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Weary, watching, calculating
To Run or Attack...
"While the Pacemaker SG does not make it substantially easier to take excellent pictures,
it does make it substantially more difficult to take terrible ones"!
- Do you agree on the quote above?
- Did it bring, you were looking for?
- Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
- Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode?
Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
We would like to get some thoughts and answers on the above 4 questions above from you, which will be posted in here...
Please use the E-mail button bottom left to send your entry.
Some nice tips to know..."!
- #1 Using the Combo in Portrait mode will give you a left swing instead of the backward tilt.
- #2 Modding the front standard will give you swing both left and right in landscape mode.(example below, Template below..)
- #3 This mod will give you forward and backward tilt when used in portrait mode.
- #4 Flash sync can be experienced in T mode only. (Ambient available light has to be minimal though)
- #5 The Lens-hood on your AE is worthless as a Sunshade.
- #6 Adapters are available to mount your DSLR. (Graflok back only)
Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Reactions and thoughts:
Posted By David Burnett 14-10-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Im not sure I totally agree. The level of concentration required to do even the simplest pictures means you are always on the edge of making a mistake, either in timing (pull dark slide before cocking shutter from O to T/30). If I take a few days or weeks off, shooting other forms, it always takes me a few tries to get the sequencing down again.. on the flip side, looking at that big ground glass (i am now using the Cambo reflex back ... which gives you rightside/up but reversed viewing) lets you definately see the world in a way far different from what you might normally spy through a DSLR camera.
Easier to take excellent photographs?
Well maybe not.. I have plenty of terrible ones I was able to make on my own, without any help at all!
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
All the time.. sometimes you make a frame just so you can walk away from a situation. You never really know if you are right, but you do need to trust your instincts.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
I find that with up/tilt in portrait mode, im always looking for things in that line... near to me on the left side, with focus headed back and to the right. I would love to be able to go any of the four directions at a time. BUT i also like, that i can loosen the screws, and gravity will bring the AE back to 'zero' tilt in a hurry. There are times when that is very handy. It would be great to have right / left shift in Landscape mode.. wow.. all kinds of possibilities...!
Posted by Matt Bigwood.15-10-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
I'd disagree with that - I can EASILY take a terrible picture with my Pacemaker SG.
Easier to take excellent photographs?
Yes, the tiny depth of field was my goal, and that can easily be achieved with the Aero Ektar.
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
No, but I have encountered situations where I would have been glad to have been able to use just the rangefinder without having to focus on the ground glass which significantly slowed things down.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
No, I have never had the need for either.
Posted by Miguel Coquis 15-10-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
I will certainly answer to this questions, but mine is a speed graphic without any mov. at all.
Anyway, this technical limitations are just an indication for camera work. I have been trying with a Mentor camera that offers front movs (swings) and is very comfortable for portrait and landscape situations. I am looking forward for giving movs to my SG.
Posted by John Lawrence 18-10-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Yes I agree to a point, maybe I could amend the statement and add to the end: "and it will improve your cardiovascular system and enhance lung performance when using it in the field". I've found I get the most enjoyment and best photos when using the Pacemaker SG with preplanning, so rather than start out with a blank sheet with the Pacemaker SG in the bag, I would hike out and try to have a strong idea about when and what I was shooting before bringing it out of the car.
Easier to take excellent photographs?
A thousand yesses!
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
The only situations are the limits of the camera body, and you have proved that they are resolvable and workable. In addition to the Pacemaker SG, when the frustration in lack of movements in the Pacemaker body hit their peak, I modded a Graphic View, I believe I sent out photos to you, by adding a Pacemaker roller curtain back to the back of the 4X5, all in the spirit of using Graflex products, this allows me an insane amount of movement to use, I haven't reached the limits of it yet.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Yes, and I'm going to do your mod to my camera. I've also decided to take another look at a Pacemaker back end/Super Graphic front end to see if that could work.
Posted by Fons de Vries 19-10-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Easier to take excellent photographs?
