Hi, I've got a couple Graflex 4x5's. One is the Graphic View and the other is a Speed Graphic.
I wanted to be able to use instant film for light and composition and had the Polaroid 545 holder. The film was far too expensive for me, getting only 20 sheets for nearly $65. seemed extreme.
So I decided to try the Fuji PA-45 instant film back, because the Fuji film is so much lower in price.
Anyone familiar with the Graphic View knows that these holders simply do not fit.
I modified the Graphic View (this would work for the Speed Graphic as well) to accept the Fuji Instant Film back. It was actually quite simple.
Here's how I did it, in case anyone wants to try this...
1) Remove the two small screws located in the center of the leaf springs for the back.
2) Buy longer screws to replace those two with, but 1.5 inches long.
3) Buy a #421 spring, and cut it in half.
4) With a dremel tool, grind off the threads on half the screw (head side).
5) Now, slide screw through the snipped coil spring, and then through the leaf spring, and anchor into the hole there for it; but leave it extended about 1/2 inch out of the back.
6) Do the same with the other screw.
End result, is that the back will open further because there's much more room for the leaf springs to accomodate the extra movement.
The smaller coil springs act as helper springs, holding the leafs tighter towards the camera for regular film holders and to insure the ground glass is secured snug to the camera. (This will prevent focus problems because the glass might not be seated properly).
I can't figure out how to upload an image, but will gladly email anyone the sketch of this simple modification, which BTW, cost me $1.10 to perform.
I wanted to be able to use instant film for light and composition and had the Polaroid 545 holder. The film was far too expensive for me, getting only 20 sheets for nearly $65. seemed extreme.
So I decided to try the Fuji PA-45 instant film back, because the Fuji film is so much lower in price.
Anyone familiar with the Graphic View knows that these holders simply do not fit.
I modified the Graphic View (this would work for the Speed Graphic as well) to accept the Fuji Instant Film back. It was actually quite simple.
Here's how I did it, in case anyone wants to try this...
1) Remove the two small screws located in the center of the leaf springs for the back.
2) Buy longer screws to replace those two with, but 1.5 inches long.
3) Buy a #421 spring, and cut it in half.
4) With a dremel tool, grind off the threads on half the screw (head side).
5) Now, slide screw through the snipped coil spring, and then through the leaf spring, and anchor into the hole there for it; but leave it extended about 1/2 inch out of the back.
6) Do the same with the other screw.
End result, is that the back will open further because there's much more room for the leaf springs to accomodate the extra movement.
The smaller coil springs act as helper springs, holding the leafs tighter towards the camera for regular film holders and to insure the ground glass is secured snug to the camera. (This will prevent focus problems because the glass might not be seated properly).
I can't figure out how to upload an image, but will gladly email anyone the sketch of this simple modification, which BTW, cost me $1.10 to perform.
