Graflex RB Super D -- film pack adapter?

Thorpelyon · Jul 4, 2017

Can anyone tell me... does a 4x5 film pack adapter exist for the Graflex back on my Super D?

Dan Fromm · Jul 4, 2017

Graphic Graflex Photography, 10th edition says yes. Existence is one thing, finding one is another.

But why? Pack film is long gone.

Thorpelyon · Jul 4, 2017

Dan Fromm said:
Graphic Graflex Photography, 10th edition says yes. Existence is one thing, finding one is another.

But why? Pack film is long gone.

Not necessarily... I've got 50 packs of Tri-X and 30 packs of Plus-X.

Fixcinater · Jul 4, 2017

I have hacked a normal #1234 pack film adapter to use on my Speed that has a Graflex back, I converted it to use instant film. It's not pretty but it works.

I have another one if you'd be interested in going down that road.

Thorpelyon · Jul 4, 2017

Fixcinater said:
I have hacked a normal #1234 pack film adapter to use on my Speed that has a Graflex back, I converted it to use instant film. It's not pretty but it works.

I have another one if you'd be interested in going down that road.

Interesting... do you mean you have a spare adapter that you've converted to a Graflex back? Or is it also already converted for Polaroid?

Sirius Glass · Jul 4, 2017

Have you considered Grafmatics? https://graflex.org/speed-graphic/grafmatic/

Thorpelyon · Jul 4, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
Have you considered Grafmatics? https://graflex.org/speed-graphic/grafmatic/

Yes, I have a couple of old Grafmatics that will fit the slotted Graflex back, but I was hoping to burn through some of my film packs. The Super D is such a beast, it would be nice not to have to carry/juggle film holders while on a long trek.

Jim Noel · Jul 4, 2017

Thorpelyon said:
Can anyone tell me... does a 4x5 film pack adapter exist for the Graflex back on my Super D?

Yes, they exist.

Thorpelyon · Jul 4, 2017

Jim Noel said:
Yes, they exist.

Okay, then... the hunt is on. If anyone has any leads, I'd be grateful.

peter k. · Jul 4, 2017

Hmmm... your talking 4x5 not 3.25 x 4.25 film back, correct?
Reason why I ask, in Jun 2017.. it looks like you purchased a Super D in the smaller 3x4 size.

Thorpelyon · Jul 4, 2017

peter k. said:
Hmmm... your talking 4x5 not 3.25 x 4.25 film back, correct?
Reason why I ask, in Jun 2017.. it looks like you purchased a Super D in the smaller 3x4 size.

Yes, but a couple of months previously, I purchased a 4x5 Super D from Blue Moon Camera.

peter k. · Jul 4, 2017

Ok... gotcha ...ur into Super D's... ... have one for 3x4 that I was thinking of experimenting with, and had put it on the back burner, now my interest is aroused again, good luck in finding one for your Super D.

Thorpelyon · Jul 4, 2017

peter k. said:
Ok... gotcha ...ur into Super D's... ... have one for 3x4 that I was thinking of experimenting with, and had put it on the back burner, now my interest is aroused again, good luck in finding one for your Super D.

Last time I checked, there were a couple of expired 3x4 film packs (Tri-X, I believe) on the 'bay. More rare than the 4x5 packs, but still hen's teeth.

Fixcinater · Jul 4, 2017

I was wrong above, I had one of the actual Graflex pack film backs and that is what I converted for instant film use.

I also have a #1234 that is for "normal" backs.

ransel · Jul 5, 2017

Another option - the #1168 Grafmatic 6 shot holder is for the Graflex RB type cameras ("slotted"). The #1268 is for the cameras, like the Speed and Crown Graphic, that take modern film holders. The #1168's are hard to come across at a "decent" price.

Still another option that I prefer myself is the 12 exposure "BagMag" magazine. As long as you get one with all 12 septum's and the leather bag is in good, supple condition, they work great. I have acquired three in very nice condition for use on my Graflex Series D 4X5.

choiliefan · Jul 5, 2017

Message sent.

Thorpelyon · Jul 5, 2017

ransel said:
Another option - the #1168 Grafmatic 6 shot holder is for the Graflex RB type cameras ("slotted"). The #1268 is for the cameras, like the Speed and Crown Graphic, that take modern film holders. The #1168's are hard to come across at a "decent" price.

Still another option that I prefer myself is the 12 exposure "BagMag" magazine. As long as you get one with all 12 septum's and the leather bag is in good, supple condition, they work great. I have acquired three in very nice condition for use on my Graflex Series D 4X5.

Thanks for these suggestions. I'll look out for the 1168. I just purchased my second 12-sheet bag mag, and like the first one, it has septum transport issues. Some septums slide through no problem, others get stuck. I've spent hours swapping septums and trying to isolate/remedy the problem but no luck. It's really a shame, too, because the leather's in great shape.

shutterfinger · Jul 5, 2017

Spetum jams is due to the spectum being bent, warped, or the rolled edge too high making the spetum too thick.
Car wax/polish helps them slide easily.

Thorpelyon · Jul 5, 2017

choiliefan said:
Message sent.

Email sent.

Thorpelyon · Jul 6, 2017

shutterfinger said:
Spetum jams is due to the spectum being bent, warped, or the rolled edge too high making the spetum too thick.
Car wax/polish helps them slide easily.

Okay, I'll give it a shot. Thanks...

ransel · Jul 6, 2017

Also, make sure the septums are facing the correct direction. Not sure if that could affect how they slide or not, but it's possible.

Sirius Glass · Jul 6, 2017

In my not so humble opinion and experience, putting septums in backwards will prevent the Grafmatics from closing correctly and will not enhance the user experience.

removed account4 · Jul 7, 2017

Thorpelyon said:
Can anyone tell me... does a 4x5 film pack adapter exist for the Graflex back on my Super D?

super D's have a traditional graflok back not a slotted back, right ?
if it is a super D, these might work: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=graphic+film+pack+adapter+ebay&bext=msl&atb=v71-2&ia=web

ransel said:
Still another option that I prefer myself is the 12 exposure "BagMag" magazine. As long as you get one with all 12 septum's and the leather bag is in good, supple condition, they work great. I have acquired three in very nice condition for use on my Graflex Series D 4X5.

bag mags ( at least the ones i have / use ) are for slotted / graflex backs not international / graflok backs, there are grafmatics that work on both.

good luck with your pack film !

GregW · Jul 7, 2017

A Graphic Model 2 film pack adapter fits, I just checked with my Super D. DM me if you want mine. They are also readily available on ebay.

Thorpelyon · Jul 7, 2017

GregW said:
A Graphic Model 2 film pack adapter fits, I just checked with my Super D. DM me if you want mine. They are also readily available on ebay.

Wow... I had no idea. I'm grabbing a couple right now. This is why I love APUG. Thanks so much.

Graflex RB Super D -- film pack adapter?

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