Type 55 with a Razzle?

[anglophone1]

Hi All
New here, but have visited often in the past.
I recently managed to acquire an early Razzle at great price on another forum.
It has a 135mm Sironra and I think a Graflok [definitely not razzlok] back.
The idea is to to use it as step up from Fuji GW and GSW 6x9s,and Graflex XLSW that have been using with Pola 655 [yes there is a pola back for all these!]
So, I want to use type 55,[or failing that a Fuji instant] but not sure which back will work [545?] looks like it could be v. unwieldlly too!
Any advice here?
I'd also like to use quickload too, same question i guess?
I have seen mention of grafmatic, but know nothing of the system or availabilty of film..................would this work?
Finally, the lens front element has to be unscewed to close the body, any one have any workrounds or nifty [safe] ways to carry this?
Thanks!
Clive
Antibes, France
www.clive-evans.com

[Mick Fagan]

I would suggest that you get onto the Razzle site, use the contact thingy and email Dean with the question and possibly a picture of your actual camera, I'm sure he'll recognise your actual camera.

Dean is quite busy and may take time to respond, so be patient. As you are looking for a specialised back for a camera that may not be set-up to handle that specific requirement, I'm sure dean could make it happen, if that is the case.

Dean by the way, is about the same vintage as yourself, he also hails from the same part of the world as you do. (I checked your website out).

I have a Razzle and am extremely happy with it, picked it up personally from Dean in June this year. I just happen to be lucky enough to live in the same city as he.

Mick.

[Gene McCluney]

The Type 55, now discontinued, is a "single-sheet" polaroid instant film that is used in the Polaroid film back intended for single-sheet use. This film back is hardly thicker than a common double-dark-slide 4x5 film holder in the part that slides under the ground glass, and should work with ANY camera that takes 4x5 sheet film holders. The Grafmatic holder (I have 6 of 'em) is considerably thicker and will not work with some 4x5 cameras that do not have graflock backs, although it will work with some. The Fuji "pack" films in 4x5 require a Pack-film back (made by Polaroid or Fuji), and is the thickest back of all, and will not slide under the ground glass of many 4x5 cameras, but WILL slide under the ground glass of most modern monorail 4x5 cameras and those with graflok backs.

[Ash]

You can use any and all.

Push back the clips to remove the ground glass, and the sliding locks can be used to attach any of the polaroid backs, ie 550 (packfilm like fuji), the 545 holder is meant to slide in lieu of a DDS, so you can leave the camera spring back in place.


It works, I've done both. I have a spare graflok type back hanging about, and I also have my Razzle which has a razzlok. both work on both cameras.

[EuGene Smith]

OK, guys, I've tried searching for "Razzle" on the forum and found a lot of talk about it in many threads, but no definition. It sounds like something between a noogie and slamming a guy on the mat in a half-nelson . . . so, what is a Razzle? :confused:

Smiff :o

[Ash]

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~razzle/Razzle_900_4x5.jpgclick ici (http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~razzle/)

[nelson_chan]

Dean is the man. I have a Razzle 900 and love it. Dean has been nothing but helpful all the way through. Definitely worth the well deserved wait list that he has now. I would suggest sending him a lens to outfit the camera with.

[Hollis]

I just bought a 110 conversion from Steve at alpenhause.com and will be shooting nothing but quickloads in it with a polaroid 545 back when I go to Africa. I hope it works....

[Ash]

Hollis, test a few before you go!!

[EuGene Smith]

Oh, so a Razzle is a Poloroid 110 folder converted to 4x5? :confused:

Ash, I was trying to figure out the camera in your picture, but my memory of older Poloroids is worse than fuzzy. I would like to have the website of the fellow making them so I can go learn more about that most interesting looking camera.

It looks like a modernized 4x5 Super Ikonta! :D

EuGene

[Oren Grad]

I would like to have the website of the fellow making them so I can go learn more about that most interesting looking camera.


http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~razzle/

[Ash]

Eugene, the image is direct from Dean's site, I even hotlinked it ;)

If you click it you will be taken to the site, or else see the post above mine which also has the http :)

[anglophone1]

Thanks everone, all good and very useful stuff!
Now, I am scouring the usual places for a a 545/545i [whats the difference?] , a 550 and grafmatic backs.............
I have secured a case of type 55 at a good price too, haevy to ship fronm Us but worth it I think.........
Ash, I should mention that it was lurking here whilst your camera was being constructed that whetted my Razzle appetite.
See attached for my own, bought for only USD 350, a bargain I think!
A graflok back I think?
Best
Clive
Antibes, france
www.clive-evans.com

[EuGene Smith]

Thanks, guys! You answered my question plus some, so more thanks for the links to Dean Jones' Razzle site. Maybe if I get enough shekels saved up, someday I can get one of those (but not one of those custom classic guitars with the 12-year waiting list!! :D)

Smiff

[Ash]

I only had to wait the 6 years I learnt to play guitar. My custom classical guitar was built and sold to me about a year after I finished receiving lessons from my 80 year old tutor. It's a beautiful instrument. Dean actually met the man on one of his trips to the UK. It's a small world ;)

[anglophone1]

I see Dean has thsis rather fine machine listed for anyone that wants to jump the queue.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Razzle-4x5-110A-110B-Candy-Apple-Red_W0QQitemZ290270649865QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item290270649865&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Or there is also this...........!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110302051147


I think I prefer the red, less hassle too!

Clive
Antibes, France
www.clive-evans.com