Graflex 4x5 roll film back issues

Andrew Moxom · Feb 13, 2007

I recently obtained a 6x9 Graflex back off of Fleabay for a respectable price, and received it yesterday. Long story short, it would appear that one of the thin rolling pins at the side of the film opening is jammed and won't rotate. I am wondering if it is possible to get it fixed, or still get spares for them? I purposely bought this version of graflock back so that I would not get the film curl associated with some of the earlier ones. The thin rollers are supposed to help cure that. Anyone have any ideas on where I might get parts, or get this fixed?

Nick Zentena · Feb 13, 2007

I've got the 70mm versions but they sound similar. Don't the pins pop out? Try cleaning them.

Only spares are likely going to come from a donor back.

Andrew Moxom · Feb 13, 2007

Nick, the rollers/pins do pop out and I was able to remove one side but the little end caps are very tight. It looks like someone pinched one of them a little flat so the roller axle does not move that well inside it, and the actual pin has a slight bend. Caveat Emptor I suppose, but this could be made to work.

darinwc · Feb 13, 2007

if you are taling about the thin metal pin rollers on some grafex roll backs, I wouldnt worry to much if they dont spin. The film should slide easy enough even if the pins dont turn at alll. As long as the rollers are straight you should eb in good shape.

Andrew Moxom · Feb 14, 2007

I just found out on graflex.org that you can use the Mamiya RB film back rollers... They are the same size. I called Mamiya and have a couple on order for around $3.00 a piece. I will see how these work out. It could be a useful source for parts for folks wanting to convert their non needle pin Graflex backs to ones that are!

cblurton · Feb 15, 2007

Andrew Moxom said:
I just found out on graflex.org that you can use the Mamiya RB film back rollers... They are the same size. I called Mamiya and have a couple on order for around $3.00 a piece. I will see how these work out. It could be a useful source for parts for folks wanting to convert their non needle pin Graflex backs to ones that are!

I live in Hong Kong but would like to purchase a couple of 120 film backs for my baby speed graphic, especially at that price. What number did you call?

Andrew Moxom · Feb 15, 2007

Want to clarify that this is not the price for the complete film back itself, just the needle roller parts for the RB back.

Here is the contact info:-

For written correspondence, please write to:
MAC Group
8 Westchester Plaza
Elmsford, NY 10523

Or, you may fax 24 hours a day, or phone between the hours of 9am and 5.30pm EST,
Monday through Friday.

Phone: 914-347-3300
Fax: 914-347-3309
To order instruction booklets for Mamiya cameras select
Instruction Manuals.

cblurton · Feb 16, 2007

Andrew Moxom said:
Want to clarify that this is not the price for the complete film back itself, just the needle roller parts for the RB back.

Thanks, Andrew, for the clarification. I thought you had found the deal of the century on roll film backs! I'll contact them and see what the whole back costs.

Best wishes,

Craig

cblurton · Feb 17, 2007

cblurton said:
Thanks, Andrew, for the clarification. I thought you had found the deal of the century on roll film backs! I'll contact them and see what the whole back costs.

Best wishes,

Craig

Well, I checked locally on the cost of a used Mamiya RB67 120 film back. They are being priced at around $200 USD. Too steep. I'll keep cruising the auction site and see what I can do.

Craig

Graflex 4x5 roll film back issues

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