Using 6x9 back on 4x5, what camera to pick?

Krist · Oct 24, 2020

Hi,

Im completely new to large format and is looking to buy a 4x5 that makes it easy for me to use changeable backs to shoot 6x9 or 6x12 maybe half the time, maybe even switching outside. I thought about getting a chamonix, but i read somewhere you have to remove the groundglass to use a different back. Is this "normal" for 4x5 or is it uniqe for the Chamonix, if so i might need to consider another 4x5 camera.

I hope someone in here can give me some advice on what backs to use and what camera to choose.

Kristian

ic-racer · Oct 24, 2020

You might want to check out the Horseman Rotary Back.

I actually have never used it because my Horseman camera has a rangefinder, so I can focus without needing the ground glass. I have the film back on the camera all the time, unless I'm doing something special, in which case I don't mind taking the ground glass off and putting it in my bag while I switch backs.

grat · Oct 24, 2020

Removing the glass to use a graflok / international compatible back is pretty standard as far as I know. The Chamonix GG is held by a couple of spring-loaded clips (also pretty standard), and then the roll film back would be placed in position, and four cams rotated to lock it into place.

The alternative would be a roll-film back that's flat enough to slide under the ground glass like a standard film holder, and I've never seen one (probably because the 120 spool is too large).

DREW WILEY · Oct 24, 2020

Horseman backs work great. Just make sure they're the kind with the 4x5 sized plate for sake of Graflock-style mounting. 6x9 and 6x7 versions are common, 6x12 pricier. No need for rotary. But slide-in style backs are too thick for many cameras, and can be a bit heavy. One problem with lightweight field cameras is the risk of too heavy a roll film back tugging the plane of focus somewhat out of whack.

B.S.Kumar · Oct 24, 2020

Toyo, Linhof, Sinar and Cambo / Calumet make roll film holders that will slide in like 4x5 film holders. The Toyo holders can also be used Graflok style, by removing the ground glass and locking the levers. But, as pointed out by Drew, they may be too thick to fit under the glass.

Kumar

Vaughn · Oct 24, 2020

I have used a 6x7 rollfilm adapter made by Calumet. Same thickness as film holder -- the portion holding the two film reels and winding mechanism are at one end that does not go into the camera back. I liked it -- but since it bends the film the opposite way as it normally rolls, too much time between exposures would create a 'memory bend' in the film and one had to be careful unloading as the film reel would not be loaded tightly at these bends.

David A. Goldfarb · Oct 24, 2020

If you have a camera with a Graflok/International type back, the groundglass panel slips off easily for attaching a Graflok-type rollfilm back. Linhof Super-Rollex backs of this type are very robust and have excellent film flatness, but they're also heavier than other Graflok-type backs, so you might not want to use one with an ultralight camera.

The kind that slip under the groundglass like the versatile multi-format Sinar Zoom II (and earlier versions) are handy, in that they work more like sheet film holders, but they also tend to be more costly and are harder to find.

Bob S · Oct 24, 2020

ic-racer said:
You might want to check out the Horseman Rotary Back.

I actually have never used it because my Horseman camera has a rangefinder, so I can focus without needing the ground glass. I have the film back on the camera all the time, unless I'm doing something special, in which case I don't mind taking the ground glass off and putting it in my bag while I switch backs.

ic-racer said:

You might want to check out the Horseman Rotary Back.

I actually have never used it because my Horseman camera has a rangefinder, so I can focus without needing the ground glass. I have the film back on the camera all the time, unless I'm doing something special, in which case I don't mind taking the ground glass off and putting it in my bag while I switch backs.

Click to expand...

Except you would have to build, or have built, if possible, an adapter plate as that rotary back only mates with some Horseman cameras.

B.S.Kumar · Oct 25, 2020

Horseman made a rotary back for the 4x5 format cameras well. They take the same backs that the VH series cameras use.

Michael Firstlight · Oct 25, 2020

I love my Toyo 45A II field camera - light and versatile and also has an easy one-button rotating back. The ground glass has markings for framing both 6x7 and 6x9 before you slide in a Graflock 6x7 or 6x9 adapter. The Toyo 6x9 Graflock adapters are still plentiful as well on eBay. Using the Toyo 6x9 adapter with a 45A II is a smooth and perfect fit.

Krist · Oct 25, 2020

Thanks for all the replys! Might consider a toyo..

Using 6x9 back on 4x5, what camera to pick?

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