What's what in Graflex LF?

[buzzardkid]

Hi,

I've been trying my best to get my head around the Graflex cameras and matching accessories, but so far have failed.

Yes, I've visited the Graflex web site, but it hasn't done me much good. The LF-photography forum might have a write-up, but I have not been able to find it.

In the FSU section of the forum I once found an extensive write-up on the various Zorki and FED models and the specifics of each camera. It would be nice to find a similar write-up on Graflex LF cameras and backs, and possibly back-conversions.

Anyone know where to find one (specifically considering backs, which fits onto which camera)?

If not, should we compile one ourselves and make it a sticky?

[alecj]

Are you sure you are talking about Graflex cameras? Did you visit Graflex.org? It has as simple as possible, well written and illustrated articles , giving all basic information about these cameras.

What is your hangup on backs? You seem to address these backs in the same context as backs for other cameras (which are not 4x5). All there is to a back for a Graflex 4x5 camera is a method for either holding sheet film in holders, or alternatively mounting roll film backs. For the most part, only Graflex roll film backs made for the XL line are easily usable on the 4x5 cameras if they have the Graflok method of attachment built into their back.

What are you talking about when you mention "conversions". Conversion from what, to what?

Be more specific about what your interests are and then we can answer your questions. Don't forget the Helpboard, on the Graflex.org site. You can post your questions there and have hundreds of Graflex owners available to help you.

[djonesii]

I can add, while researching my purchase, graflex.org was the site of referece. While there is not a single straight forward article there, I found them to cover all that I needed.

Dave

[buzzardkid]

Right.

Well, I will be buying this (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1071916&postcount=1) camera. It is said to have a Graphic back. There is a film holder depicted with it. A connaisseur would be able to tell from the film holder which back it has.

From Graflex.org, on the Anniversary Graflex: "The back is stationary (horizontal) and either of the "Graphic'' type (a spring back which accepts standard modern 4x5 film holders, but not the later roll-film backs) or a "Graflex'' back, which takes the same film holders as the Graflex SLR cameras. These film holders are no longer manufactured."

So, how do I know which is which? Is the Graflok either one of these, or a third type of back?

And, would the '23' Graflex roll film holder fit either one of these?

If asking stupid questions, please excuse me...? I'm new to the subject, you see...

[Jason Sprenger]

Graflex.org is the place but one does need to digest its entire faq.

3x4 is not a good format to get into large format with. It is a long obsolete format and no longer regularly produced. You'd have to cut down 4x5 and to fit into 3x4 holders. 4x5 is the best if you want to use both sheet film and roll-film backs and 2x3 is the smallest and lightest of these cameras if you were only going to use roll-film.

For Graphic camera, get one with a Graflok back and do not settle for the older Graphic or the Graflex backs. The Graflok back is the most flexible and set the standard for what is now called the International back, which is really just a Graflok compatible back from other makers. Spring backs can be used with sheet film holders but aren't easily usable with roll-film backs.

I have a 4x5 Pacemaker Speed Graphic, a 4x5 Pacemaker Crown Graphic, and 2x3 Century Graphic all with the side-mount Kalart range-finders and Graflok backs. These are the models I recommend as their parts accessories are common and available compared to earlier and later types. The Kalart range-finder can be calibrated without locating impossible find cams matched to particular lenses as are found on the later top-mounted range-finders.

The roll-film back most usually fit Graflok back cameras. Kinds for other back types are rather rare. You also want to be sure that the roll-film back is for the size camera that you have, 2x3 or 4x5, since the '23' was made for more than one camera type. Also, you may want to consider the later RH-8 roll-film back as these are sure to have additional roller pins to help keep film flatter.

[kmack]

Yes the graflok back is different than the either the graphic or graflex, see: Graflok back (http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/features.html#GraflokBack)

As Jason noted a roll film back for 3x4 graphic back will be problematic.

[Al Kaplan]

If you have a Graflok roll film back it wouldn't be all that difficult to adapt it to work on a Graflex SLR if you're handy with tools. You'll really attract some attention carrying it around!

[buzzardkid]

...

3x4 is not a good format to get into large format with. It is a long obsolete format and no longer regularly produced. You'd have to cut down 4x5 and to fit into 3x4 holders. 4x5 is the best if you want to use both sheet film and roll-film backs and 2x3 is the smallest and lightest of these cameras if you were only going to use roll-film...

Thanks Jason for your concerns, but I found the site of sheetfilm.be (http://sheetfilm.be/film.php)the other day, that cuts film in the requested size before shipping it out to you. They're in Belgium, so postage won't kill me either. They stock 3.25x4.25 or can deliver shortly, so no trouble there.

Thought I'd share that right away.

[buzzardkid]

Advice taken guys, I will read the whole Graflex site and then report back with any questions left. See if I can figure it out without a camera actually standing next to the Mac.

At the price Cindy is asking for her friends Graflex Anni, I'm going to take the plunge. Getting the sheetfilm actually is quite easy, there's a few film holders included and it has the Ektar 127mm stuck onto it. Ready to go, once it arrives.

I'll start with hacking the shower into a part-time dark room, it only needs two shelves cleared, a bigger slide lock and a removable panel for the window. These have been negotiated here already. :)

[Al Kaplan]

The 127mm Ektar is a great lens.

It used to be a bit less expensive to buy 5x7 film and cut it down than 4x5. Each sheet of 5x7 will give you two 3x4 sheets.

Yankee used to make a daylight tank with a rack that was adjustable for various sizes of film up to 4x5. I holds 10 or 12 sheets and you can pour chemicals in an out of it with the lid in place.

[buzzardkid]

The 127mm Ektar is a great lens.

It used to be a bit less expensive to buy 5x7 film and cut it down than 4x5. Each sheet of 5x7 will give you two 3x4 sheets.

Yankee used to make a daylight tank with a rack that was adjustable for various sizes of film up to 4x5. I holds 10 or 12 sheets and you can pour chemicals in an out of it with the lid in place.

Good advice, Al! I wonder if I'll ever find a daylight tank like that in the EU, but at least I know what to look for and might possibly buy one from the US someday.

When it does come to cutting film myself, I will remember the 5x7 film!