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fkp-1
5-May-2010, 15:04
I just purchased a Graflex RB Super D 4x5 in great condition, and I'm wondering if someone could tell me what my options are for film holders. I searched the forums but can't seem to find any info about this.

The model I purchased came with an old Graflex Pack Film holder attached to the revolving back. I've been told this camera has a Graflex back (NOT Graflok).

I'd like to test the camera and wondering what kind of 4x5 film holders I can use. I see what are listed as "vintage type 5" 4x5 holders on eBay, but the sellers don't know if they'll work with the Super D.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Fran

CCB
5-May-2010, 16:10
You have the Graflex back on your camera, and will need to use Graflex film holders with it. They have a groove down the side and are easily distinguishable from the more common International style film holders.

Bill_1856
5-May-2010, 16:14
Your very best choice is to find a "Bag-Mag", which is a Graflex magazine which will hold 12 sheets of film.
Check at www.Graflex.org for everything you need to know about old Graflexes.

Oren Grad
5-May-2010, 16:52
The holders you need are often referred to as "Graflex slotted holders". Note that Graflex brand by itself is not enough, since Graflex also offered ordinary 4x5 holders that won't fit.

ethics_gradient
5-May-2010, 17:11
Out of curiosity, how difficult is it to fit a Graflok back to one of those Graflex SLRs? I know it's fairly straightforward on a Speed/Crown Graphic, but not sure how the mirror and such might affect things.

For the Graflex back, bag-mags are going to be the easiest sure bet. It will be difficult to find regular Graflex-back double-sided holders on eBay, since many sellers aren't knowledgeable about such things. (Graflex certainly could have made it less confusing themselves though.) I bought a Crown Graphic with a Graflex back and wound up selling it; in hindsight now that I'm using mainly Grafmatics on my Speed Graphic, maybe it would have been smarter to go with the cheaper 12-shot bag mags a Graflex back affords.

Paul Ewins
5-May-2010, 17:15
Ok, here's a few links to pages that I wrote about Grafmatics and Bag Mags etc. It should illustrate the differences between a Graflex accessory and a Graflok accessory.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~paulewins/resources/grafmatic.htm
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~paulewins/resources/bagmag.htm

The quick answer is that the film holders for a Graflex back will have a slot as the light trap while regular film holders will have a ridge.

fkp-1
5-May-2010, 17:52
Wow. Thanks to everyone for the replies. I never expected so much help so quickly!

Now, does anyone know who I might contact to get some of the "slotted" 4x5 Graflex holders? I see all many Graflex holders listed on ebay, but none of the sellers ever seems to show enough detail (side views) to see if they are slotted. I'm just thinking there might be a reputable vintage dealer out there who may have these in stock.

Thanks again for all the help. You guys are amazing.

-Fran

Bill_1856
5-May-2010, 18:18
Out of curiosity, how difficult is it to fit a Graflok back to one of those Graflex SLRs? I know it's fairly straightforward on a Speed/Crown Graphic, but not sure how the mirror and such might affect things.


Fitting the back is just a matter of a few wood screws to switch from a Graflex back. The problem is that there is a different back focus distance to the ground glass. The focusing screen must be moved and that's a bitch (mine went back to Lens and Repro three times before they got it right).

ethics_gradient
5-May-2010, 20:31
Fitting the back is just a matter of a few wood screws to switch from a Graflex back. The problem is that there is a different back focus distance to the ground glass. The focusing screen must be moved and that's a bitch (mine went back to Lens and Repro three times before they got it right).

Do you know if it needs to be shimmed (moved higher), or do you have to grind away part of the body to get it lower?

ac12
23-May-2010, 20:08
Interesting thread.
I just got a few 4x5 film holders today and 2 do not fit my camera. :-(
They are made of wood and are wider than the standard 4x5 film holders and have a slot running down the sides of the back. Sounds like I have the back you guys are talking about.

Gary

Wade D
23-May-2010, 21:31
I have about a half dozen of the older Graflex holders with the slot. I bought them from someone here or on APUG, can't remember. Anyhow I found a Graphic (spring type) back for my Speed Graphic Anni and haven't used these in a while. PM me if you're interested and I will sell them cheap.

