How many film backs do you have?

[Grim Tuesday]

I recently raided the stock of a company that thought A24 Hasselblad backs were essentially useless now so I am now in the somewhat enviable position of having 7 film backs. I've never had more than two before! And honestly, I've been more than happy on cameras without changeable backs. I'm not a wedding photographer so the main use for me would be changing speeds or from B&W to color. On a given expedition, I don't think there's room for more than one or two extra in my camera bag. So I'm wondering, to those who are frequent users of film backs: how many do you have?

 

[DWThomas]

I have four for my Bronica SQ-A, but that's somewhat accidental. I was originally targeting two, but the Bronica backs appear to be the Achilles' heel of that series, so I added backup. That said, I very seldom interchange backs to swap film types or anything; the notion is mostly theoretical -- "but I could if I wanted to."

And actually one is currently out of service with a light seal issue.

 

[Grim Tuesday]

Yeah, I felt the same way a little bit last time I went out with two backs. I either took them in sequence or ended up duplicating a bunch of pictures in color and black and white.

 

[Kino]

I have 6 for my Kiev 88, but never load and carry more than 2 at a time.

It has been my experience that multiple backs loaded with dissimilar film tends to distract me from concentrating on what I want to do with the scene in front of me.

The extras are simply "back ups" in case I have an issue. You can always sell them or trade them for other gear you need...

 

[C Jensen]

Somehow I ended up with 13 Hasselblad backs. 2 C12's, an A16, 2 A24's, an E12, 2 E24's, and 5 A12's. I need to move several on someday.

 

[Grim Tuesday]

You can always sell them or trade them for other gear you need...

WTT: 6 Hasselblad backs for a Mamiya 6 . Any takers?

 

[cramej]

4 for the SWC, 1 each for the RB67 and 645AFD. I would really like 2 each for the others but I just haven't pulled the trigger for the RB and the 645AFD backs are unreasonably expensive.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I recently raided the stock of a company that thought A24 Hasselblad backs were essentially useless now so I am now in the somewhat enviable position of having 7 film backs. I've never had more than two before! And honestly, I've been more than happy on cameras without changeable backs. I'm not a wedding photographer so the main use for me would be changing speeds or from B&W to color. On a given expedition, I don't think there's room for more than one or two extra in my camera bag. So I'm wondering, to those who are frequent users of film backs: how many do you have?

I have four(4) for my Hasselblad but never used more than three(3) for any shoot.

 

[Sirius Glass]

For the Hasselblad:

1. Portra 400
2. Portra 800
3. UltraColor
4. Tri-X 400
5. Delta 3200
6. Rollei Infrared 400

For the 4"x5": six Grafmatics, and over a dozen film holders.

 

[gordrob]

I have five 6x9 backs for in my Mamiya Super 23 kit, 2 for Ektachrome and 3 for B&W. Also 5 Grafmatics for 4X5

 

[bdial]

I have 3, 2 twelves and 1 16, but rarely have film in more than one. It’s nice to be able to exercise that option though.

 

[Luckless]

Currently I have one, not completely sure which model camera it goes to, but it looked to be in good condition and was $5 at a recent yard sale...

At times I wish my C330 could have swapable film backs due to not getting through a full roll before getting to conditions where I wouldn't mind swapping to a different film. Like start off with a roll at ISO 50 or 100 for the mid afternoon, then swap to something between 400 and 1600 on towards dusk for a few photos when I'm losing the light, then flip back to the slow speed the next day to finish off the first roll.

 

[Paul Howell]

I have 2 for Mamyia Universal, 6X9 and 6X7 and 2 for Kowa Super 66.

 

[macfred]

I have three 120 backs for my Bronica ETRSi and one 135-W panoramic back.
The rest of my -medium format- cameras are rangefinder; folder or TLR cameras without changeable backs.

 

[ignatiu5]

Three for my Bronica ETRSi. Two for 120 (one for B&W, an extra for almost-never-shot colour), one for 220 which, not surprisingly, almost never gets used anymore.

 

[etn]

I have about 8 or 9 Hassy backs - most of them of the newer A12N type with darkside holder. I have used up to 6 simultaneously, either with different types of film, or to change rolls quickly (my girlfriend hates it when she has to wait for me changing rolls - swapping a back is definitely faster! )

Backs are the most fragile part of the Hasselblad system and the supply is limited. For this reason I snatched a couple more than I need when I found reasonably-priced opportunities. A24 backs are practically useless now that 220 films have been discontinued, but they can be converted relatively easily to A12. It takes a few spare parts and a couple hours work. I knew a Hassy repairman who did this for around 100 Euros.

 

[abruzzi]

I have 4 for my ETRSi, but I’ve rarely used that many. Either I go out with a single back, or at most I’ll use three—once for color negative (ektar), one for chrome (provia), and one for B&W.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Four A12 backs.

Three RB67 Pro S backs.

Large format: Two Grafmatics, a plethora of Riteway holders.

 

[images39]

I find that three backs for my Mamiya 645 is a good number. I sometimes have one marked "+" for increased development time and/or "-" for reduced dev (for long exposure shots, as an example). Another situation where I find three backs helpful is if I'm going to be in adverse conditions (such as outside when it's windy/dusty or drizzling). I have all three backs loaded ahead of time so I don't have to load film after shooting one or two rolls.

Dale

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Two. But if the RB was my main camera, I'd probably get two more...

 

[narsuitus]

I usually carry multiple film backs so I can quickly replace a used roll of film with a fresh roll.

I also carry multiple backs so I can quickly change from one film speed to another.

I use the following:
Three Mamiya RB67 120 Pro S backs for Ilford HP5 Plus film
Two Mamiya RB67 120 Pro backs for ISO 100 black & white film
Two Mamiya RB67 220 backs used for ISO 3200 Delta Pro black & white film
Three defective Mamiya RB67 backs used for parts
One Calumet 6x7cm 120 roll film back for 4x5 inch camera

 

[Shootar401]

I have three for my RZ, but I very, very rarely use more than two, I've been thinking of selling the 3rd one and maybe picking up a 645 back. but Im not sure I'd use that one much either

 

[Alentejo]

I have 3x 6x7 and 1x 6x8 Motor for my RB67. At the moment I use only the 6x8.

 

[Kino]

I just added two 35mm backs for my Contaflex Super B; which should be just right for that camera...

 

[Johnkpap]

I have 3 MF cameras bronica ETRSi 5 backs, Bronica GS-1 4 67 backs plus a 66 back and a 645, Rollei SL66 2 backs and cut film back. You really don’t need more than 2 backs for any camera it’s just fun to have them like being able to multi format on a GS-1, or use plates or cut film on the SL66