I was given this Crown Graphic Pacemaker from someone who bought it at an estate sale. He's not a photographer but thought I might be able to use it since I shoot film. It came with a case which was in pretty bad shape. The whole camera really needed cleaning and a good CLA. The photos of the camera are pre cleaning when I first took it apart.

The Crown Graphic is a large format camera. Photographing is usually done with 4x5 sheets in a holder. However, it can also use a Polaroid back and a 120 film back. Developing the sheets which are still available requires a darkroom.

My first attempt with roll film was a disaster. The film didn't advance properly and most of the images were on top of each other. I salvaged a few. I couldn't figure out how to adjust for the parrallax shift or out how to frame the shots.

Focusing is done either with a focus screen on the back or a range finder. Think of photos of old film photographers with black cloths over their heads. They are using a focus screen. The camera slides on rails using bellows for distance. The farther out you go, the closer you can focus.

I bought a Polaback on eBay so I could learn with instant film. Not as great resolution but instant feedback. At this point, I am still early in the learning stages. The front of the camera also has a tilt shift mechanism I haven't even fooled with. I'm at "learn to focus and frame it" stage. :)

Newer images at end of gallery.