3.25 x 4.25 Graflex

[mdarnton]

I just got a 3x4 RB Tele, and already have a 4x5 Super D. I'm thinking of converting the 3x4 to a 4x4, with a 4x5 Graflok back. That way I'll be using a film size I can easily handle, in Grafmatics, with a much smaller and lighter camera. I just now took the back off and am contemplating the switch as I sit here . . .

It looks like everything's going to hang out on the sides in a funky way, even if I chop off everything possible on the Graflok back.

[Tin Can]

I just got a 3x4 RB Tele, and already have a 4x5 Super D. I'm thinking of converting the 3x4 to a 4x4, with a 4x5 Graflok back. That way I'll be using a film size I can easily handle, in Grafmatics, with a much smaller and lighter camera. I just now took the back off and am contemplating the switch as I sit here . . .

It looks like everything's going to hang out on the sides in a funky way, even if I chop off everything possible on the Graflok back.

I held up a Horseman frame, without GG part and it fits width fine, in vertical position. Pictures show the story. I stocked up on Horseman when people were giving them away. I use every part, sometimes differently.

Horseman are better than Sinar for odd jobs. ymmv

[mdarnton]

That looks perfect. Is it from any particular camera?

[Tin Can]

That looks perfect. Is it from any particular camera?

Any Studio Horseman.

I got a plan for you...

I will PM.

[Bill_1856]

Converting sizes is an awful lot of work. Wouldn't it be much easier to just shoot 3.25x4.25 film? You can order all you want from Ilford right now and once a year. Another great advantage is using a BagMag -- in my opinion a gift of the photo gods.
I had my 4x5 converted from Graflex to Graflock so it would use Polaroid 52 and 55. Since those are no longer available, I wish that i hadn't done it.

[mdarnton]

I'm heavily invested in three other sizes, and really like the idea of a gigantic Hasselblad at this point. The work is sort of what I do, so it's not a big deal, and it will be easily reversible without any trace.

[Michael Cienfuegos]

I hate to tell you guys, but that tiny Dorthea Lange was carrying a 5x7 Graflex, not a 4x5. It was a monster, especially next to her.

I like the Ilford film, it's great, but a 25 sheet box of 3x4 is around the $65 mark, and I can't afford much at that price. I just might have to cut down some x-ray film. Too bad Efke went under, I have only two boxes left in the freezer.

[Bill_1856]

I hate to tell you guys, but that tiny Dorthea Lange was carrying a 5x7 Graflex, not a 4x5..

I don't think so. What is your source? (The well-publicized Migrant Mother negatives are definitely 4x5.)

[jbenedict]

Unless you want to do all of the reconfiguring of the camera (which is fine) it is *very* easy to cut 4x5 to 3.25x4.25...

1. You need a rototrimmer, a piece of mounting board a little bit of tape and the tim. You may want cotton gloves.

2. You are going to make two separate cuts with the rototrimmer. Your choice of long way first or short way. It doesn't matter.

3. Take the piece of mounting board and place it on the rototrimmer in such a way that it is a guide for your cut. You will be taking .75 off of two of the sides. Tape it down.

4. Make practice cuts with a note card cut to 4x5. Try your cut card in a holder to see if it is right. If you want confidence this will work in the dark, do a practice cut with the lights out.

5. Get going with the real film. I have cut all of the film to 3.25 x 5, put it all in the box and then do the 4.25 cut. Or, handle the film once and do both cuts. That is up to you. You must take care not to cut off the notches or you will cause yourself a problem knowing which side has the emulsion on it when you load them into holders. If you are worried about fingerprints, wear the cotton gloves.

6. There you go. An HP Combiplan daylight tank has a setting for 3.25x4.25 film, you and hunt for 3.25x4.25 hangers on eBay. At one time, I found a 3.25x4.25 negative holder for a Beseler 45.

You can devise a similar process for cutting 8x10 into 5x7. A little bit more involved but doable. (since you cut the film in half to cut from 10" to 5", you will have to cut one of the corners off of one of the halves to denote which side is the emulsion and you have to make sure you don't cut the notches off on the top piece.) There are lots of films that are available ready to go in 8x10 that are not available ready to go for 5x7.

It's your choice if you want to go with the Ilford Special Cut. Cutting is a little fussy but the end result will be the same and cheaper. Not sure how you would process E-6 or C-41 in the quarter plate size but it's no problem with B&W.

I have an 3.25x4.25 Speed I use frequently. It's a fun little trip into nostalgia land and the camera is smaller than 4x5 so it takes up less room. I have never used a bag-mag so can't comment on that.

[Chauncey Walden]

I've been cutting 8x10 sheets of Kodak single sided x-ray film down for my 1915 Tele-Graflex. So that works out to .20 a 3.25x4.25 sheet for the camera. There is no hassle about the notches because the ortho film can be cut and loaded under a red LED safelight and you can see which side the emulsion is on.