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  1. #1

    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    I've recently purchased a Grafmatic holder. It seems to be in pretty good condition. All the septums are flat, the mechanism works smoothly and seats into my Crown Graphic easily. My question is what's a good procedure for testing how light tight the unit is.

    Instead of wasting 6 sheets of film, I could cut 6 pieces of B & W paper to 4x5, insert into the septums and make a series of exposures in daylight, then develop. But what's the ASA to use for exposure? Is this a reasonable method for testing?

    Thanks in advance.

    ~)

  2. #2

    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    Greetings,

    If it appears sound, then it's probably O.K., but the only way you will know for sure is to load it with 6 sheets. Since paper is a much slower speed than film (typically ISO 3 or 6) you may want to preflash the paper and look for changes in density.

    Regards, Pete

  3. #3

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    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    Steve:

    I think you could test it with one sheet of film. Load it with 6 septums, but just one with film in it. Put the film in the #1 position. With it loaded and all shut up, expose it to sunlight from several angles. Then put it on the camera. Pull the slide out (film pops forward) with the lens closed and turn the camera around in the sunlight. Close the slide. (film on top of slide) and move the camera around again. Expose the negative. Cycle through the rest of the septums until it locks on "x" and then develop the piece of film. I would be AMAZED if it could pass this test and leak in real life. Unless there are holes visible on the top of the grafmatic, where the locking pin is supposed to be on the right side, my experience is that these just don't leak even with considerable handling in sunlight. If you have one missing the locking pin, a little black silicone sealant to plug the hole will cure the leak.

  4. #4
    Whatever David A. Goldfarb's Avatar
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    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    I'd agree that testing with one sheet should be sufficient. I have eight Grafmatics and none of them leak, though a couple are missing the locking pin (what happens to all those locking pins?). It seems to be a very well-designed product.

  5. #5

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    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    I agree that you needn't load all six septums. One or two ought to be enough, because the action is the same for all.

  6. #6

    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    Ok guys. Where's the "locking pin". Is it the half round thingy that turns near the corner? Mine's there.

  7. #7

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    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    Man, I wish these things were still being produced.

  8. #8
    Whatever David A. Goldfarb's Avatar
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    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    If the holder locks when the counter is on "X," it has a locking pin. Some earlier versions seem not to have been designed with the locking pin, and some later ones seem to have had it removed for some inexplicable reason. To find it hold the holder with the handle to the right and the printed side facing you. Set the counter to any number other than X and pull out the box partway, and on the bottom surface of the inner box toward the right near you'll see a hole with a pin. If you turn the counter to X, the pin will come out of the hole. That's what locks the holder on X. Some holders are missing this pin, and I guess there might be a concern that without the pin you could have a light leak, but I haven't had this problem.

    There's another pin on the opposite side that's connected to the metal hook that you push in when you want to pull out the box, or that locks the inner box in place when you want to pull the darkslide.

    If you want a new product, the Fuji Quickchange holder is said to be easily reloadable, but you have to buy one loaded with Fuji film first.

  9. #9

    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    Greetings,

    The Fuji QuickChange system is easy to use and holds 8 sheets. A couple of years ago I posted pictures and loading instructions on f32; you can find it here: http://www.f32.net/Services/Equipment/Accessories/quickchange.html

    Regards, Pete

  10. #10
    the Docter is in Arne Croell's Avatar
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    Testing a Grafmatic Holder

    Pete,

    any information on how well the Quickchange plastic holders and septums hold up in repeated use?

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