Film holder compatible?

[moryboy]

Hi everyone, i have recently bought a pacemaker crown graphic with a graflok back from a fellow friend here in the Philippines. I think he got it from ebay. The film holders that came with it have blacktape on the bottom. My problem is that i want to buy new film holders but there is non locally available. Recently, a local photo shop started to distribute shen hao cameras..

My question, are the shen hao film holders compatible with the graflok back of my pacemaker?

Thank you.

Ari

 

[removed account4]

hi ari

the black tape on the bottom just means that former owner re-hinged the film holders.
they are still good (i do the same thing with mine)
pretty much any 4x5 film holders will work with your camera .. but if you buy used
watch out for ones with slots /grooves on the side ( for graflex slr cameras )
and ones that are DEEP with a spring at the bottom ( for dry plates ).
i have never seen shen hao film holders .. if they are as nice as their cameras,
you will be very happy

good luck!
john

 

[moryboy]

John,

Thanks a lot. I already separated the holders that had light leaks on the hinge area. It came pre loaded with film, am not pretty sure how my friend loaded it (might be the cause?). Now that I know it is only normal seeing taped film backs, I feel better and more confident that my film is safe.

I just might invest a little more on tape

Thanks again,
Ari

 

[removed account4]

thick black tape, "gaffer tape" as well as book binder's tape works wonders
to repair the hinge.

good luck!
john

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The tape does not actually keep light away from the film, so if you just open the flap and hold it up to the light, you will probably see light through the tape. The light trap is formed by the flap closing on the body of the holder, and the tape keeps the flap in place.

 

[moryboy]

Thanks David. Another wisdom learned.

I've never felt so contented with just an exposure or two for a day. LF has really made me appreciate taking a photo much even more. The photo feels very personal.

Ari