Shen Hao HZX 45 Graflok Back?

[davidave]

I just got a new Shen Hao HZX 45 camera. From all the research and literature I've read, Shen Hao 4x5 cameras are supposed to come with a Graflok back. When I got the camera, I took the focusing screen from my Crown Graphic Special and tried to mount it to the Shen Hao, but the backs do not match. I've included a photo of the two screens and they are obviously different standards. What's the deal?

 

[Dan Fromm]

Focusing panels don't all interchange between Graflok/International backs. Just use your Shen and stop worrying. Accessories that fit a 4x5 Graflok back will attach to it, and that is what matters.

For another example, my 4x5 Cambo Graflok back's focusing panel won't attach to a 4x5 Graphic. And vice versa. Why should I care?

 

[davidave]

Focusing panels don't all interchange between Graflok/International backs. Just use your Shen and stop worrying. Accessories that fit a 4x5 Graflok back will attach to it, and that is what matters.

For another example, my 4x5 Cambo Graflok back's focusing panel won't attach to a 4x5 Graphic. And vice versa. Why should I care?

i was mostly concerned because i have a graflex 23 back on the way and i was worried this might not fit. i guess i'll find out when it gets here.

 

[jimjm]

As Dan said, the focusing screen dimensions can vary for different cameras, but any accessories/holders/backs designed for the Graflok 4x5 should fit. I have a Calumet 6x7 roll fim holder that fits in my Shen-Hao TZ45-IIB just fine.

I recently tried swapping the focusing screen from my Graphic View monorail into my Crown Graphic, but was surprised to find they didn't match. Same manufacturer and only a few years apart, but even these varied in size.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Dave, the Graflok sliders hold accessories to the back. The pins that the focusing panels' hooks grab have nothing to do with the attachments.

 

[davidave]

Thanks Dan. I had always assumed the pins were the graflok part.