View Camera for Roll Film?

thefizz · Aug 10, 2007

I'm looking for a view camera that can take 120 roll fim backs. Is there such a camera?

I heard names like Toyo and Galvin mentioned and I have done some web searches. They seem to be what I'm looking for. Can anyone advise on how good thay are and on any other makes I should look out for?

Peter

Edit: not sure is this should be in the medium or large format forum, please move if appropriate.

Ian Grant · Aug 10, 2007

Plenty, some on Ebay too.

Linhof's, Baby Graphics, Busch Pressman, but watch what type of back they take some only take darkslides.

Look on the Robert White site too, many modern smaller View Cameras are designed for Digital backs but also take roll film backs.

Nick Zentena · Aug 10, 2007

Do you want a pure 120 camera? Or a bigger camera that can take 120 roll film back?

All 4x5 cameras can take some sort of rollfilm back. Ranging from the Calumet that mounts like a film holder to the various Graflok based backs. You can even mount Mamiya RB backs on some cameras.

You can even mount rollfilm backs of various types on bigger cameras.

So what's the goal?

thefizz · Aug 10, 2007

I currently have an RZ67 so a view camera (120) that could take an RZ back would be great. Don't have any desire at the moment for 4x5 although having a 4x5 that can take an RZ back would leave the option of both so I may consider that also.

Nick Zentena · Aug 10, 2007

Don't know about RZ backs. I wish -)

The Shen factory sells [or used to] an adapter to mount RB backs. The normal 4x5 back can take a wide range of 120 backs.

http://www.shen-hao.com/E45.html

At the bottom. I don't know if that means they've stopped making it or not.

Ian Grant · Aug 10, 2007

I think only the older RB67 backs can be used on view cameras/press cameras.

Linhof do a very nice M679cs and they make an adaptor for the RZ back, expensive though, and you don't see them second-hand.

Ian

panastasia · Aug 10, 2007

thefizz said:
I'm looking for a view camera that can take 120 roll fim backs. Is there such a camera?

I heard names like Toyo and Galvin mentioned and I have done some web searches. They seem to be what I'm looking for. Can anyone advise on how good thay are and on any other makes I should look out for?

Peter

Edit: not sure is this should be in the medium or large format forum, please move if appropriate.

Peter,

I own a Galvin 2x3 monorail view camera designed specifically for 120 roll film and 2x3 sheet film. I purchased this camera sometime in the 80's for lightweight backpacking and use it every time I'm contracted to do industrial photography. It gets the job done.

They're no longer made but used cameras can be found for $600-$800 (I bought mine new for $170).

The only real fault that I could find with the camera was that the rear standard was a bit floppy and frustrating. It was easy to fix by disassembling this part and removing a small bit of material from a threaded pin with a simple file. I also purchased a recessed lens board for extreme wide angle lenses. It takes almost all roll film backs up to 6x9.

I'll never part with unique light weight, hand built camera with ample features.

Regards,
Paul

David A. Goldfarb · Aug 10, 2007

Your best option is probably to find a 4x5" camera with a Graflok/International style back. There are dedicated MF view cameras (I have one myself, as well as 4x5" and larger cameras), but they are generally expensive and not as intuitive to use for beginners. It's just easier to see what's happening on a bigger groundglass. I didn't even like shooting 4x5" until I had worked with 8x10" for a few years.

A 4x5" camera will give you more flexibility in choice of formats (from 645 to 6x17cm with an expansion back, and of course 4x5" sheets, even if only for occasional use), and there are more cameras out there in different price ranges with different capabilities than there are MF view cameras.

jp80874 · Aug 10, 2007

A few years back I went from an RZ67 to a Linhof TK45. Now I know the newer TK45S is supposed to be more stable. I used it with a roll film back until I found a suitable way to develop 4x5 which for me was a Jobo with Expert tanks. Once I saw the potential for the 4x5 negative I never looked back at the RZ. Of course GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) takes over pretty fast. One look at the ground glass of an 8x10 and the 4x5 was gone. I developed an interest in panoramic. A 612 or 617 120mm Roll Film back for the 4x5 is a less expensive and lighter weight way to get there. Naturally as my wife would say, I took the more expensive 7x17 path.

