Chinese 6x12 roll film backs (plastic cheapies)

[pellicle]

Hi

I've been after a 6x12 roll back for my 4x5 for a while, and at my usage rates can't justify a whole lot of money on a back. While using a split darkslide to do my panos on sheet film is cheaper its annoying to need to carry more holders.

I've seen one company selling these (eg item 290217880102) and I'm just wondering why it is that these things keep being bid up to over a hundred bucks when they really are not even as sophisticated as a Holga.

I'm even more stunned because this place is a SHOP, marketing and selling these things, so its not as if its a 'rare one off"

sigh

 

[Antje]

Well... I own a DaYi 6x12 back and found it really nice for the 100€ I paid for it. I admit it ripped a tear in one film once, but I think I just should have spooled the film more carefully, and apart from one nicked frame, the film came out fine. Don't know abut this one, but mine feels very solid and well-made, too, it's almost all metal, heavy, and the back closes with a firm and trust-inspiring *clunk*. No light leaks yet, either, and I loaded, unloaded, and shot with it in the Canary Island's sun last week. Haven't got any photos online yet because I just started scanning them, but they look great so far.
The advantage over shooting sheet film for me this time was that I also took the Hasselblad with me and thus was able to use the same film for both. That made travel a lot easier. I wouldn't have been able to fit a couple of holders and film boxes into my backpack along with the rest. Sure, this way, I only get negatives two times the size of the Blad's, but I took the 4x5 primarily for the movements and the ability to shoot panos anyway.

Antje

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Try to find one that comes with masks for other formats as well (6x9, 6x6, 6x4.5). They're about the same price.

I have a DaYi 6x17 back, and I've been happy with it.

 

[Nick Zentena]

I don't know the one on Ebay but I have a Shen Hao BC [AB?? I forget] No plastic other then the knobs.

Have you priced name brand 6x12 backs?

 

[pellicle]

Folks

thanks for the answers.

It is as I suspect a market used to paying for high quality low volume items (hence the pricing of items such as Sinar and Horseman roll backs). The Da Yi for Shen Hao is also a solig item. However to apply such pricing to the plastic cheapie to which I refer (which has not even got a felt over the dark slide door slot) is quite absurd.

Good luck to the sellers is all I can say, as they are clearly raking in money from this situation.

I wish people would stop applying the logic of the past onto this gear, as its killing it in favour of digital. I'm certain that I would never buy now a LF setup if I had to pay thousands for each item I have, or reduce the usability of my gear. I've seen the films I like and the gear I like vanish because of this 'elite' market pricing and I don't like that.

 

[imazursky]

I ended up with the Go Hua 6x12 back.
I would not really recommend it. It scratches my film and the foam that sealed the counter window had to be re glued.
The most annoying part was the winding nob. It came off during a shoot. It looked like it was a bad press fit. Nothing some epoxy couldn't fix.
When i have time, i will file it down and it should be perfect.

Other than those issues, the images are sharp and its easy to use.

 

[pellicle]

I ended up with the Go Hua 6x12 back.
I would not really recommend it. It scratches my film and the foam that sealed the counter window had to be re glued.
The most annoying part was the winding nob. It came off during a shoot. It looked like it was a bad press fit. Nothing some epoxy couldn't fix.
When i have time, i will file it down and it should be perfect.

Other than those issues, the images are sharp and its easy to use.

Thanks for that feedback. This is more or less what I suspected from the item (looking at the pictures). That they are regularly sold for $150 means I will not be investing in one. I might see if I can hack something else myself ;-)

seems like there's a market.