I have an old 4x5 Graphic View (I) camera with a graphic back. I recently purchased a (mint condition) RH-10 roll film holder before realizing that they only fit cameras with "Graflock" backs. Although, I could return the roll film holder, I would much prefer to use it. Any suggestions?

Keep an eye out on ebay, epay or the old auction site, depending on what we are calling it this week, The removable backs show up quite often on there for $50 or less.

Dave

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Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Rangemaster on 2006-01-20 17:55 ]</font>

Rangemaster,

Thanks for your reply. I have also heard/found out the following since I posted my original inquiry. 1) In an RH-20 owner's manual that I received from John Craig, there is mention of an adapter kit for using the roll film holder on cameras with spring backs. So far, I have not found a used equipment dealer that has this adapter kit. 2) A dealer told me I should return the Graflex roll film holder and purchase a Calumet C2 holder which, he says, will work on Graphic View cameras without Graflokk backs. 3) The same dealer also told me that Graflokk backs for Graphic View cameras are very hard to find.

He may think they are hard to find, I have purchased 5 different graflok backs off of ebay in the last two years for the grahic view.

but it is also quite easy to find the C2 holders and they are actually pretty cheap.

Dave Parker
Satin Snow Ground Glass

Okay, I really don't keep an eye open for GV Graflok backs any more, but they never seemed that easy to find, especially when I needed one

If you're thinking of moving to the Calumet type holder, do some searching and reading first. Some people like them and others have reported problems. I have one but have never used it so I can't personally report on it.

I doubt you'll be able to find an original spring extension kit. But someone here (Bert?) either has plans or drawings or makes them. Can't quite remember. You could either search the forums or maybe he'll chime in?

Now Dave, about all those Graflok backs???

I have a drawing with dims for fabricating the springs! Email me at
bsaunders1@bak.rr.com
Will send photos of the springs, and the drawing!
Only drawback with the springs was the fact that they replaced the spring back, so did not interchange easily or quickly!
Have a nice day....Bert

Calumet C2 is a pain...too big and heavy, not well designed as your RH10. I had one.

The best thing would be to update (to the Fifties!) with a Graflok back. There's no rangefinder to consider so the spacing isn't important. Intact backs alone seem to sell for around $125 on the auction site.

..I've seen backs recently online, but it might be smarter to cannibalize a bad-condition Speed or Crown press with intact Graflok...you might get a few useful bits with it, such as a credible lens...

I now fully believe that you simply want all Gralfex cameras buthered for some perverse personal pleasure. At least know what you're talking about before you offer bad advice!

The back from any Crown or SPeed will do no good for a Graphic View. there are no similarities of construction.

Wait and keep searching ebay for a back as they do come up now and then. Or do like I did, twice, and buy a 'parts camera' just for the back. Then spend your quiet time in refurbishing those parts cameras back into usable condition!

Djon,

the GV backs and the Pacemaker backs are an entirely different beast...

Have you had many of these cameras in your hands or are you basing you incorrect statements on the rumors and such that float around the net.

Do what you will do with your own cameras, but please don't try to influence others to make mistakes.

The C2 can and is a good back if you know how to use it as is the RH10 an other backs, matching the correct camera to the correct part is the key..

Dave