Enjoy.

John Powers

freygr · Aug 10, 2007

thefizz said:
I'm looking for a view camera that can take 120 roll fim backs. Is there such a camera?

I heard names like Toyo and Galvin mentioned and I have done some web searches. They seem to be what I'm looking for. Can anyone advise on how good thay are and on any other makes I should look out for?

Peter

Edit: not sure is this should be in the medium or large format forum, please move if appropriate.

You need a camera with a GRAFLOC back, then the roll film backs will fit. I've seen a photo of the Galvin with a roll film back install but the springs on the ground glass allowed the roll film back to be inserted like a standard film holder but that was an expiation.

keithwms · Aug 10, 2007

My horseman VH is 6x9, it is the "econo" version of the linhof 6x9s. It's actually quite versatile. It takes the horseman 6x9 rollfilm backs and also all the mamiya rb backs, so you can do 645, 6x7 and 6x8 etc. And those backs are quite inexpensive now.

The VH-R has a coupled rangefinder. There are other older verisons like the 980 and 985 that can also be had at modest price- low compared to the linhofs.

The main drawback of the VH is that the ground glass will feel small and dark if you're used ot 4x5 and up, and the GG is really too small to loupe easily, so you may want a mono viewer for outdoor work. I also have a gizmo that allows one to rotate from GG to film back with a flick of the wrist- it is very convenient.

I sometimes read complaints about the movements available on the VH, I don't agree with that at all. I mean, if you want to do this kind of thing it's easy. Both standards move quite nicely. Yes it's no linhof but geez look at the price, and it is solidly built and quite light and compact.

There are a number of great new lenses that can cover 6x7 and 6x9, that is another consideration. Typical LF lenses may underwhelm on 6x7 format.

I sometimes put a horseman 612 back on my crown graphic- cheap and great pano on 120 film. Rangefinder focusing. Another way to go. Total cost with lens, maybe $600 at most.

Roger Hicks · Aug 10, 2007

The fifth picture in the link below shows an International back: the ground-glass can be removed, after which a roll-film holder is held in place with the sliding clips on either side.

http://www.rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps large.html

Basically, if the ground glass is removable (a later pic shows it removed), you should be able to install a roll-film back. Only if the GG is fixed is it a problem, and even then, there are RF holders that slide under the back, from Cambo and others.

keithwms · Aug 10, 2007

Forgot to mention, I think the horseman 6x9s will take rz backs as well, but I don't know for sure. As I recall the rz and rb backs are quite similar in the actual mount design. I could probably verify it for you if you reach that point, I have a friend with an rz.

Another point, I have actually used the horseman handheld, linhof style, it can be done, with the rotating GG/back gizmo. Actually, if you are used to an rz then it will feel quite nice. The things is way lighter than my rb! But with no coupled RF, handheld focusing is a minor nuisance.

HerrBremerhaven · Aug 10, 2007

Sometimes there are adapters on EBAY that can accept an RB67 back and allow mounting onto a 4x5. When I last looked into these, they were near $US 125. if you already own the RB67 backs, then that might not be a bad way to go. If you do not own RB67 backs, then a little more than the price of the adapter might land a good used dedicated rollfilm back for a 4x5.

