4x5 Grafmatic film backs

[GoodOldNorm]

4x5 Graflock film backs, do they work and is it worth buying one? What are the main problems with their use in the field ?

[Tin Can]

None

I use Horseman

but there are variations that don't work

What camera...

[GoodOldNorm]

None

I use Horseman

but there are variations that don't work

What camera...

Chamoix f1

[Tin Can]

Well

What type back?

120 film, Polaroid, DIGI

6X6, 6x7, 6X9....6X12

all can work, but heavy and unbalance that lightweight box

[Sert]

Well

What type back?

120 film, Polaroid, DIGI

6X6, 6x7, 6X9....6X12

all can work, but heavy and unbalance that lightweight box

not the OP but i have the 45F2 and does that work with DAYI 6x17 back?

[BrianShaw]

I assume that you are referring to Graflex roll film backs. If so, they work just fine in the field. They are a bit bulky but so what? One must be mindful of the dark slide, but so what? The best are the lever wind. They are susceptible to the wind spring breaking which is the only disadvantage versus the knob wind backs. Some say that film is flatter on lever wind backs because they added more rollers. I rarely use them when GG focusing because of the amount of handling required. On a press camera with a calibrated rangefinder they are a true delight.

[GoodOldNorm]

Well

What type back?

120 film, Polaroid, DIGI

6X6, 6x7, 6X9....6X12

all can work, but heavy and unbalance that lightweight box

I should make my question a little more specific,I was asking about the 4x5 sheet film backs that hold 6 sheets of film.

[Louis Pacilla]

Grafmatic holder. Some love them, some hate them. I,m in between the two. As a result I only own a couple & occasionally use them.

[domaz]

Using a Grafmatic with a Graflok back is great for reflex cameras or for shots using a calibrated rangefinder to focus. The big disadvantage is the Graflok back better have a lot of holding force on the retaining rails, or when cycling the Grafmatic it could "pull back" causing a light leak. Reinforcing the Graflok with rubber bands etc is not a bad idea to avoid this.

[FredrickSummers]

I don't have an F1, but I use a 45h1, close-ish camera. I carry 2 graphmatics and have used them for many years. I love these things. My main films stay in them, the rest go in holders. Be sure you read the instruction on how to use them. As long as you get a good condition one they tend to last forever and are fairly easy to repair when problems come.

I use them almost every time I go out and normally just under the ground glass. I will use the locks if its windy or something though.