Graflex RB

campy51 · Sunday at 11:02 AM

Has anyone ever stipped off the leather on this camera and refinished the wood and left the leather off? I have seen pictures of them refinished but I can't find any instructions how to do it.

Sirius Glass · Sunday at 11:35 AM

Check out the forums in Graflex.org. You will find postings on exactly your questions.

campy51 · Sunday at 1:27 PM

Checked the reflex section but didn't find much, but I didn't read any post unrelated to refinishing.

Patrick Robert James · Sunday at 2:42 PM

I have a 3x4 Graflex RB that a friend gave me I've been meaning to do. I took the leather off my Speed Graphic years ago so I'd imagine it is the same. From what I recall it was held on by hide glue. The leather can just be peeled off but it would be better to soften the glue first so you don't pull out any wood fibers. You can look up how to do that. I think water/heat works but I'm not an expert. Once the leather is off just clean the wood of remaining glue and sand/refinish it. You need to remove the hardware before you start of course. That should get you started. Make sure to post pics once you are done. They are beautiful cameras.

campy51 · Sunday at 2:49 PM

I haven't bought a camera yet but been looking for the right one that has everything needed to shoot film. Not sure if I want 4x5 or 2x3.

btaylor · Sunday at 4:26 PM

campy51 said:
I haven't bought a camera yet but been looking for the right one that has everything needed to shoot film. Not sure if I want 4x5 or 2x3.

I don’t have anything to add about refinishing, but unless you’re looking at using a roll film back, 2x3 sheet film has very limited options. Though the slotted holders for the 4x5 aren’t easy to find either. You’re probably planning on converting to a Graflok back, that would make a roll film conversion for the 2x3 a piece of cake.

Donald Qualls · Monday at 9:00 AM

btaylor said:
2x3 sheet film has very limited options.

At present, in USA, you can get Fomapan or the same film rebranded as Arista .EDU Ultra in 100 or 400, FP4+ or HP5+ (the latter may be somewhat seasonal, as Ilford only cuts that size for the annual custom cut event, though Freestyle and B&H usually get enough stock to last through the year). If you don't want/need color, those will cover most needs.

choiliefan · Monday at 9:15 AM

You can also shoot Instax Mini in modified 2X3 film holders.
I have a Graflex 120 rollfilm holder for 2X3 SLR's as well so they are out there.

Graflex RB

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