Roll Film Back

[thuggins]

I am looking at a Voigtlander Avus which is made for 6.5x9 plates. Will any of the available roll film backs for 120 film fit the camera? The lens is a 105mm so it is correct for full frame 120.

 

[Alex Varas]

Yes, I think so it will fit but I have never tried myself. My small KW Patent Etui 6x9 fits well a Rada roll film back. 10,5cm is the standard for this format and probably you can move the distance marks a bit to have the correct infinity point.

I can check a Bergheil's 6x9 from a friend and let you know.

 

[JPD]

Yes, I have a Rollex Patent one that fits the Avus and Bergheil 6,5x9 and one for 9x12. I also have an unbranded nickled one for the 6,5x9 cameras. There should be Rada backs that fit, but most of the Rada backs you'll find are for Plaubel and those have a thinner flange.

Yes, I think so it will fit but I have never tried myself. My small KW Patent Etui 6x9 fits well a Rada roll film back. 10,5cm is the standard for this format and probably you can move the distance marks a bit to have the correct infinity point.

I can check a Bergheil's 6x9 from a friend and let you know.

The KW Patent Etui cameras have a thinner flange, so the Rada backs for Plaubel may fit those, but not the Voigtländer cameras.

 

[Alex Varas]

Two doctors, two diagnosis

Just checked the Bergheil (I forgot to bring Rada with me but I did measure back at home), some pictures:
This is a "Zeiss Ikon" 6x9 back, it fits but the tab for closing the back/cut film holder doesn't close so it could happens when taking out the dark slide to take out the back as well, not good.

So the distance between the lower rail and the tab are exactly 12cm, checked with calliper.


Back at home, 6x9 Voigtlander cut film/glass holder, fits perfectly.

Rada film holder, from the bottom to the insert that the tab can lock the roll film holder, 12cm as well. Plaubel Makina II (from II and ahead I checked this) has this locking tab as well, probably copied from Voigtlander as "standard".


Thickness of Rada film holder, 1.7mm.


Thickness of Voigtlander 6x9 cut film/glass holder, 1.5mm even at some points is less.


Meaning the Rada probably will fit and don't move at all, at least the one I own. I hope I remember next time when I visit my friend to take the Rada with me to be sure.

Alex

 

[Andy38]

Here are 3 6X9 backs ; only the n°1 Rollex Patent fits the Avus camera.
The lip of the "true" Plaubel back is not long enough ; the one of the n°2 Rollex is too thin (but

it fits the Patent Etui).

 

[Alex Varas]

Here are 3 6X9 backs ; only the n°1 Rollex Patent fits the Avus camera.
The lip of the "true" Plaubel back is not long enough ; the one of the n°2 Rollex is too thin (but
View attachment 223451 it fits the Patent Etui).

Yes, the Plaubel is designed for Makina cameras, the lock is done from the bottom tab of the holder.

 

[UlsterScot]

A bit off this line of inquest…but…“true” Plaubel 6x9 roll film backs seem scarce right now (several backs for 35mm film and 6x4.5 are now up for grabs but no 6x9). Anyone know For Certain if a P. Rada 6x9 roll film back will fit a P. Makina II camera?

 

[Alex Varas]

It will, for sure, same distance to the film, I have one II and this kind of film back is the first I tried, they don’t have back lock so you need to use the front lock if possible. If not, just pull the dark slide holding the back.

 

[UlsterScot]

Whew! Cool! As long as the Rada flange distance is the same as the cut film holders and the roll film holder can be securely attached to the Makina II camera back, all is good! Thanks so much alexvaras!

 

[Arthurwg]

OK, while we are at it, which is the best roll film back for a Speed Graphic? I'm thinking a Rollex. Is there a 6x9?

 

[Alex Varas]

Rollex were more like for folding cameras KW Etui Patent, Avus, etc...
Speed Graphics it depends on the back, unless it’s Graflok you can only use Adapt-A-620? Was the name? If Graflok back then Graflex 22/23 and more modern ones that kind of back can take.
Possibly I’m wrong since I only had Speed Graphics 4x5.

 

[Dan Fromm]

OK, while we are at it, which is the best roll film back for a Speed Graphic? I'm thinking a Rollex. Is there a 6x9?

Which size Graphic? 2x3, 3x4 or 4x5? If 2x3 or 4x5 and your camera has a Graflok back, you can't go wrong with a Horseman or Toyo. If 4x5, Linhof Super Rollex. All three are available in versions with 6x7 and 6x9 gates. If 4x5 with a 6x7 gate, Linhof Rapid Rollex. Don't forget Wista's roll film holder, which came with 6x7 and 6x9 gates to fit 2x3 and 4x5 cameras. It isn't clear whether Wista roll holders can be attached to standard 2x3 Graflok backs. If it isn't clear, all of these roll holders except perhaps the 2x3 Wistas attach to standard Graflok backs.

All of these clip on type roll holders are well regarded.

There are also insertion type roll holders that work with spring (Graphic) backs. Cambo/Calumet and Adapt-A-Roll 620 come to mind. Both makes have been reviled on line, but I've been happy with my AAR 620s used with 2x3 Graphics. AFAIK, AAR is the only roll holder available for 3x4 cameras. I hope I'm mistaken.

About the Rollex. I don't think any were made to attach to Graflok backs and they're not really insertion types. I could be mistaken. If I understand Linhof's Rollex roll holders, they attach only to Linhof cameras. Again, I could be mistaken.

I didn't mention Graflex brand roll film holders because they're generally seen as not quite as good as the ones I mentioned above. But they certainly work.

 

[UlsterScot]

OK, while we are at it, which is the best roll film back for a Speed Graphic? I'm thinking a Rollex. Is there a 6x9?

I believe: The pre- IV (4) ie III 6x9 black leatherette covered rangefinder “Super Technikas” had a 6x9 roll film back. It looks a bit like the Plaubel roll film backs, perhaps a Rada most of all, with a winder knob (rather than the later lever actuated 6x7 Rollexes) typically extending from the lower side (as mounted) of the holder.

 

[Arthurwg]

Yes, 4x5 with Graflok.