Graflex 6x9 Back for Zero 5x4

[skinnyvoice]

Hi, does anybody know if the Graflex Graphic 22 Roll Film 6x9 Back will fit OK on the Zero 5x4?

5x4 is a new adventure for me, lots to learn...

 

[Mike1234]

I can't answer your question but the Graphic 22 is a 6x6 back. Make sure you don't have a mixed setup (wrong insert for the back).

 

[skinnyvoice]

I can't answer your question but the Graphic 22 is a 6x6 back. Make sure you don't have a mixed setup (wrong insert for the back).

It is an item up for auction which specifies 'Graflex Graphic 22 Roll Film 6x9 Back 120 Film FOR 4x5'. I'm definately not interested if it is 6x6 as I have many options in that format and it seems a bit pointless on a 5x4. I really only wanted a back for expedience since I only have 4 sheet film holders and this would give me a bit more flexibility with the pinhole away from a dark bag. And 6x9 is acceptable size wise.

Looking at it another way, can anybody recommend a 6x9 back for the Zero 4x5 that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Thanks

 

[Mike1234]

I would be wary of that seller since he/she doesn't know what they're selling.

If you can afford it (less than $300 used if you search) then look for a Horseman or similar 6x12cm back. This way you can crop to whatever format fits the image... 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 6x12. Also, the quality is better and film flatness is improved especially over the knob type Graphic backs.

Otherwise, look for a "lever type" Graphic 2x3 back that's in really good shape... less than $100 used if you search. These are actually quite good.

If cash is really tight then you should be able to find a Graphic 23 knob back for less than $60. These are the least desirable of the three mentioned in this post but you can't beat the price.

Hope this helps.

 

[skinnyvoice]

Hope this helps.

Thanks Mike, really appreciate that

 

[Terence]

I could be wrong, but all of the Graflex film backs I've had required a Graflock/International back on the camera. They couldn't be used with a spring back. Unless I'm mistaken, the Zeroes are equipped with a spring back, rendering the Graflex backs unusable.

There are various roll film holders made to slip under a spring back, Cambo being one.

 

[Mike1234]

Charles, I assumed your camera has an International Lock back. I didn't even look up the camera. If this is it: http://www.zeroimage.com/web2003/ProductPage/45/Zero45_2003.htm then Terrence is absolutely correct and you'll either need to add a Grafloc style back or use one of the slip-in style roll holders.

I have all types for sale. PM if interested.

 

[skinnyvoice]

Charles, I assumed your camera has an International Lock back. I didn't even look up the camera. If this is it: http://www.zeroimage.com/web2003/ProductPage/45/Zero45_2003.htm then Terrence is absolutely correct and you'll either need to add a Grafloc style back or use one of the slip-in style roll holders.

I have all types for sale. PM if interested.

Yep, that is the one. I'm waiting for it to arrive. Will PM you when I get a bit more familiar with it!

 

[Mike1234]

Given that it's a pinhole camera then the oft proclaimed film flatness issues with the slip-in style roll film holders won't be a problem for you due to the massive depth of focus. Good luck and happy shooting!!

 

[andyvan]

hi, yes, if it is a "spring back", aka the leaf spring is screwed to the frame on the body, then the best options are a calumet C2 or a toyo (in either 6x9 or 6x12), or another one, if you can find one is a sinar zoom or singular sinar 6x6\6x7 or 6x12 slide in back.

the graffic 22 or 23 are thick beasts, so you will scratch the ground glass if you insert these 'normally', you have to have an international fit back (grafflock back), has the springs bolted to the ground glass, and serrations on the springs, to let you press them off the frame!, those can take these graffic 23's and others, BUT beware, there are several types out there, the frame around the back can be differently sized, aka for baby technika's by linhof (cameras still LF, but only take 120 backs), or for 5x7, or more oddly the graflex SLR ( this has two bars, with a groove in-between, this is ONLY capable of fitting inside these cameras! ) but they lock onto the grafflex bars, these have two teeth, which lower onto the ridge of the metal frame securing the back on the camera, ONE warning, there are three different styles of this, one for the mamiya RB67 called the P or M system, this holds their proprietary backs onto the revolving frame; the Standard grafflock system; and finally one plain bar, used in the single sheet back for the Linhof 5x7" press style cameras ( this is distinct as the ground-glass hinges downwards, revealing the ledge and bar for installing these metal septums into), you might get these all in "thrift stores" so watch it, also watch out for 220 backs, these don't rely on backing paper the whole way, so the pressure plate is set to give a different clearance for the film ONLY, so be aware of what you are buying into.

 

[Donald Qualls]

FWIW, I regularly use Graflex 22, 23, and RH10 backs on my RB67; they don't actuate the interlocks for double exposure or dark slide, but the focus is accurate and they're secure in place. I've got a couple 2x3 Grafmatics I need to get loaded up so I can try them on it (I know they'll work on my Century, so no loss if they don't cooperate with the RB67).

 

[andyvan]

great to know, as I always thought that the RB's were unique, as most 120 backs for early cameras were 6.5x9 aka the linhof baby ( also the cine and super rollex backs
), so I , now know,that they are cross compatible, at least with common grafflex style camera backs.
Ps: the reason the backs are accurate is that mamiya accounts for this rotating back ( P adaptor) thickness, so that the film plane is supposed to be that far back, so any shimming is unnecessary (viewing ground-glass), UNLESS the back is different, ie like the polaroid holders, where extra cartridges are added, and it is not just a plate and insert, like the hasselblad v and mamiya rb film magazines.
one question, as you use them frequently, do you have any issues with them?, like film advance wear, counter problems, light leaks, etc.

 

[Donald Qualls]

do you have any issues with them?, like film advance wear, counter problems, light leaks, etc.

Of course I do. These items are a minimum of around fifty years old (my one RH10 might be as little as forty). Black tape over the door hinge and a little patience with the film advance seems to cover it. The counters work and I have good spacing with all of mine, but I have to watch for light leaks.

 

[summicron1]

i have one of those backs and a zero image 4 by 5 -- it works just fine. ANY 4 by 5 back will work on that camera, or even just film holders. As long as it is the roll holder for the 4 by 5 camera, it will work.

 

[_T_]

I recently bought a Cambo C-242 6x9 roll film back. It's compatible with your camera.

I've been very happy with it. It slips between the ground glass and the camera like a sheet film holder and the handling and quality are very good. Easy to load and use.

I got mine for about $50 from the used section of B&H. If you can find one at a similar price it's an attractive proposition. Makes it difficult to consider some of the more expensive options that accomplish the same task at 10 or 20 times the price.