Odd Grafloc back size

John_Brewer · Jan 13, 2007

Hi folks

I've recently bought a back that was advertised as a Graflock (sic, Grafloc) back for a 5x4 for a project ebay item 140064428528. I thought that a 5x4 holder should fit it and I thought I would wait until my Graflex 23 back arrived. This also didn't fit - see attached pics. Is this a Grafloc back? Can this back be described as a Grafloc back? Any help would be apppreciated before I contact the seller.

Cheers

John.

Jeremy · Jan 13, 2007

Yes, that's a Graflok back for 4x5, but you're missing the spring and ground glass parts.

http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/features.html#GraflokBack

John_Brewer · Jan 13, 2007

Thanks Jeremy. I thought it odd though because my MPP MKVII has an international back (similar looking thing) and when the the GG and spring back are removed the Graflex 23 and other accessories fit. So then a Grafloc back isn't the same as an international back then?

J

Nathan Smith · Jan 13, 2007

Jeremy Moore said:
Yes, that's a Graflok back for 4x5, but you're missing the spring and ground glass parts.

http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/features.html#GraflokBack

I don't think that's the question Jeremy, you'd remove that stuff to insert the roll film back as John is doing ... it's just that he has 1/4" gap left between the frame and the roll film adapter. I have not used such a roll film back with my Speed, so I'm not too sure but it does seem that something is amiss.

There were some 'graflok-style' backs used on MP-4 cameras and such that, as I understand, won't work with anything but the Polaroid adapter they were designed for. The only thing that makes me think this is NOT one of them is the peep-sight viewfinder on top as a Speed or Crown would have. Most curious.

Nathan

Jeremy · Jan 13, 2007

Wow, Nathan, you're right. I wonder what this back is then or if he has a different (non-Graflok) roll film back...

John_Brewer · Jan 13, 2007

You got Nathan. I'm now wondering if its a Polaroid pack back for a Graflex because:
a. it has the Graflex finder and
b. it has G 30928 NPC and googling NPC and camera back comes up with Polaroid backs for medium format cameras.

J

glennfromwy · Jan 14, 2007

It's not a Graflok back. It's a Graflex back. Modern Graphic holders will not fit it. The only things that fit are the slotted film holders and the bag mag. These are the same holders used on the older Graflex SLRs. Many people buy these things thinking they're Grafloks, just because they have the sliding bars. The Graflok sliders are readily discernable as entirely different. I hope you didn't pay too much for it. If you don't want it, I may. I still use bag mags.

bart Nadeau · Jan 14, 2007

John-
It isn't a Graflok back it is a Graflex back. Normally used on the reflex Graflex, they also were available on Speed Graphic cameras including the Pacemaker model. You could take it off and replace it with a Graflok, probably where this came from. Anyway, the gate is, as you measured, 5 inches and you should find a ridge to catch the notch in the Graflex holder just about where your red line is. Sorry, you can only use Graflex holders, Grafmatics, etc. with the Graflex back.

Nathan Smith · Jan 14, 2007

glennfromwy said:
It's not a Graflok back. It's a Graflex back

Yep, that's it alright. I didn't notice the difference in the 'sliders', a little different from a Graflok. Sorry, John. That back's not going to work for you.
Nathan

glennfromwy · Jan 14, 2007

One other way to identify a Graflex back is the light trap. Graflex back has a ridge stickng up, where you insert the film holder. Graphic backs, including the Graflok, use a groove where the holder is inserted.

vanspaendonck · Jan 14, 2007

Well, the decription on eBay says: "THIS ITEM IS BEEN SELL BY NON EXPERT PEOPLE." (sic!)
A way to get a cheap Graflex Graflok back is to buy a Polaroid 4x5 (models 454 , 542 or similar) Miniportrait camera. Since Polaroid packfilm for the 550 holder has been discontinued and all portrait studios swiched to digital, they can be found on eBay dirt cheap. Screw of the Graflok back (some screws are under the felt light trap) and you're in business.

John_Brewer · Jan 14, 2007

Thanks to everyone who helped identify the back. Regardless of the seller putting 'THIS ITEM IS BEEN SELL BY NON EXPERT PEOPLE' in the description I do think I have fair reason to ask for a refund, particularly as the seller does seem to sell Graflex and LF gear!

Cheers

John.

Odd Grafloc back size

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