Graflok puzzle...what the..?!

[arizonafilm]

Greetings,

I have a Speed Graphic equipped with what I believed to be a 4x5 Graflok back. The back sure looks like those seen that were sold and for sale on a popular auction site, down to the detail. It does not show any Graflok manufacturer's markings, but I carefully studied pictures and compared mine. But I have no experience with Graflok accessories, only basic 4x5 film holders, etc. on both the Speed and a Toyo 4x5 view camera without a Graflok holder.

Recently, I acquired a Grafmatic "45" filmfolder, holding six sheets, and it won't fit the alleged Graflok back on the Speed. (this is after I removed the folding viewer). It's too wide on the rails by about 3/16 of an inch or so. Of course, all the RiteWay film holders work beautifully on both the Speed and the view camera. What gives? Were there different sizes of these, or am I missing some golden kernel of truth?

 

[ic-racer]

I'd bet your Grafmatic is for the Graflex back, not the Graflok.

 

[arizonafilm]

If it is indeed for the Graflex and not the Graflok, can I interchange the right back to the Speed?

 

[brian d]

The information on this page might be helpful
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~paulewins/resources/grafmatic.htm

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

If you have a Grafmatic for a Graflex-type back, your best bet is to sell it and buy one for a Graflok-type back.

 

[snederhiser]

Hello;
Please post a picture, would sure save on the speculation and maybe get you the right answer. Steven.

 

[mdarnton]

For what it's worth, on a Graflok back the tiny light-lock strip on the right side of the back, towards the top of the holder between the film and the dark slide, is a ridge on the holder and a hollow on the back, closer to the film than the dark slide handle. On a Graflex back the ridge is on the back, and the hollow it goes into is on the holder, closer to the slide handle than to the film.

 

[arizonafilm]

Thanks to all who replied. I am new to this site, but love film, so I think I am in the right place. Thanks especially to "brian d" who provided a very helpful link to a nice little photo-heavy explanation to the mirad differences. I will study this and also "mdarnton's" description for that insight, too. At first glance, I will take the suggestion to find a more appropriate home for this holder, and get one that fits my equipment without modification. Thanks again!

 

[Sirius Glass]

The information on this page might be helpful
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~paulewins/resources/grafmatic.htm

Thank you. I found this useful and interesting too.

Steve

 

[djacobox372]

the grafmatic should fit into any back that takes standard 4x5 film holders, graflok or not. Are u sure your camera or grafmatic isnt 3x4.

 

[mdarnton]

"Graflex" isn't just another word referring to the same thing, djacobox372, it's a whole different system from Graflok (the modern universal back) and Graphic (universal with permanently fixed springs and no slide locks). It's a different standard where even the focus panel goes on only with slide locks, no springs, and the holders are completely different, and incompatible.

They were used on most Graflex SLRs, and some of the early Speed Graphics, too.

 

[mdarnton]

Doing a little more geeking on this, I just discovered this site,
http://tobiasfeltus.com/blog/2011/g...erting-the-back-to-take-standard-accessories/
where he explains that Graflex holders are 6.5mm wider than Graflok holders, which explains the original poster's apparent size problem, I think...

 

[arizonafilm]

Problem solved!

The correct Grafmatic arrived today, it is a great fit, and very exciting stuff! Thanks to all who assisted in the correct application!