good shape)? Any opinions on which
rangefinder is the most desirable?

A reader asked me via email what colors were in that Efke picture (McGregor,
Iowa). I've posted side-by-sides of the B&W and a digital color version my
mate took a few minutes before mine.
It is here: http://course1.winona.edu/jstafford/rj.jpg

I am going to do a film test using Ilford HP5+ and Rodinal developer.
I want to be sure I understand the procedure correctly.  This is how I
understand it.
If I take a meter reading (Minolta spot meter) of a gray card, and it reads say

     So I was checking out the Forte website and noticed mention of
colour film and paper. The english page isn't in english so it's hard to
figure anything out about the film. Any chance the stuff is available in
sheet form? It's not like super small grain matters that much in LF.

Is there a shutter in between Copal #1 and Copal #3 with regard to the
maximum opening for the aperture?
Hopefully something not as large as a Copal #3
Thanks

What lenses for the Technika (V) of at least 135mm have good coverage _and_
fit so that the front closes? By good coverage, I mean enough for
significant movements.

OK, in keeping with my lazy streak (ie: no research done yet on my part
other than what I already know :-)
- What lenses of approx 360mm's are fit in a Copal #1 and cover at least
8x10?

For a simple one element lens design, what type gives the best image on a
flat film plane across the whole field?... e.g. concave meniscus/convex
meniscus/bi-convex etc and in what stop/film plane order and orientation.
Given a particular lens type how could I calculate lens ...

Help!  I have an old Photogenic AA01 Flashmaster supply that needs
recapped.  As built, it has eight Sprague 525uf @ 450WVDC cans.  These
are no longer manufactured by anyone.  However, any photoflash grade
capacitor 550~600uf @ 450~500WV will work.  Cornell makes one

I've just discovered your newsgroup, so here goes!
I want to move up from 35mm / digital because for me quality of final image
is important. I'm unsure wether to go to 6x6 or right into 5x4 (shooting
mainly ladscapes). I've seen the quality you can get from 5x4 (fantastic),

Some of the discussions here have gone way out of bounds IMHO. Lets treat each
other as if we were having a face to face conversation with people we respect -
even if we disagree with them.
steve simmons

Just curious about a very nicely made old glass plate holder I have! It is a
very high quality holder that holds a 3.5 x 7 inch plate and has alum slides
and wooden body but no mfg'er name as I can tell! What does it fit and has
it any value to anyone? Should I ebay it or not ...