Chinese 6x12 roll film backs for (Toho) 4x5 cameras

[pellicle]

Folks

there are a couple of these getting around on eBay, one seems to be sold for about US$250 and the other for about $150. From what I've head and found out from other locations they are extraordinarily over priced for what they are, especially the plastic one which is not even as sophisticated as a plastic 120 camera I used to have as it has neither lens nor shutter)

The mind boggles as to why people are willing to spend such money on these, and I can only attribute it to the prices of more sophisticated items (such as the horseman and sinar backs).

My problem however (keeping my small rant in perspective) is that I have a Toho 45 camera, and from what I've read there are issues with some of these 120 holders (namely the plastic one)

• not fitting in behind the spring hinged door of the camera without hitting the ground glass.
• Others have warned me that the springs can become stretched from holding the thicker units.
• Lastly I don't see the sort of ridge that my Lisco holders have to 'snap' the holder neatly in place on these things either.

Some years ago I made the decision not to go down this path, instead using a dark sliced so as to allow exposure of ½ a sheet at a time. This has proven itself in the field, but I'm now thinking that perhaps a single light weight 120 roll film adaptor may be worth having (depending on the price).

So apart from pony up the bucks on the cheapie (which appears to be crappy and over priced for what it is) or ferret about for something second hand, does anyone have any suggestions (other than keep using the ½ sheet exposure approach)

Thanks

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

In general, the "hump" type rollfilm backs are awkward at best under the groundglass. They're designed to work with a Graflok/international type back with the groundglass panel removed.

If you don't have a Graflok type back on your Toho, then the least expensive option is probably a Calumet rollfilm back, which is designed to slip under the groundglass. They're not too hard to find second hand, if you don't want to spend the money on a new one. More expensive backs of this type are Linhof Rapid Rollex backs and the Sinar Zoom backs.

 

[Trevor Crone]

If asked I really couldn't recommend one of those Chinese 6x12cm backs. I have one by Shen Hao; comes with multiformat masks. Although it has given me some worthwhile negatives, most have shown signs of fogging. It's unreliable. What comes of trying to save a few bob.

I'm currently using a 6x12cm Linhof Techno Rollex which delivers a full 120mm negative, most give a 110mm (I do like to squeeze that extra dimension).
However mine has on more then one occasion given negative overlap. Plus they are very expensive.

I wished now I had kept my Horseman 6x12cm back, this was very reliable.

I've always used them with the GG back removed, not enough spring movement on my camera.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The Chinese backs are made by various companies and though they are similar, they aren't all the same.

I have a DaYi 6x17 back, and it works fine with no light leaks.

 

[Nick Zentena]

My Shen is the 612BC [I think that's the model number might be AB or something else memorable] It doesn't leak light even if I leave it loaded out in the sun. It is bone simple in design and build but I consider that a positive. The downside with mine is the ultra dark ruby window.

I can't imagine using it on a non-graflok back.

 

[Trevor Crone]

I guess I owe these Chinese backs an apology - just unlucky with my one.

Nick - I do use the graflock back, its only the sprung ground glass section that I remove. This is because there is not enough clearance for the roll film back to slide under the GG on my camera.

 

[Nick Zentena]

It's not supposed to. At least my understanding of normal use of a graflok is to remove the glass and mount the accessory.

 

[Trevor Crone]

It's not supposed to. At least my understanding of normal use of a graflok is to remove the glass and mount the accessory.

There are some that are designed to slide under the GG without removing it. I think the Sinar Zoom is one and if my memory serves me correctly, some designed by Toyo and Cambo.

 

[Nick Zentena]

But are they Graflok backs? The Calumets slide in like film holders but they aren't grafloks.