...although I think I alread know the answer. I've restored one Speed Graphic, and it uses the Graflex back (the non-spring type that takes the 12-plate or sheet magazine... I always get these mixed up). I don't intend to use it with anything other than the bag mags, but was curious if Polaroid ever made a back that would fit this type of back, that would use 4x5 sheet film like Type 55? I suspect not: completely different eras, but it would be a great piece of equipment to have as a backup.

jeff

Polariod backs are only compatible with Graphic or Graflok backs. The Graphic spring back will only acccomodate the 4 X 5 single sheet Polariod backs.

The earliest Polariod back was introduced in the early 1950's for the type 50 series film (Polariod discontinued this film around 1980) and was only offered for the Graflok back. This particular back was very heavy and required a spacer since the film plane was farther back than normal.

Quote:

On 2003-06-19 10:49, vic valis wrote: ...although I think I alread know the answer. I've restored one Speed Graphic, and it uses the Graflex back (the non-spring type that takes the 12-plate or sheet magazine... I always get these mixed up). I don't intend to use it with anything other than the bag mags, but was curious if Polaroid ever made a back that would fit this type of back, that would use 4x5 sheet film like Type 55? I suspect not: completely different eras, but it would be a great piece of equipment to have as a backup. jeff

As I remember, the Graflex back was just a tiny bit larger than a Graflok. It everything else is close (it is 4x5 after all), then modifying a 545 might not be too hard. Possibly just a wood shim on either side and some epoxy? Old 545's can be had pretty cheap if you're patient. Would be a great way to use an old camera...

By the way, if there any way to tell a plate from a film type of bag-mags? I have a film type here, but I also have what I think are plate septums and can't find a holder to accomodate them. They just barely don't fit the film bag-mag...

Only way to tell plate from film from the outside is that the plate holders are thicker. Septums look the same but are thicker to accomodate the thickness of the plate glass. The plate septums look like they would fit in a film holder (though not all of then) but I haven't tried this. You might have septums for the Grafmatic back.

jeff

Deffinitely not Grafmatic, they're perfectly flat (and I have Grafmatics). These are probably bag-mag, numbered 1 through 12 and have the indented circle in the middle with the bright numbers in position for the red window. They look exactly like my bag-mag septums, but are just a tiny bit larger and a little bit thicker, so they won't fit. I've been hoping to pick up a cheap plate-bag-mag but don't want another film model. I can't see any difference in pics and sellers never know what they have... Maybe some day I'll find one in it's original box that may say 'plate' on it?

Yeah, I just pulled the septums from my plate and sheet mags for a little side-by-side comparison, and the plate septums are just a touch wider than the film septums, just enough so as not to fit.

jeff

Oh yeah, the number on the plate septum is off-center a bit, whereas on the sheet septum it's centered.

jeff

Well, there's the first good clue I've heard! Is it off center enough to notice in a pic? Far enough off center to not show through the film's window? I would check mine, but they're packed away at the moment, somplace... I didn't notice the 'plate' septum's numbers being off on mine...
Wait a sec. Just dug out a box of septums. They say "One set (12) septums for 4x5 Graflex Magazine" with a rubber stamped 'PLATE' in the white space. But the numbers are centered across the 4 inch width. Roughly 2 inches from the closed end and 3 inches from the open end. My film bag-mag is off burried someplace...
They would make great photo holders

The number on the glass plate holder was not centered, and off to one side enough that it would probably not show through the window. I'm at work now, so I cannot look at them.

jeff