Adding Graflok Back to R.B Graflex (Super D)

Fragomeni · May 16, 2011

Ok, so this is apparently a pretty common mod to the R.B. Graflex cameras (specifically the 4x5 and becoming more common now the 3x4) yet I have not seen any tutorials for how to do it. I know Lens and Repro in NY will do it (for a hefty price) and I know there are places to send your camera but what about instructions for those who like to do it themselves.

I'm curious as to what exactly is involved to do this to a 4x5 Super D. Is is so extensive that it is really only practical to send it out to have it done? I've heard that the Graflok back off of a Super Speed Graphic will fit directly onto a Super D, is this true?

Anyway, can someone please provide some detailed insight into this endeavor? Thank you.

removed account4 · May 16, 2011

francesco -

i might be mistaken, but
the super d's HAVE a graflok back already ...
the earlier ones, d-series have a graphic back.

i haven't modified mine, i really saw no need to do it
because film holders and bag magazines are so plentiful,
and polaroid and roll film adapters "tape" on the back with no trouble.

you might want to ask your question over on graflex.org there are people who do it there
and they can tell you about the shims ...

good luck !
john

erikg · May 16, 2011

Although a graflok was an option for the super d, factory versions are rare. It's not a difficult mod, but you give up the rotating feature. Sk Grimes can do it, for those less brave.

Fragomeni · May 17, 2011

Nope, very few Super D's left the factory with Graflok backs. Its a common mod however hence my question.

Erikg, what do you mean you lose the rotating feature? I've seen the mod done where the rotating back still functioned.

Anyway, I don't think I'll end up doing it anyway. I have a Grafmatic back, Bag Mag, and 6x9 Rollfim back that fit it just fine so why render them useless. I've got my Fuji PA145 instant pack film holder to fit like a glove by using to hair bands to hold it in place so no worries there. Although it would be more convenient to have the graflok back I was more curious as to why I'd never seen instructions on how to do the mod since it is so common. Oh well, Im happy with it as it is

Sirius Glass · May 17, 2011

Bert at graflex.org is a retired Graflex and Graphic repairman. Contact him, he built the conversion adapter for me.

Steve

removed account4 · May 17, 2011

thanks!
i have only seen them with graflok backs
and never knew they didn't all have them ...

bert is the best !
john

Sirius Glass · May 17, 2011

Because Bert made the adapter for me, I can move Grafmatic 45s and two sided film holders back and forth between my Graflex Model D and my Pacemaker Speed Graphic.

Steve

removed account4 · May 17, 2011

sounds useful !
while i met bert back when i got my series D .. but he wasn't the
person who was local that did the mod's ... the fellow
in the loft below me had a 3x4 graflex and the local guy
had 2 massive strokes as he mated a 4x5 back on the 3x4 camera
( he wanted to do full frame 3x4 images on 4x5 55p/n film.
seeing this local repair guy was not in any shape to modify my camera ...
i ended up buying slotted film holders and bag-mags instead
now i have shelves full of wooden, and plastic film holders, bag mags and grafmatics
bag mag plate holders, unslotted plate holders and lastly a 22 + 23 roll film backs that i
should share between my other 4x5s and the series D ... but i only use on the series D ...
the polo 545i (i gave to someone for a project), and roll backs all tape well on
so i realized my savings was well spent
tape is cheap, modifications cost $$

Sirius Glass · May 17, 2011

The price that Bert gave me was not high. You will have to email him and ask.

Steve

darinwc · May 19, 2011

I did a slight mod to my graflex RB that allowed it to accept regular double-darkslides or graflmatics.
I will see if I still have the instruction pics i took. Its really really easy and did not destroy the back. Just a snip here and there. it will still accept slotted holders just fine.

BobCrowley · May 29, 2011

Most of the Super Ds came without Grafloks, but they can be added by machining a Graflok back down to fit into the existing rotating back. You do not lose the rotating feature. One has to shim up the ground glass about 1.2mm to compensate for the slight change in distance, but infinity focus is preserved as the native focus has a bit of over travel.

If you supply the back and the camera, then I think a service charge ought to be about $3-400 to do this, as it will take about 4-5 hours for a nice neat job. You could also do it yourself.

I have one that I did at http://imagemeister.blogspot.com that you can look at.

Bob

http://new55project.blogspot.com

Sirius Glass · May 29, 2011

That is much more than I paid Bert to make one for me.

Steve

BobCrowley · May 29, 2011

Then you should thank him again.

BobCrowley · Jul 1, 2011

http://groups.google.com/group/rec....q=super+d+graflok+back+n1ddz#dd8da1c94c9ef797

Link to converting a Super D to Graflok

Why not do it yourself?

Adding Graflok Back to R.B Graflex (Super D)

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