Is Deardorf 5x7 reducing back compatible with with Ansco 5x7

[Bob K.]

I need a 5x7 to 4x5 reducing back for my Ansco 5x7 camera. There is a Deardorf 5x7 reducing back for sale on eBay. Are they compatible?

bob k.

 

[horacekenneth]

How much would you pay for an Ansco 5x7 - 4x5 reducing back?

 

[Bob K.]

It has to be a 'graflok' type, where i can remove the ground glass. I want to use it with a Fuji PA-145 instant film holder. Is that what you have?

 

[Len Robertson]

Bob - I just tried my late-1940s Deardorff 5X7 back on my grey 5X7 Ansco. It doesn't fit, but I was shocked how close it is. I would have bet good money the Deardorff back would be smaller than the Ansco rear opening. It turns out the Deardorff back is just slightly larger than the Ansco in overall outside measurement. Also, the smaller front section of the Deardorff back which fits inside the camera back is larger than the Ansco frame. It looks like both of these could be reduced in size by a trip through a table saw or router table, if you have a setup to make fairly precise cuts. The Deardorff back has metal mounting pins, two in each corner that will need to be pulled out.

Or, it may be only a little more work, and possibly less money, to buy a Graflok back and make a plywood frame the size of the Ansco opening to attach it to. I'm not sure which Deardorff reducing back you are looking at on eBay. There is one for $159.99, but it isn't a Graflok. There is another which is a Graflok for $375. Yikes! But my search may have missed one. I think you can find a Graflok back on eBay and pay a woodworker to make a frame for your Ansco and beat that price.

Len

 

[Bob K.]

Len, I noticed the same thing. The Deardorf is about 1/4inch larger on each end (1/2 total). I'm looking at a Graflok back now. I thinking making my own is the way to go.

thanks.

 

[Len Robertson]

I was curious so I searched 4X5 back on eBay and there are a couple of possible Graflok donors - an 8X10 reducing back ends in a few hours, and an entire B&J view in 5+ days. Of course these may sell for as much as a shabby Speed or Crown Graphic with a Graflok. It is worth looking a every reasonably priced Graphic on eBay, since many sellers have no idea what back is on the camera and don't mention it in the description. Don't buy a Graflok without the focusing panel unless it is dirt cheap. The focusing panels can be found but are usually $40 or more, so it is probably cheaper to get one as part of a complete Graflok.

My Ansco 5X7 back is something I threw together from hobby shop aircraft grade plywood and a no-name 5X7 focusing panel. Painted with hobby shop Battleship Grey paint. Looks bad, works fine.

Len

 

[Bob K.]

Thank you Len.

 

[Len Robertson]

Bob - When I first got my 5X7 Ansco so many years ago, I didn't have a darkroom so I bought a Polaroid 405 pack holder. It was too thick to fit under the focusing panel of the 4X5 reducing back. So I replaced the two wood screws through the springs which hold the panel on with longer ones. This gave clearance for the 405 holder to slide under the focusing panel. The downside was the springs no longer held the panel tight against the camera back frame. While focusing it was necessary to push the panel against the camera with fingertips or the focusing loupe. It did work okay though. I thought I'd mention this idea in case you have a 4X5 reducing back and want to try using it with the Fuji holder while looking for a proper Graflok back.

Len

 

[Bob K.]

Thanks Len. I'm going to get a graflok back and make the reducing back myself. I've done a little woodworking, so it shouldn't be too bad... famous last words.

 

[horacekenneth]

Hmm, I don't think mine is a graflok back. It seems like just a regular back.