Graflex.org

willt99 · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 11 Location: Seattle

Hi. I'm looking at a couple of Speed Graphics (2.25 x 3.25) on ebay and I'm confused how the glaflex back would work.

I currently have a 4x5 Crown with a Graflok back and understand that concept.

Can any of the non-Graflok backs take a film roll back (if it's made for the graflex back)?

How do you put it roll back on (not sliding it in where the sheet film holder goes)?

Thanks,
William

45PSS · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2003 6:40 am Post subject:

Graflok: 2 slide locks that mate into notches in side of accessory, accessory has a protruding ridge that mates into valley on camera back that helps create a light trap and prevent said accessory from moving.
Graflex:Fixed thin bar on one width of back film opening, slideing bar on the other. Bars fit into groves in the sides of the accessory, accessory has valley and camera has ridge on one end that forms part of the light trap and prevents the accessory from moving.

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[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2003-11-20 22:45 ]

willt99 · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 11 Location: Seattle

Hi, after mulling over your answer, I sort of get a visual. I have a copy of the GGP coming which should help. Thanks for the attempt. You did confirm my question that the graflex back is removable (without removing the screws) so certain types of roll backs can be attached.

Thanks,
William

[ This Message was edited by: willt99 on 2003-11-23 02:42 ]

[ This Message was edited by: willt99 on 2003-11-23 02:45 ]

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

In many ways the Graflex Back is like the Graflok back except the ground glass is held in by the sliders, so it MUST be removed before a film holder or roll holder is fitted.

In the 4x5 size, the Graflex back is slightly wider/taller, so roll film holders are not interchangable with Graphic or Graflok backs. also Graflex backs reverse the light trap....the groove is on the film holder, where on a Graphic it's a ridge.

For 2x3 i'm not certain. I have a mini with a Graflex back and it's the same size as the Spring and Graflok, and yet others have tried and couldn't get them to interchange.

For shooting puproses, I'd stick to a Graflok back. roll film holders are plentiful and better made than anything for a Graflex back.

Oh and if you aren't confused already, Pacemaker cameras could come with a Graflex back that used two sliders. The tell tale signs are the lack of the Graflok "hooks" in the center of the back, and the ground glass doesn't have the ears to pull it back.

Les

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willt99 · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 11 Location: Seattle

Thanks for the responses. Dan, I do have a pair of rollbacks (6x9 lever and 6x6 knob) for my Crown. My Crown doesn't have the cam and doesn't have the rangefinder. I was thinking of getting a 2x3 to handhold (assuming the rangefinder could be adjusted).

I went a purchased a Graphic View with a glafloc back, so much for going smaller. The GV should keep me busy for awhile.

I have a copy of GGP (1940) coming which should help.

William