6x13 rollfilm back for 4x5

[RalphLambrecht]

does anybody know of a 6x12 or 6x13 rollfilm back for a 4x5 camera, possibly as a Graph Lock back?

 

[abruzzi]

The Horseman 6x12 is good quality but has gotten a bit expensive.

 

[blee1996]

Intrepid has a new Super 120 roll film system that covers 6x4.5 all the way up to 6x12. I have not used it myself

Intrepid Super 120 System

The Super 120 System magazine is designed to give you the most out of a roll of medium format film on your 4x5 Camera (with a Graflok back). Multiple formats from 6x4.5 to 6x12 all on the same roll. From a classic 6x4.5 portrait format, to stunning high-fidelity 6x12 panoramas-the Super 120...

intrepidcamera.co.uk

 

[grahamp]

I can think of three (at least) new : MIA miapinhole.com (UK), Mercury Cameras (USA), and Intrepid (UK). I've only got experience of Mercury's offering, and have a couple of reservations about it. The Mia one lets you choose any size with backing paper markings, and Intrepid has this dynamic multi-format one.

Used, there are Horseman, DAYI, Cambo/Calumet. And probably others.

The one I use most is 3D printed from a design by Edgar Kech.

These all claim to fit a Graflok back via the usual sliding clips. The cambo slide in type does mean you do not have to remove the ground glass. But this is not an issue with a rangefinder camera, of course.

I am sure this list is as notable for its omissions, as anything!

 

[MTGseattle]

If you really want to spend money, there is a Linhof one as well

Linhof Techno-Rollex 6x12 back (only one)

The greatest rollfilm back every created! The engineering is out of this world, and the back loads and works perfectly. This back has a full 120mm frame width, 8mm larger than standard 6x12 backs. It holds film flatter than any other back, operates smoother, has perfect film spacing, and is the...

mercuryworks.store

 

[Dan Fromm]

ShenHao; Sinar Panorama, Vario, Zoom, Zoom II. The Sinars are all insertion type but have recesses to accept Graflok sliders. I have a 6x12 Panorama. AFAIK, parts for Sinar roll holders are unavailable.

 

[abruzzi]

I'm curious about the Intrepid and may try it out, its flexible and pretty inexpensive, but its worth pointing out that it requires assembly, so be sure to watch the assembly video to decide if that it worth it to you.

 

[djdister]

does anybody know of a 6x12 or 6x13 rollfilm back for a 4x5 camera, possibly as a Graph Lock back?

I think the Horseman 6x12 rollfilm back is your best option (I've had one for years) other than the even more spendy Linhof. But expect to spend around $500.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

thanks for all replies... Linhof it is.

 

[abruzzi]

Bob Saloman (am I getting his name correct?) used to point out that the Linhof Techno Rollex was a true 120mm width. A fair bit wider than many of the others.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Bob Saloman (am I getting his name correct?) used to point out that the Linhof Techno Rollex was a true 120mm width. A fair bit wider than many of the others.

Yes. There's no 6x12 standard. Most of the the others' gates are 56 x 112 +/-/

 

[koraks]

Bob Saloman (am I getting his name correct?)

Bob Salomon, I think. He's always been active at the larformatphotography.info forum.

I personally use a Shen Hao 6x12 back sometimes. It works fine; I've had Horseman backs for smaller formats in the past and they are nicer w.r.t. the film transport, but ultimately, you get the same image and you're also liable to making the same mistakes (double/missed exposures).

Sinar used to make a variable format back that could switch formats even within the same roll. I've never seen it in person; it pops up rarely on the market and always commands an insane price. I believe it's unique in the multi-format feature.

 

[awty]

Bob Salomon, I think. He's always been active at the larformatphotography.info forum.

I personally use a Shen Hao 6x12 back sometimes. It works fine; I've had Horseman backs for smaller formats in the past and they are nicer w.r.t. the film transport, but ultimately, you get the same image and you're also liable to making the same mistakes (double/missed exposures).

Sinar used to make a variable format back that could switch formats even within the same roll. I've never seen it in person; it pops up rarely on the market and always commands an insane price. I believe it's unique in the multi-format feature.

I just received a Shen Hao 6x12 film back, they are all aluminium and well built, as you say do the job.
Linhof are going to be better, but for the price the Shen is decent.

 

[Wouthazel]

I recently received the 6x12 holder from Intrepid. I’ve tested it with one roll, but unfortunately without much success so far. I had light leaks and only three frames actually came out, and none of them were true 6x12. I’m waiting for a few new 120 rolls to make another attempt—it’s very possible that I don’t fully understand the best way to use it yet. In particular, advancing the film was a real struggle for me. So no real conclusion yet, and I’m not giving up...

 

[MattKing]

Sinar used to make a variable format back that could switch formats even within the same roll. I've never seen it in person; it pops up rarely on the market and always commands an insane price. I believe it's unique in the multi-format feature.

A friend had one, and it was fascinating.
Sadly, he is no longer with us.
I do recall though that you to pay extra attention when you were using it, otherwise you could forget which format you were using mid-roll.

 

[xya]

Sinar used to make a variable format back that could switch formats even within the same roll. I've never seen it in person; it pops up rarely on the market and always commands an insane price. I believe it's unique in the multi-format feature.

I have one and it's a marvel. You can slide it under a 4x5 ground glass, but also fix it with the Graflok standard sliders. I have made a page for a Cambo Wide, the holder is a main part of it https://www.oddcameras.com/cambo_wide_470.htm You will find a lot of "how to" there.

 

[craigclu]

I have a seldom used DAYI but it has been satisfactory when pressed into duty. I originally bought it for reasons of economy as I didn't think I'd use it very often. It's actually quite sturdy and functions well.

 

[MarkS]

The Calumet 6x12 back was rather expensive new, and was offered for only a short time. I suspect that few were sold, so it might be hard to locate one now.
It is a slide-in type holder, closely related to their common C2N 6x7 roll holder. I considered buying one when they were being sold new, but never did.

 

[Vieri Bottazzini]

The Linhof is amazing, but very expensive compared to other used options. I have a Horseman 6x12 which works great; also own both a 6x9 and a 6x7 Horseman back, and never had a problem with any of the three.

I also had a Shen Hao (now sold), build quality was really good, it worked great but I found having a dedicated back for each film format a better (and simpler) solution for me.

Best regards,

Vieri

 

[MTGseattle]

As an odd lo-fi reference point; My Holgapan 120 gets me 120mm wide images (negative measured on light table). It's why I was intrigued by the thing. I haven't measured my Horseman 6x12 back negatives, but I'm sure that data exists on the web.

 

[mshchem]

The Horseman back is very nice.

 

[Jarno]

For my homebuilt camera, I wanted to use interchangeable backs and investigated a bit on which one to use.
The Calumet ones apparently sometimes leave scratches. The Sinar Vario Zoom is an intricate bit of clockmaking, a bit of a faff to put film into, but lends itself to fitting behind the groundglass, it does have protruding bit which is quite bulky (as does the Calumet).
I wanted a proper film advance lever so I did not look at the Dayi, but it does seem properly engineered, as does the new Intrepid rollfilmback, but there is more (3d printed?) plastic on that.
Ultimately I went with the Horseman graflok backs, as I'd already found the 6x9 one. The 6x12 variant is disproportionately expensive though, I found the 6x9 and 6x7 ones for around 100EUR, the 6x12 was about 400EUR I think. With the horseman backs, you do need to be careful not to open the lock when you grab them from a backpack, because when they open you are cooked, you then need to advance the whole roll. Also when forgetting the darkslide and advancing, you cannot go back to expose a frame. Rotating knobs are more flexible for this.