Graflex Speed Anni 3x4 converting to 4x5

[buzzardkid]

Hello all,

first post, although I joined a while ago. It finally got to the stage where I need to tap into all your accumulated knowledge, since the internet cannot provide me with answers.

I am the proud owner of a Graflex Speed Anniversary 3.25x4.25 camera with a spring back. BUT: getting sheet film in this size and using it is something I look up to like the proverbial mountain. AND: getting a 6x9 roll film back for it is nearly impossible. SO: I'd like to convert the back to a 4x5 Graflok back, for which I can scoop up a roll fim back in 6x9 in the blink of an eye. Getting a 4x5 Graflok back isn't that hard, I only have to give the word.

I have read somewhere that you can 'shave' the 3.25x4.25 back and mount a 4x5 back.
Is it actually true that the 4x5 Graflok back fits the 3.25x4.25? Is this a difficult conversion to perform yourself, regarding focus on the ground glass and the RF?

Any remarks and shots of succesful conversions are more than welcome!

Cheers,
Johan

[Mike1234]

I can't help with a conversion but I have a Graflex 2x3 roll film holder to fit the 3.25x4.25 I can sell for a reasonable price. However, shipping from the USA will likely be pricey.

[Dan Fromm]

Johan, ask on www.graflex.org

I don't know for sure, but I think that if you want to use 4x5 film with a Graphic the best thing to do is to buy a 4x5 Graphic. The body of a 3x4 Graphic is larger than a 2x3's body, smaller than a 4x5's body so backs don't interchange between sizes.

If you can get a 4x5 Graflok cheaply enough, the thing to do would be to cut a piece of wood to accept it and attach the piece of wood to the back of your 3x4's body.

[buzzardkid]

Thanks for suggestions so far! Appriciate it!

I own a "23" Graphic roll film back from Graflex, but cannot mount it to the camera since it's lacking the slightly bigger 3.25x4.25 plate. And, if I could, I would still have to convert the Spring back to a Graflok back, so that's a no-go.

The purpose of the exercise is to revive a camera that currently is a shelf queen. If investing in another camera, I'd turn to a Horseman 970 or a 985 (which apperently do take 4x5 back on them as well!), which take 120 without hassle.

So for now the question remains: can it be done? And if not: anybody like to buy a Graflex Speed Anni 3.25x4.25, with 4 DS cartridges, 12 OS cartridges and 4 film pack magazines?:)

[Oren Grad]

If investing in another camera, I'd turn to a Horseman 970 or a 985 (which apperently do take 4x5 back on them as well!), which take 120 without hassle.

The 4x5 expander backs for the Horseman 6x9 press/field cameras are clumsy and limited. Really, if you want a 4x5 camera you should just buy a 4x5 camera. There are plenty to be had even on very tight budgets.

[Mike1234]

Thanks for suggestions so far! Appriciate it!

I own a "23" Graphic roll film back from Graflex, but cannot mount it to the camera since it's lacking the slightly bigger 3.25x4.25 plate. And, if I could, I would still have to convert the Spring back to a Graflok back, so that's a no-go.

As stated above, visit the graflex.org website. There is information there on how to quickly/easily/cheaply convert any Graflex spring back to accept Graflock accessories. The "23" RFH I have is made to fit the 3x4... not the 2x3 or 4x5.

If you want to shoot 4x5 I agree that you should just find a 4x5 with the Graflock back. I have many of those for sale too, BTW.

[buzzardkid]

The 4x5 expander backs for the Horseman 6x9 press/field cameras are clumsy and limited. Really, if you want a 4x5 camera you should just buy a 4x5 camera. There are plenty to be had even on very tight budgets.

Thank you Oren, I am only considering the 4x5 conversion because it will allow me to use a 6x9 roll film holder, which is my main objective here. I think my initial post wasn't clear enough on that, I apologise.

