Graflex.org

[Eugen Mezei]

Hello again!

I'm trying to learn about my Graphic and in the meantime to complete it so I finally can use it.
Found out so far, that it is a Speedgraphic 3,25"x4,25" with springback. Gathered this informations step by step, it seems a bit complicated with these cameras, zillions of versions and denominations existed.
Found out also how to work with it in theory, the only thing I haven't found out is how to drop the bed and if I can attach a flash synchronised with the focal plane shutter.

To go practical I need sheetfilmholders. Now there is something I still don't understand: Can I use any 3.25"x4.25" (3 1/4" x 4 1/4") holder or must this be specially made for the springback?
I saw a holder advertised as "3X4 LISCO REGAL". In first place is this 3,25x4,25" or is it really 3x4"? I never heard of a plain 3x4" filmsize. Then, would this fit my springback? If I understand it right the springback needs holders with a grove. Does the Lisco or any other usual holder from another manufacturer have this grove or am I stuck with Graflex holder only?

If somebody has the right size holders to sell, please contact me.

Greetings,

Eugen

[Billy Canuck]

Hello Eugen. Any film holder 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 inches will work on a Speed. The Lisco should be fine. The dimensions 3 x 4 were used for convenience. They always mean 3-1/4 x 4-1/4. The holders with a groove were made for a Graflex back, i.e. the back on a Graflex SLR.
Synching a flash with the focal-plane shutter can only be done with a special bulb (very hard to find & expensive). An electronic flash will not work. I don't know what model Speed you have, but if there is a front shutter, electronic flash will work -- depending on the shutter, you either set the synch delay at X (M is for bulbs) or (if the shutter for instance is a Supermatic X) it's ready to go.

[45PSS]

[Billy Canuck]

Forgot one thing. 3 x 4 holders show up quite frequently on the well-known auction site, and they usually go for cheap because it's an obsolete film size. However, 3 x 4 film can be found online sold by specialty dealers, usually only in only one b&w emulsion.

[45PSS]

There are a lot of Graflex/Graphic manuals available at
http://cameraeccentric.com/info.html and http://southbristolviews.com/ .

If your camera is an Anniversary Speed Graphic then at South Bristol Views click on the Graflex manuals link on the left then navigate to the Anniversary Speed Instruction manual. If your camera is a Pacemaker Speed Graphic then at The Camera Eccentric the Graflex Pacemaker Graphics Instruction/Reference Manual http://cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_5.html (older) or the Graflex Pacemaker Crown/Speed Graphic Guide Book http://cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html (newer) will give you the operating information you need.

The spring back is also called a Graphic back. Other names associated with Graphic/spring/standard back film holders are: Lisco Regal; Graphic Riteway; Riteway; Fedilety. 3x4 sheet film was discontinued many years ago. Larger format sheet films can be cut down to fit the 3x4 film holders. The 1/4 is often dropped from 3x4 and 2x3 to make easier referencing/typing.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[pv17vv]

Eugen, check the web pages of german firms for film : Maco, Nordfoto, Fotoimpex, and others.

[Eugen Mezei]

Thank you all for your informative answers.
When I bought the camera I was convinced the biggest problem would be buying 3x4" film for it, but as Fotoimpex in Berlin still sells this format I thougt I could start using the camera. Unfortunately it is difficult to find modern 3x4 filmholders here in Europe. Last year a staple of it faced up on german Ebay and sold for 1 Euro, but I passed it by my fault.
That brings me to an idea: Could I use old filmholders made of metal too? Like the Millionenfalz ones?

Eugen