Procedure in Using Roll Backs

RobC said:

Dan, my experience with LF and the sinar zoom 2 holder I had were not good so my opnion on using them is based on that. Personally I found that focus was nearly always off. However, I suspect that was largely due to my camera which whilst having locking controls on the standards, would actually move with a little pressure on them which inserting the zoom2 would do.
Other cameras and roll film holders may be fine but I haven't used them so can't really comment so I suppose I did make a bit of sweeping statement.

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Over-generalization is a sin.

FWIW, my Sinar Panorama with fixed 6x12 gate works just fine on my 4x5 Cambo. Mine has slots that accept Graflok sliders -- not all Sinar roll holders do and I don't know which do/don't -- and slips under the GG. I slip it in, then secure it with the Graflok sliders.

I've never tried a Toyo 6x9 roll film holder, made in sizes to fit 2x3 and 4x5 cameras. 48 mm thick, probably won't fit all spring backs.

There are clip-on, e.g., Graflex Inc's own, and insertion type, e.g., the much maligned Adapt-A-Roll 620, roll holders for 2x3. I use AAR 620s with my 2x3 Graphics. If loaded carefully they give 9 shots/roll. They also exist in sizes to fit 3x4 and 4x5 spring backs. I have one to fit a 4x5 camera. Its ok but the gate is offset from the camera's optical axis. Shifting the rear standard 7 mm to the right when setting the camera up is a nuisance so I retired it and use a 2x3 (for 4x5 camera) Super Rollex. Heavier than the equivalent Horseman but very robust. Works well on, again, my 4x5 Cambo.

Whether a particular roll holder will suit a photographer depends on the roll holder and on the photographer's preferences. Some roll holders are said to be troublesome. I don't know that at first hand, haven't tried many. Some photographers much prefer to shoot sheet film with 4x5 cameras. I respect their choice, hope they'll not give me a hard time over mine. I've never been told that I had to shoot 2x3 sheet film, would resent the advice if it were given that strongly.

My home built camera is accurately built to have the RH/10 back at infinity on the Pentax 6x7 register.
The back is bolted on.
https://app.box.com/s/olud2mjxpdwyw9t2t0cj4zcqahppthey
Here are some scale focussed photos from it using the Takumar 6x7 1:2.8 90mm Leaf Shutter lens.
https://app.box.com/s/pzzorays1lydomsk9rre
https://app.box.com/s/2e8k4l97kf2xly1q33zh

Well I guess count me as one of those who just does not understand where “Large Format” photographers are coming from when it comes to balking at the idea of using roll film backs on 4x5 cameras.

You see, along with 35mm and 120, I shoot large format too. To be specific I use a Chamonix 4x5 field camera with some 8 lenses to choose from, 50 cut film holders and two very light and compact Horseman 6x12 roll film backs. To be fair, it is not likely I would ever consider a smaller roll film format than 6x12 for use with a 4x5 camera.

When I am out in the field, I can be close to the truck or 10 miles away from anything, it all depends on what I am doing. But either way, I am usually on the move to great subject matter with the planning for a great moment in great light. Film is cheap, gas & food not so much so, time spent planning and other logistical considerations, not cheap either. But my time in the field is the most precious resource I have so I simply have to produce solid images every time I go out.

No matter how many 4x5 film holders I carry which is usually at least 12, I *always* have at least one 6x12 roll film back. Reason being is that I love the format, there is usually at least one if not two compositions that really benefit from it. Other great reasons are that unlike 4x5 film, I can reload as many rolls of 120 as I can carry while in the field so I am never without film loaded when the money shot appears before me. The other big thing is that 120 film in a roll film back is far less likely to have pre-exposure dust issues. And finally, that 6x12 back gets to enjoy the same great lenses and movements that a piece of 4x5 film does and is darn near as big as the sheet film itself.

It is also pretty easy to use the 6x12 backs at least with my camera that already has the marks accurately etched on the ground glass which is a snap to swap in and out.

So I guess I am not a real “Large Format” photographer because I actually see great value in using 6x12 roll film backs with my 4x5.

I think you summed it up well there Daniel, I used to carry a 6x9 back for similar reasons. I rarely use it now because I've always got a 120 TLR with me as well and sometimes a 617 camera.

Ian