Lynn Jones
25-May-2010, 16:13
H Fran

In addition to what has been said before, the 4x5 Graflex film holders had a film plane location several thousandths of and inch different than all the other film holders. What can be done is to replace the back with a Graflok back and have the ground glass "par-focalized" so that standard film holders and roll holders can be used.

All the other Graflex SLR's can use standard film holders. I had my 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Graflex permanantly attached with a Graflex Roll Holder, I still use it even in the "great" digital age.

Lynn

ethics_gradient
25-May-2010, 20:42
Hey guys, me again! A couple more questions on the RB's:

The RB Auto-Graflex can't focus anything as wide as the 7" Aero Ektar to infinity due to mirror clearance issues, although the 7.5" it comes with seems rather close. How far can I go? If I can make it out to 15-20' or so, I don't think it'd be a big deal, and I might look in to shaving the edge of the mirror (a la the Canon 5D) to accommodate it if I work up the nerve.

Lensboards: I found an old Graflex catalog that lists the lensboard size as 3 3/4" square. That's pretty close to a Pacemaker board; is it possible to purchase (or make) an adapter so that I can mount Pacemaker boards on the R.B.? It's not a big deal, although it'd be nice not to have to carry separate boards for the two systems. Alternatively, does anyone know if it's possible to retrofit a Pacemaker front standard in place of the old one?

And now, the matter at hand:

I got a (legit) second-chance offer on a 4x5 R.B. Auto Graflex (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320538610127&ssPageName=ADME:X:SCO:US:1123). It's in "fair" condition cosmetically (some leather peeled off above the back, missing the leather handle on top) but working condition, and includes the original Kodak f/4.5 Anastigmat. Does just shy of $140 shipped sound reasonable? I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it long-term yet; I'm looking to compare it with my Pacemaker Speed Graphic and see how I like the handling. I'm hoping it works out, I've been interested in one of those old Graflex SLR's since I first saw one, and it looks like it might be a better street/candid machine than the Speed, if a bit more bulky and requiring some initial work.

edit: Wade, might be interested in a couple of those Graflex holders for the short-term if I decide to get this R.B (provided the OP isn't interested in them)

Sevo
26-May-2010, 03:59
Do you know if it needs to be shimmed (moved higher), or do you have to grind away part of the body to get it lower?

As it is a reflex, you can always get away with shimming - either between back and body or underneath the reflex finder ground glass.

ethics_gradient
26-May-2010, 10:19
As it is a reflex, you can always get away with shimming - either between back and body or underneath the reflex finder ground glass.

Good point, that makes sense.

Miguel Coquis
27-May-2010, 01:01
That RB is not expensive at all (if it works...)
With the aero ektar 7" it is only possible to focus from less then 1 m, very short distance but can still do some portrait work.

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Mai/Jess-aero.jpg
I has completey restored one of this and adapted an spring back for standard film holders. The front standard was replaced for a Linhof front standard to obtain font movements:)
PS see on "show your camera thread"
Good luck

Wade D
27-May-2010, 23:31
edit: Wade, might be interested in a couple of those Graflex holders for the short-term if I decide to get this R.B (provided the OP isn't interested in them)
Pm me and I'll send them cheap. Not in great shape but can be cleaned up nicely.

wskmosaic
3-Dec-2010, 13:29
I just purchased a Graflex RB Super D 4x5 in great condition, and I'm wondering if someone could tell me what my options are for film holders. I searched the forums but can't seem to find any info about this.

The model I purchased came with an old Graflex Pack Film holder attached to the revolving back. I've been told this camera has a Graflex back (NOT Graflok).

I'd like to test the camera and wondering what kind of 4x5 film holders I can use. I see what are listed as "vintage type 5" 4x5 holders on eBay, but the sellers don't know if they'll work with the Super D.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Fran

I don't know if you're still interested, but I've got 7 very decent 4X5 slotted graflex film holders. They are currently listed on eBay as "rare 4X5 slotted graflex film holders", but if they don't sell, let me know if you are interested.
Warren