[Oren Grad]

For sure, no apology needed. I'd still just go with a 2x3/6x9 camera if that's the point, but my bias is to keep things simple. I do understand about trying first to see if you can make the most of what you already have in hand.

[buzzardkid]

...The "23" RFH I have is made to fit the 3x4... not the 2x3 or 4x5.

...


In which case I am certainly interested!

I aim to shoot odd lenses with the 3.25x4.25 Speed Anni, which has a focal plane shutter. Converting old projection and barrel lenses to fit self made lens boards I can handle.

The 6x9 format is the most to my liking, I need the 2:3 ratio to relax:p and also the (perceived) ease of use, both in loading and developing. The currently attached spring back ground glass I think I can convert to a Graflok-style myself, I'm not nervous about that.

I'll drop you a private line through here soon, inquiring about condition, price and shipping fees.

[Mike1234]

I think the 3x4 may be a very good choice if you ever want to use longer lenses. The 2x3 Pacemaker is limited to approx 210mm at infinity and the lens boards are so small it's difficult to find a telephoto that fits. The Century 2x3 has an even shorter bellows. The Anniversary 3x4 will accomodate a 305mm at infinity and the lensboard is slightly larger so you'll have better luck fitting lenses... though the difference is small. I would think using a 180mm for portraits would be a snap with your 3x4.

The above stated... I agree that the 4x5 really is a more versatile camera. For instance, if you really like wide formats the 4x5 will allow use of a 6x12cm RFH. It's just something to consider.

[Michael Roberts]

Thanks for suggestions so far! Appriciate it!

I own a "23" Graphic roll film back from Graflex, but cannot mount it to the camera since it's lacking the slightly bigger 3.25x4.25 plate. And, if I could, I would still have to convert the Spring back to a Graflok back, so that's a no-go.

The purpose of the exercise is to revive a camera that currently is a shelf queen. If investing in another camera, I'd turn to a Horseman 970 or a 985 (which apperently do take 4x5 back on them as well!), which take 120 without hassle.

So for now the question remains: can it be done? And if not: anybody like to buy a Graflex Speed Anni 3.25x4.25, with 4 DS cartridges, 12 OS cartridges and 4 film pack magazines?:)

Hi Johan,
Yes, it can be done; I am in the process of putting a spring 4x5 back on a crown graphic 3x4 now. I'll post some pics after coffee this morning. You'll need to add a spacer to the back of the camera so the image won't vignette. I think I calculated a 1 inch spacer is needed. I do not use roll films or any other attachment that requires a graflok back, and I could use a spring back w/o having to cut down a metal 4x5 back. If you want to use a graflok 4x5 w/o cutting it down, the back addition to your camera will be larger than the 3x4 body. I can show this better with some illustrations.

[Michael Roberts]

Here are some pics--I haven't yet attached the back spacer or the spring back. I've been on the fence about gluing it on versus screws. As you can see, this spacer fits flush except on the right side (from front) where it extends about 1/2 inch from the body of the 3x4 (note: this may be a deal-breaker if you intend/need to use a side-mounted rangefinder!). If I had used the entire graphic metal back, I would have had to either cut the top off or extend the wood spacer above the top of the 3x4 body, so I opted to use only the gg holder and springs and make the rest from wood.

My interest, like yours, was to put a shelf queen back into service. Also, the smaller sized body really appealed to my wife; the 3x4 body fits her hands better than the 4x5 body. So I'm trying this as an experiment to see if the 3x4 to 4x5 conversion is feasible.

I will also add a top leather handle for easier carrying (and to cover the optical finder holes).

One of the great things about the 3x4s is they have the same bellows extension (or nearly so) as the 4x5s.

[Michael Roberts]

a few more...

[buzzardkid]

Just wanted to update: a Horseman 970 is waiting for me at the post office, I will pick uit up tomorrow. And, I'm considering a Kodak Medalist II and have the feed side converted to 120 spool.


So, I'll retreat here, and be a lurker again :)