Fitting A Graflok Back to a Speed Graphic?

[VulpesVulpesVulpes]

Hi there!

I recentley purchased a 4x5 speed graphic with the spring back. I plan on mainly shooting sheet film, but I have an old pa145 polaroid holder given to me by a friend I wanted to use, and was wondering how easy it would be to purchase a graflok back and change it? Is there a fair amount of DIY involved?

Thanks for any responses.

[djdister]

Two things:

Most Speed Graphics have Graflok backs, are you sure yours does not?
Use of a Polaroid holder does not require a Graflok back, it slides right in like a film holder.

[Old-N-Feeble]

You should be able to easily swap your spring back for a complete Graflok back... just be a matter of removing six screws and swapping the other back. However, it probably will be a bit pricey. Yes, you'll need the Graflok back to use the pa145 holder. What instant film will you be using?

[dsphotog]

Easy conversion, 6 screws.
The Graflok holds the Pol. back more securely when pulling the film/picture through the rollers, especially when shooting handheld.
Get a Pol. 405 holder that takes the Fuji instant 3 1/4x 4 1/4 packs. (enjoy it now, while it's still avail.)

[Drew Bedo]

"Easy conversion, 6 screws."

In my experience the Graflok screws go back into the same holes in the camera body.

Do I remember that right?

[Old-N-Feeble]

"Easy conversion, 6 screws."

In my experience the Graflok screws go back into the same holes in the camera body.

Do I remember that right?

In all I've seen, yes. There may be exceptions but I don't know of any.

[Old-N-Feeble]

Another thought: If you intend to use the rangefinder, and never the ground glass panel, then you can get by with a Graflok back without the focus panel and hood. This will cost you far less than a 'complete' back. In fact, if you don't care how pretty it is then the basic frame can be found at very reasonable prices.

[dsphotog]

Just don't try to mount the back from a Super Graphic, or Super Speed Graphic.... Totally different cameras.

Another option is to buy a roached out Crown or Speed with a Graflok back, and swap backs.... Then sell the leftovers.

[brucetaylor]

I tried installing a Graflok on an old Crown Graphic with a Graflex back (slotted film holders). The holes lined up but it required shimming because the film plane was slightly different. In the end I stuck with the original back-- the Graflok wasn't really needed and I sold the camera as is.

[Old-N-Feeble]

I tried installing a Graflok on an old Crown Graphic with a Graflex back (slotted film holders). The holes lined up but it required shimming because the film plane was slightly different. In the end I stuck with the original back-- the Graflok wasn't really needed and I sold the camera as is.

That's the really old original though... but it's a good and valid point.