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Instead of answering the questions Fons decided to take action instead. Just a couple of days after receiving our request he started and finished the Swing modification and kindly sent a picture to proof all is working...
Modded securing plates by Fons. Checking regularly after working on the 4 corners simultaneously, minimal grinding finally gave the ultimate effect. Close
Moddded Speed of Fons showing combined swing and tilt. Note also the Sinar Bino loupe he adapted for use on his machine. Close
Another view of the modification. Close
Posted by JohnD 19 -10 2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Not at all...This was a slogan from Folmer Graphic at the time.
On the contrary, the quote : [WARNING] "If your only tool is a Speed Graphic/Aero Ektar , every subject seems to resemble a decent Photograph" is very true. It is not the bokeh what makes a good photograph, but rather the subject matter.
The nice bokeh can of course add some extra!
Easier to take excellent photographs?
If you do not take your time or preplan your images, you can bag a lot of terrible ones.
TRPP (Technically Rotten, Pictorially Perfect) or TPPR ( Technically Perfect, Pictorially Rotten ) often applies.
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
It brought indeed what I was expecting, but like many systems, it is not suited for every subject matter. As I mostly preplan the Combo images, the running is mostly towards the subject :-)
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Actually I did not miss the movements often, but it is awesome to have them when needed. My Combo will swing very soon.
 
Johndesq's SG in swing position.
Close-up of swing modification by Fons de Vries. Notice the perfect job done by Yellow Dot tuning service!!
Posted by Georges Laloire 19 - 10 - 2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Maybe it was true in Folmer's times, but seventy years later it is not
uneasy to understand why they all went Rolleiflex first then Nikon F :
slow, cumbersome, heavy, etc...
Easier to take excellent photographs?
Whoever knows the procedure to take excellent pics, please tell me.
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
I had no particular expectations.
I just tried to do pics and... well John, why do you think I never sent
you anything to look at ???
There were ( many, too many ) situations where I was unable to take a
decent image, then decided it was better for me to run. It began when I
took my first pic in 1966 with my Grandmother's Agfa box camera.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
I never expected Graphics to do more than they were intended to.
Let's try swinging and we'll see.
The photographic Holy Grail is a thing forum lunatics go on about ad
nauseam, I do not believe it exists outside.
Posted by Joncquil J. de Vries 19 -10 - 2008...
Do you agree on the quote above?
Easier to take excellent photographs?
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Unfortunately I could not spend enough time to photograph and gain experience. I am very busy with painting and attending Gallery openings showing my works.
For this moment, suffice to say I am very happy with the Combo.
Joncquil
Posted by Johnnie Walker 20 - 10 - 2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Nope. It makes it easier to take a bad photo that can be enlarged with such detail that it shows how truly horrible it is with startling clarity! Of course the blame is all mine not the equipments!
Easier to take excellent photographs?
Not necessarily, but if they are excellent, then they are sublimely excellent!
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
It did bring me what I have been looking for in DOF and in the tilt and shift. I have encountered more sitiuations where I was too lazy to take a picture then times that I had to run away. My problem is running towards a situation!
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
This really is the holy grail because there is nothing else like it in the world and I don't see any manufacturers rushing to fill this void today. I have modified my speed and now I have tilt in the portrait position...whoever came up with this was a genius!
I can't believe how easy it was really to do the modification and how tight it really holds yet even though it is tilting. See result below:
Modded securing plates by Johnnie Walker. Close
Johnnie's camera showing the swing... Close
Posted by Unknown on 20 - 10 - 2008 ...(Imaginary answers jotted down by the WebMaster)
Do you agree on the quote above?
Absolutely. Never had any bad pictures, except bad persons moving all the time when I expose. If they don't like the picture, it is all their fault, they can't blame me or my Camera!
Easier to take excellent photographs?
There is no other Camera that can be converted that easy to 8x10. Just some wood and tape, that's all. When that was done, no problem, I just push that big botton.
