Depth of Focus

Previously, I wrote about my 3¼" x 4¼" Graflex RB Series D camera. In part one, I gave a history of Folmer & Schwing and the Graflex camera, as well as gave an overview of this particular camera and its controls. If you want to see that, I suggest you check it out here . Here in part two, I will be discussing how I cut  3¼" x 4¼" sheet film for this camera, how I develop it and show off some example photos.  Making  3¼" x 4¼" Sheet Film At this point in time 3¼" x 4¼", or the quarter plate size, is the dog of the sheet film world. 4" x 5" and even 8" x 10" film sheets remain available in various emulsions, but for 3¼" x 4¼" you have limited options.  If you want a ready made supply of film this size you have two options, Shanghai manufactures their GP3 emulsion in  3¼" x 4¼" , and Astrum (Svema) in Ukraine will also custom cut their Foto 100 film to this size. However, both of these are medium speed bla...

This is the 3¼" x 4¼" Graflex Revolving Back Series D camera, a large format single lens reflex camera manufactured by the Folmer Graflex Corporation between 1927 and 1948. History The origins of the Graflex SLR begin with the incorporation of the Folmer and Schwing Manufacturing Company in 1887 in Manhattan, New York. This was a joint venture between two Kentucky born businessmen, William F. Folmer and Walter E. Schwing to form a metal working company for the sale and manufacture of "gas lighting equipment and assorted novelties".  William Folmer was the born in 1861 and in his early life lived in Independence, Kentucky. He was the sixth of eight children born to Bridget and Daniel Folmer.  By 1880, William Folmer was 19 and working as a farm hand.  A photo of William Folmer taken between 1905-1909 He is seen holding an Auto Graflex camera  Walter Essex Schwing was born in 1856 to William and Sarah Schwing of Louisville, Kentucky. He was the youngest of four ch...