Help with Kodak 2D back

**Mark Sawyer** · 6-Oct-2019, 12:24

I'm unclear, is the plate holder thicker than a standard film holder? Also, have you checked to see it's in registration with the ground glass for focusing?

**badler** · 6-Oct-2019, 15:09

Some plate holders are simply modified film holders. Some are built to work with specific GG backs and I suspect only register with that back. This is the type used on those specially built wetplate cameras and reproductions. If you search tailboard wetplate camera you will likely see one.

The pins on the back do move within the arm of the leaf spring. I don’t think moving them would help.

I did remove the top leaf of the spring at the top and bottom. That has provided some relief of the stiffness.

I also have come across another issue. The tolerance of the 2D back is very tight. I have a few wooden holders that are about 2mm too wide to fit in the back. The wooden holders may have warped or swollen. I don’t have a modern holder to test the back with.

**Tin Can** · 6-Oct-2019, 15:16

Sounds like you know what you are doing

Remove 1 mm from each side of the holders

**badler** · 6-Oct-2019, 17:17

I’m not sure I do. I will ask Mr Ritter if he makes a bail type back or has instructions to do so. Ultimately that may be a better solution.

**Tin Can** · 6-Oct-2019, 17:34

I highly recomend RR.

Get your work to him asap as he is often busy.

He did a great job on a bail back and new holders for me a couple years ago.

Do not wait for Spring. Which is when LF fever hits...

Originally Posted by badler

I’m not sure I do. I will ask Mr Ritter if he makes a bail type back or has instructions to do so. Ultimately that may be a better solution.

**jose angel** · 7-Oct-2019, 00:01

FWIW, I`d say the spring back on my Kodak feel also stiff and I think it is fine. I think it is the way it should.
I have other LF cameras which feel equally stiff (some even more). A bit awkward, but not a problem at all.
I use current standard Fidelity Elite holders, 100% fit. A bit thicker holder should work, too.

**badler** · 7-Oct-2019, 04:45

Thanks everyone for the insights

**Tin Can** · 7-Oct-2019, 05:33

Last thought.

I have a KODAK SPECIALIST 2D HALF-PLATE (+ 5X7) which has extremely tight GG double leaf springs. I removed the top springs as OP has done and it is still very stiff.

I expect this high level of clamping was designed to ensure light fastness and very close GG/film registration.

The camera is like new, better than the sample.