I currently use a Linhof Super Rollex back on my Shen-Hao HZX45-AII. The only bad part for me, is that I need to remove the ground glass prior to mounting the Linhof back.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Dead Link Removed

epatsellis · Aug 11, 2007

KEH has a Galvin 2x3 for $265 in EX condition. another alternative, depending on how handy you are is:

I basically mounted an Rb rotating back onto a Toyo lensboard, Some model of Toyo's use the same attachment for lensboard and back (45E,F,G for sure) By buying a junk back and gutting most of it, epoxying a piece of ground glass to the film rails. I now have a back that will use RB backs, and easily rotates, The entire project came to less than $40, plus my time for both the front and rear standard. When neccesary I can use LF lenses with the MF back and vice versa.

erie

keithwms · Aug 11, 2007

Erie how do you cock the shutter?

That looks like my next project, we'll have to talk some more In fact I think I mentioned to you elsewhere that I have kept my rb fisheye specifically for nutty full circles on 4x5 film.

glbeas · Aug 11, 2007

A Fuji GX 680 series camera can do much of the view camera work with 6x8cm 120 and 220 film, and the back rotates, the bellows are interchangeable. Only drawbacks are the bulk and they can be pricey and sometimes finicky about all the electrical contacts. There's supposed to be a Linhof adaptor board for them too, but they seem to be rare.

Roger Hicks · Aug 11, 2007

And don't forget that 4x5 takes 6x12 also: I have a Horseman 612 back that is really quite fun on 4x5/9x12.

epatsellis · Aug 11, 2007

keith,
This should make it clearer,

if you need more in-depth info, I have an information page on my website (www.eriepatsellis.com) that outlines most of what it took to build the front standard.

erie

epatsellis · Aug 11, 2007

Keith, the 50 and 65 also project circles that (barely)fit into a 4x5, the 90 and up, though soft in the corners (not always a bad thing) work wonderfully, I use the 150 SF frequently on 4x5.

erie

mark · Aug 11, 2007

My Galvin works great. If you do not want to get creative and just want to shoot get the Galvin. I have yet to understand the prices on E-bay. They are silly. Although, it is the only camera I own that is increasing in value. i keep trying to sell the darn thing but just can't do it.

Lens boards can be a PIA to get and expensive too. I solved that by fabricating my own. Work perfectly.

panastasia · Aug 11, 2007

epatsellis said:
KEH has a Galvin 2x3 for $265 in EX condition. another alternative, depending on how handy you are is:

I basically mounted an Rb rotating back onto a Toyo lensboard, Some model of Toyo's use the same attachment for lensboard and back (45E,F,G for sure) By buying a junk back and gutting most of it, epoxying a piece of ground glass to the film rails. I now have a back that will use RB backs, and easily rotates, The entire project came to less than $40, plus my time for both the front and rear standard. When neccesary I can use LF lenses with the MF back and vice versa.

That's an interesting camera! What does it weigh?
I'll guess, around 7 lbs?

It looks huge, bigger than an RB. The revolving back looks small with respect to the overall size of the camera.

That KEH price for a working Galvin sounds about right, BTW. They're not very intricate - but very light weight (2.6 lbs w/ lens board and back).

epatsellis · Aug 11, 2007

Not sure about the weight, 7-10# sounds close, it's a Toyo 45E with my front and rear panels on it.

erie

Tom Hoskinson · Aug 11, 2007

As has been mentioned previously in this thread and elsewhere on APUG, if the 4x5 view camera has a Graflock (or equivalent) Back you will be able to fit rollfilm backs to it. Examples include the 4x5 Shen Hao, 4x5 Wista and several others. The 2.25" X 3.25" Crown and Century Graphics with Graflock backs also accept rollfim backs. On my Crown/Graflock I routinely use 6x7 Mamiya RB rollfilm backs. I grafted a Graflock back onto my 2.25" X 3.25" Busch and now use 6x7 Mamiya RB rollfilm backs on it as well.

PhotoSmith · Aug 12, 2007

Keith Canham at K. B Canham Cameras has a 6x17 roll film back for view cameras. I have not tried it, but I have read good reviews about it.

Here's a link: http://www.canhamcameras.com/Roll film back.html

View Camera for Roll Film?

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