Graflex RB Series B - Help me shoot this beast!

gtivr4 · Jul 28, 2017

So I have had this camera for years and years, and for some unknown reason have never tried to shoot with it. It was my great grandmothers, and it seems to be working well.

So I have two questions:
1) How do I go about getting some film in this thing? Seems like 3x4 pack film (the only back I have) is non existent these days. Was thinking that it would be most convenient to get a roll film adapter, but I'm not sure if such a thing exists? Can I adapt FP-100C to it somehow? Can I cut down 4x5 film and get/make a holder for it?

2) Any thoughts on checking the shutter speeds? I suspect they aren't 100% accurate after 80+ years. Was thinking maybe just shooting it with a high frame rate video (iphone) and counting frames, but thats tedious at best.

THANKS!

Sirius Glass · Jul 28, 2017

3 1/4" x 4 1/4" film is available from Ilford.

Look for instructions at www.graflex.org in the technical and camera sections.

Dan Fromm · Jul 28, 2017

3x4 sheet film still exists.

A Calumet shutter speed tester will measure a Graflex' shutter speeds. I have one, also a 2x3 RB Ser. B.

I didn't have a meter back when my 2x3 Speed Graphic arrived. I tested its shutter speeds with E6 film, did the equivalent of exposing a test strip in the darkroom. I know, easy to say, not so easy for you to do without 3x4 E6 or a roll holder that fits the camera.

I know that Graflex made a 2x3 roll holder that fits Graflex backs, I have a couple of them. I'm not sure that Graflex made a 3x4 roll holder that accepts 120 film and fits a 3x4 Graflex back. You might ask about this on www.graflex.org. As far as I know no one else made roll holders for Graflex backs.

photog_ed · Jul 28, 2017

For shutter speed testing try the app for android and iphone:

http://www.photoplug.de/

or look for it in the store for whichever phone you have.

The default mode works by detecting the sound of the shutter opening and closing with your phone's microphone. You can also purchase an accessory "PhotoPlug" which makes the app more accurate
I purchased the PhotoPlug and am very happy with it.

Ed

Thorpelyon · Jul 28, 2017

All the above... plus, 3x4 slotted film holders still show up on eBay. As do expired 3x4 film sheets and 3x4 film packs. Alternatively, you can grab some cheap 4x5 Arista/Fomapan and cut it down to 3x4. Yes, it's wasteful, but it's only Arista.

As far as shutter speeds, I took mine to a local camera shop and paid $20 to test the speeds. Some were on, some were off, but at least now I know what I'm shooting. The repair guy cautioned me to avoid the higher tension speeds if I could... saves wear on the ancient spring. Also, if you're going to store the camera for a while, he said to release the tension back down to Low, and the shutter down to 0.

shutterfinger · Jul 28, 2017

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sPJkp-MdghS2llS1VaRkRIWUk/view?usp=sharing
3x4 roll film holders for Graflex backs were made, in high demand, rarely show up for sale and are pricey.

outwest · Jul 28, 2017

Bagmags work great also.

Sirius Glass · Jul 28, 2017

shutterfinger said:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sPJkp-MdghS2llS1VaRkRIWUk/view?usp=sharing
3x4 roll film holders for Graflex backs were made, in high demand, rarely show up for sale and are pricey.

While a roll back might seem like a good idea, it completely takes away the spirit and charm of the format. The purpose and concept of the camera is lost, so might as well use 35mm instead. Now go back and look for Ilford film and look for lesser known brands.

OptiKen · Jul 28, 2017

I have the same camera and have the roll film holder, individual sheet holders, and the '6 shot holder' that holds 6 sheets of film. I also use the Ilford film for it.
I've never had the shutter tested - I'm sure it is off but have not noticed it in the shots I have taken. It's really a fun camera to play with and the glass is very nostalgic. I agree that using roll film in it takes magic away from the experience and only use it once I've run out of loaded sheet film.

Graflex RB Series B - Help me shoot this beast!

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