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Bring what? It is just a black box we're talking about, nothing fancy... I never run , people run towards me. If I run, that's to the pub after a day's hard labour to get rid of that fixer smell. Some people like the smell of fixer in the morning.. I don't!
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Swing? Yes, I do swing sometimes behind the camera when the weather is nice! Never thought of those technical questions...Holy Grail? What's that? Well could be.
Posted by Oliver Kruse on 20 - 10 - 2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
I have to disagree here when it comes to keeping the subject matter crisp. The strength of the combo is also its greatest weakness, the
tiny DOF. It usually takes a couple of shots before I achieve what I was looking for.
Easier to take excellent photographs?
It helps me to make pictures which are unachievable otherwise.
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Absolutely - No, but I prefer people not moving while I take a picture with the combo ;-) - Running with
a combo through airport security is a pain, though.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Not yet, but I might want to try it.
Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Probably, the combo owners belong to a pretty exclusive brotherhood...
Posted by Bjarte Bjørkum on 20 - 10 - 2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Not entirely. All equipment imprints have their benefits and inconveniences. I think the Aero Ektar has made it more difficult to take small pictures, as its beauty lies in the details it's able to convey. Thus, only big prints are meaningfull.
Easier to take excellent photographs?
Not answered.
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
In many ways, yes. The spellbinding beauty of its images is a clear winner. As is the flabbergasting out of focus details. I never thought, though, that it'd be so labourus to get it to work the way I wanted. I use large format mostly hand held . But there was a lot of work getting the right cam, lens boards, new curtains, and last but not least calibrating the range finder so accurately that it would serve me well at 2.5, which it now does.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Yes. It's not always satisfactory to photograph horizontal fjords in landscape mode. It would of course also be useful to place the focus plane exactly where I would like it to be.
Posted by David Duhan on 21-10-2008.
Do you agree on the quote above?
The Graflex is as simple to use as a  The vastly larger film size means in camera cropping is not as critical and one tiny scratch in the emulsion does not ruin a great image. The knowledge that you can't jus press motorwind and hope for a result makes you mentally focus on the image more intensly resulting in an image of your creation.
Easier to take excellent photographs?
The speed was everything I wanted. As an assistant I was used to Sinar and Gandolphi 5x4 and 10x8 and was never happy with the restrictions of small and medium format, to me the way to get a good picture is to work through it not just snap.
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
I have just dropped my speed and run but my friend had just got a big fence wrong and went flying off her horse.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
I think the swing movement is another arrow to an excellent bow,it makes the camera that bit more versatile in portrait and landscape format, its up to you to do the rest
 
Swing Mod by David Duhan.
David's SG successfully adapted and modified . Close
Posted by Mael Bilquey on 21-10- 2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
I find it difficult to answer your questions. I think photographic gear is just here to help us achieve photographic creation. In this case, every camera has its quality and limitation. For the Aero, in some cases it is just the right tool to achieve some particular photographs, but no more. And I don't know if I'm a sufficiently good photographer to assume I take excellent or terrible pictures.
I just like my Speed Combo, because it helps me making pictures I would not even dream of before, like the one attached with this mail. I can hardly tell more about it.
Posted by Jason Jue on 26-10-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
I don't necessarily agree with the quote entirely. I've had plenty of terrible pictures taken with the SG but usually because of my own error. Focusing on the wrong part of the image, wrong exposures because I forgot to change the aperture/shutter settings, fogged film, etc. I think it's actually easier to take technically terrible pictures with the SG because of human error but once everything is done right, the images produced are usually excellent; of course, this is subjective.
I use the SG to achieve a certain look which it allows me to do, which, like the first part of the quote says, isn't necessarily easy. The pictures though from it, when done right, in my opinion, are excellent and are unique to the camera.
Easier to take excellent photographs?
N/A
Did it bring, you were looking for? Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Yes, it absolutely gives me what I am looking for—that's why I use it. The mechanical aspect of the SG even brings me unexpected results which make taking pictures with it even more fun and interesting. I've only had a few times I wanted to "run" while taking a picture and that was only because it was getting dark and cold outside. It takes a relatively long time to setup and take a photograph with the SG—which I sometimes feel is quite therapeutic—so I am sometimes stuck in less than ideal locations longer than I want to be.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
No, I have never really used either.
