Id like some recommendations for a 6x9 roll film back that I can use in a 4x5 v iew camera (Super Speedgraphic). Yes I know, my Calumet catalog is in the mail, but Id like some real world experiences. Id prefer the type that has both sp ools at one end, so I can slide it under the ground glass. Ive heard that Camb o makes one; any others?
Thanks in advance.
Sinar makes a variable format back which slides in like a sheet film holder. I believe it covers 645, 6X6, 6X7, 6X9, and 6X12? A friend of mine uses one and l oves it; the primary drawbacks however are its cost, about $2200 3 years ago, a nd its size. If you can remove the back on your Speedgraphic you might want to consider a Horseman roll film back which is available in the 6X9 format, either 120 or 220.
The only drawback I've heard about in using the Calumet C2 type roll holder is t hat if film sits in it for an extended period, it will develop a curl in the une xposed section of film. When this section is wound to the film gate it, doesn't lie as flat as it should. I don't know if depth of field can overcome the proble m or not. Myself, I use a Horseman 6x9 rollfilm back, and have had no problems w ith it whatsoever.
I too, am a fan of roll film and use it most of the time on my 4x5 Sinar P2. At present, I have Calumet C2 6x7 (push-in) holders as well as several Graphlock t ype 6x9 holders...being a Horseman (no trouble so far), Wista 120 and a Wista 12 0/220 (trouble with light seals).
The Best quality for consistent film flatness and frame spacing are the Horseman and Wistas. The Calumets have troublesome film counters, and even after being "refurbished" at Calumet, the spacing between frames is not consistent, sometime s frames are "touching" one another. The Calumets also have suspect film flatne ss. A Calumet salesman claims the new C2N holders are better and have been "tot ally" re-designed, but I suspect they are almost the same now and made of plasti c instead of the metal ones I have. I believe the Calumet push-in holders are a ctually Cambo holders (made in Holland) and sold under the Calumet name. The Wi sta has also had problems with the light trap leaking. Of the ones I have, I ca n say that I trust the Horseman 6x9 the most. The drawback is that you have to remove the back of the camera to place it in a shooting position.
Another holder to check on is the Toyo roll film back that is supposed to be thi n enough to push in without removing the back. They are marketed by Mamiya Amer ica and sold through B&H New York as well. They look quite THICK however to be a push in holder and the specifications say they are 48mm thick, which is pretty fat.
I have played with a Sinar Zoom II (lent to me by the Sinar rep)and think it loo ks good (if all the things it has to do can be done consistently for a long time ), but it has several flaws as well. First...is the price. Even with a current price reduction, it is almost $2500. Second...is that even though it is a "pus h-in" type holder, it would NOT go into the back of my trusty old Crown Graphic. I still may get one however.
For the money, the Horseman is my vote. If money is no object and you don't nee d to push it into an old Crown Graphic, I think the push-in Sinar holder is the one. Go figure.
I agree with Skot's comments on Calumets roll film backs. I have two of the C2 backs and they are real duds. Frame spacing and especially film flatness are a big problem. I finally put some gaffer tape (about 3 layers) on the leading edge of the pressure plate to compensate for no roller there. The Calumet 6x12 is especially bad. My studio mate (I'm a commercial shooter in Denver) finally returned his 6x12 to Calumet for credit as it frequently eat (torn the edges) film. If you look in current CPI catalogs they no longer offer this horrible piece of equipment.
The Calumet has problems, the Sinar is too expensive, so what 6x9 roll film back should I buy if I do not have and do not want to use a Graflock back. Is the Wista roll film back any better?
carlos, The above mentioned toyo back looks like a good alternative. I though yo u just got a new Wisner camera; no Graflock back?
Linhof makes the slip-in Rapid Rollex for 120/67 in 2 sizes. One for 45 and one for 23 cameras
Ellis, the Wisner PE does not come with a Graflock back. The latter has to be bought separately for a a few hundred dollars if I recall correctly from my conversation with Ron.
Bob, the Linhof's are still ~$1800, not much cheaper than the Sinar roll film backs.
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