Two types of Polaroid 405?

[Francesco Gallarotti]

Are they both Polaroid 405 backs?





If yes, which one is the older model and would I be able to use them both on my Chamonix 45n1? Would you recommend one over the other? Why?

Thanks,

Francesco

[Erik Larsen]

They look to be the same size to me? The one on the bottom might be intended to be used on a graflock back with the little flange it has. I have a modern one that is like the one on the top. Not sure if it will fit your Chamonix, but I imagine that the top one would work if your springs will allow it to open far enough. It works fine on my Shen hao.
regards
Erik

[Francesco Gallarotti]

They look to be the same size to me? The one on the bottom might be intended to be used on a graflock back with the little flange it has. I have a modern one that is like the one on the top. Not sure if it will fit your Chamonix, but I imagine that the top one would work if your springs will allow it to open far enough. It works fine on my Shen hao.
regards
Erik

Thank you Erik... I will try asking Hugo if he has an idea of whether the top one would fit also on the Chamonix. The prices on eBay seem very different between the two models so I am not sure which one to buy...

[Tracy Storer]

Can't speak to either one fitting the Chamonix, but they are both model 405 backs. The bottom one with the metal wire latch is older than the plastic latch model. The roller assemblies, if I remember correctly, are identical and interchangeable with each other.

[Gordon Moat]

The one with the wire/metal loop is the older version. One easy way to tell the 405 from the 550 is that the 405 has the darkslide opposite the closure loop. On the 550, the darkslide looks like it has double pull tabs and pulls out near the closure loop.

I have the older metal loop version, and it works fine. It might be a little heavier to carry than the more modern version, but functions the same. The only part to be careful about is the rollers, because they need to be clean and even to avoid problems. You can get replacement rollers, but I don't think they are very cost effective.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

[Francesco Gallarotti]

Thank you all. I decided to get the older version (metal) since the source was more reliable (Keh, instead of eBay) and the price much lower (about $50 with shipping). Hopefully will fit and work with the Chamonix 45n1 and load both the Polaroid 690s I have left in the fridge and the new Fuji FP-100c I have in order.
This is going to be fun!

Francesco

[Mike Fiction]

Arca Swiss actually produced a Polaroid 405 like the second metal clip unit you mention:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Film_Back.html

I use the plastic Polaroid version with my Tachihara and Toyo View and it fits on both. The darkslide always feels like it's going to snap though, as it's so long and thin Can't just pull it out and push it in real fast like a regular slide.