Dumb question regarding groundglass back

[mn_ir]

Hi, i'm completely new to large format. I picked up Steve Simmon's book, and today was able to finally borrow a Calumet 4x5 from my school. While messing around with it, I somehow managed to unclip (or something) the metal clips (or jaw-type things) on ground glass back that attaches to the rear standard. The one on the other side of it came off shortly after. I thought it would attach right back on, which it does, but hangs much more loosely now and nothing like before. Hopefully someone can help me solve this seemingly easy question. I hope I phrased most of it right too. Thanks.

 

[skyrick]

If it's a Graflock back, the metal clips slide right and left to secure or release the rear standard.

Rick

 

[Vaughn]

Might not be a Graflock back that came off. We have three of the Calumets at our university and the GG back will come unhooked if you pull the GG back too far back getting the film holders in and out. It is not easy hooking it all back together. For future reference, there is no need to pull the GG back more than a 1/4 more than the thickness of the film holder.

I am trying to picture the set-up -- I have fixed this problem many times, but am having a hard time seeing it in front of me. On each side there is a screw that needs to be loosen (but not removed)on the part that came off. Then you need a small tool (I use an icepick with its tip bent at 90 degrees) to get the spring back in place -- then tighten the screw. I won't be near one of those cameras again until Monday, so I can not be more clear in my description...sorry.

vaughn

 

[mn_ir]

I will give it a try. That sounds about right.

 

[mn_ir]

Thanks Vaughn! Was exactly it. Would have never figured that out in a million years. Google didn't help at all either. Well, hopefully I can start trying to shoot with it.

 

[Vaughn]

Glad I could help...sometimes I get lucky. Have fun with the camera!

Vaughn

PS...the reason our students accidently discombobulate the back of the camera is that they have trouble pulling the film holder out, so they pull back on the back farther thinking that that is the reason for the trouble. There is a lip/ridge on the holder that fits into a groove on the back -- one just has to pull the holder slightly back to clear the ridge of the groove, then pull the holder out.