Posted by Marty Perez on 27-10-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
I can't 100% concur. You must be attentive to the focusing, and composition for the truly excellent image; not to mention the wrestling and remembering the shutter's place, if the dark slide was pulled or not pulled. These mental slip-ups, in attention; make it much easier for terrible images and worse yet; missed ones. But, no matter how much I bitch, moan, sweat, and swear, from behind the "rig"; it's a whole lotta fun.
Did it bring, you were looking for?
For me yes and there's the baker's dozen in getting the occasional WOW; didn't see or expect that.
Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Not as of yet. The "rig" being what it is, I think one chooses the situation a bit more thoughtfully. Although what has happened, is; getting set up, working the composition-n-focus, has allowed "the man" time to show up and tell me to leave.
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Here and there. One always hope for help or a little extra "schwing" in the attempt to make the moment more special.
Posted by Denis Guzzo on 31-10-2008.
Do you agree on the quote above?
Did it bring, you were looking for?
Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
I can not answer these questions right now as I just received my camera from David Duhan.
However, the modification has already been done!
The modification was already done as shown.
Swing mode on Denis's camera
Posted by Graham Lowe on 3-11-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Agree.
Did it bring, you were looking for?
Not sure - haven't yet used in anger, due to
a) dull and boring weather most of the year,
b) not seen anything (except for my visit to NYC, and it
wasn't possible to take it, sadly!) that I wished to
use it on - but I am convinced it will do so, my
reason for buying in the first place!
Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Never! (Yet!!)
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Nope!
Posted by Laurent de Miollis on 3-11-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
It is evident that the PSG is not at present the best and the most practical devices photographic camera.
I am equipped in Digital Eos and in situations like of the images of rugby, the Pacemaker is not really suit But, in the close environment and within the framework of the images of report which I like making, the PSG is unmistakably a good element which allows me to create a veritable contact with my subject.
During the Campaign presidentielle 2007, I have make images of Bertrand Delanoé and Anne Hidalgo and the discution around the device before shots has indisputably allowed to create a real complicity with them.
I am at present preparing a report around the players of the French Stadium (Paris Rugby Pro Staff) and, again the PSG permit to create a warm veritable climate with many discution around the camera.
Did it bring, you were looking for?
Openly? And regrettably, not ever..., but I am the only person in charge, because the mechanics of use is really different from a traditional device, and I believe that I am never enough pres by my subject.
Besides, using mainly PSG + Aero-Ektar in my reports, I am obliged to suit to the rangefinder only without having a complete vision of the stage.
But this is the price has to pay to obtain what I wish and sometimes I arrive there
Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
Sincerely, the last time which I would have preferred to run it was in 1982, in Beirut...
What does not kill us make us stronger...
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Using my PSG + Aero in the hand, in conditions of alive report, I have no problems with the change of landscape to portrait mode
  
Swing Mod by Laurent according our plans...
This modification was done by Laurent, now it even can tilt front and back!! . Close
Closer view of Laurent's forward/backward tilt. Close
Posted by Sebastien Lallement on 4-11-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
Yes
Did it bring, you were looking for?
Yes
Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
No
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
Yes
Posted by Dennis Carbo on 4-11-2008
Do you agree on the quote above?
In a manner of speaking ...Yes, I think it can make almost any subject more interesting to the viewer.
Did it bring, you were looking for?
Absolutely ..and then some..you seem to notice many more photographic opportunities when using this combo
Did you encounter situations, where you would rather run instead of taking an image?
No, On the contrary..I find I actually run INTO situations to take an image
Do you miss swings in landscape mode or tilt in portrait mode? Evaluating...Is this Combo (Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar 7 In), really the holy Grail?
No, I find the Tilt on the SG more than adequate for the effect I am going for with this combo
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DIY Modification - Front swing on your Speed Graphic
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