Will a Graflex Reflex work with standard film holders?

bliorg · Jul 6, 2011

Hi, all -

I'm reading conflicting info on this: Will the Series B Graflex Reflex (non-RB) work with standard film holders (4x5 in this case) or do they require special ones with slots along the sides?

Thanks.
Scott

mopar_guy · Jul 6, 2011

It depends on what type of back the camera has. Most Graflex SLRs came with a Graflex back and use the slotted type holders.

bliorg · Jul 6, 2011

Completely incompatible with current holders? How hard would it be to adapt a Graflok back to one of these?

2F/2F · Jul 6, 2011

bliorg said:
Completely incompatible with current holders? How hard would it be to adapt a Graflok back to one of these?

Probably a little hard, but well worth doing. Mounting it is not hard. The problem is that it has to be placed perfectly, or else your focusing screen and your film plane will not match.

bliorg · Jul 6, 2011

2F/2F said:
Probably a little hard, but well worth doing. Mounting it is not hard. The problem is that it has to be placed perfectly, or else your focusing screen and your film plane will not match.

I have a Graflock that includes both the focusing screen and the mounting plate. If it'd fit, it would ensure precise alignment of the screen and film plane...

What's reasonable for a 4x5 non-RB series B?

2F/2F · Jul 6, 2011

bliorg said:
I have a Graflock that includes both the focusing screen and the mounting plate. If it'd fit, it would ensure precise alignment of the screen and film plane...

What's reasonable for a 4x5 non-RB series B?

I'm not so sure that having the mounting plate would ensure proper calibration with the focusing screen. It may not even be close, as the RB is an earlier design with a different back. Ask Steve to find out; he did the conversion.

bliorg · Jul 6, 2011

Hmm. I'm not picturing this, and the slotted holders seem to be kind of expensive. Maybe I should pass on this for now...

mopar_guy · Jul 6, 2011

I just found slotted holders for my Graflex RB Super D.

removed account4 · Jul 6, 2011

slotted holders are probably less expensive than regular ones ...
look for bag magazines as well ( bag mags )
they work great !

you might find holders at mpex ( midwest photo exchange ) ask for jim
and he will treat you right ..

john

Oren Grad · Jul 6, 2011

bliorg said:
I have a Graflock that includes both the focusing screen and the mounting plate. If it'd fit, it would ensure precise alignment of the screen and film plane...

No, the problem is that both will be misaligned with the focusing screen in the camera, which is what you would normally be using to frame and focus.

Graflok conversion is a bit of a production. It can be tricky to get the alignment right if you aren't used to doing camera repairs, and it can get expensive if you have it done professionally. It's most commonly seen in the 4x5 Super D, which tends to be more expensive to begin with and which offers the convenience of the standard lens with semi-auto diaphragm.

mwdake · Jul 6, 2011

Pacific Rim Camera has slotted holders from time to time, keep checking back.
You also see them on eBay also, but you have to look carefully as so times it is hard to tell if they are slotted or not.

bliorg · Jul 6, 2011

Okay, I'm picturing the problem now - more engineering than I'd thought. It might be worth moving forward and searching for the slotted holders, or a suitable Grafmatic...

Thanks for the info, guys!

Sirius Glass · Jul 6, 2011

I had a Graflok adapter made for my 1928 4"x5" Graflex Model D for $65US. Now both the Graflex and the Pacemaker Speed Graphic share film holders and Grafmatic 45 backs.

Steve

Will a Graflex Reflex work with standard film holders?

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