I broke a Graflok back for a later model (top rangefinder) Crown Graphic 4x5. The two metal "handles" on the focusing panel which is part of the metal surrounding the spring is broken. It looks like it could be repairable IF the right parts could be located which I doubt.

The question is could I put a regular back from an earlier (side rangefinder) version Crown Graphic 4x5 on the later model? It looks like only two screws would have to be removed to get the back off the older camera and 4 screws to remove the "frame" of the Graflok back off the newer camera. If anyone knows for sure if this can be done or not and/or whether the job can be done by a non-professional please let me know.

A guy selling a Graflok back on ePay is suggesting the Graflokk back may be used to "upgrade" from a standard back on older Crown Graphics. I notice that there are NO regular non–Graflock backs listed *******.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

BTW-
The spring on the non-Graflock back seems to be stronger and tighter than the Graflok which is fine with me.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Changeling on 2006-08-20 14:21 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Changeling on 2006-08-20 14:23 ]</font>

As I understand it, the "upgrade" of an older Speed or pre-Graflok Crown to a Graflok back requires drilling new holes in the body to accept the screws for the newer back.

From what you describe, however, it sounds as if you don't actually need the whole back, just a new focusing panel -- at least, it seems that it's the removable part you've broken. If you slide the locks back, the whole springs, frame, ground glass, and hood assembly will lift out and can be replaced with any other Graflok compatible accessory -- including another focusing panel. I do see focusing panels on eBay from time to time, and usually for a good bit less than a complete Graflok back, since their only practical use is replacing a missing or damaged panel (as opposed to a complete back being used to upgrade an existing spring back on either a Graflex or other brand of camera).

Quote:

On 2006-08-20 14:19, Changeling wrote: I broke a Graflok back for a later model (top rangefinder) Crown Graphic 4x5. The two metal "handles" on the focusing panel which is part of the metal surrounding the spring is broken. It looks like it could be repairable IF the right parts could be located which I doubt. The question is could I put a regular back from an earlier (side rangefinder) version Crown Graphic 4x5 on the later model? It looks like only two screws would have to be removed to get the back off the older camera and 4 screws to remove the "frame" of the Graflok back off the newer camera. If anyone knows for sure if this can be done or not and/or whether the job can be done by a non-professional please let me know. A guy selling a Graflok back on ePay is suggesting the Graflokk back may be used to "upgrade" from a standard back on older Crown Graphics. I notice that there are NO regular non–Graflock backs listed *******. Thanks in advance for any insight.

The "Back" is the complete metal frame that attaches to the wooden camera body. There are 2 screws on top, three on the bottom, and one under the focus panel on the film holder insertion side.
The Graphic or spring back focus panel does not come off except to unscrew the focus panel spring retaining screws.
The graflok back has the removable focus panel.
The <B><I>ONLY</B></I> difference between a side rangefinder and top rangefinder Pacemaker is the rangefinder.
Any back off any pacemaker will fit on any other pacemaker of the same format size. Any pacemaker graflok focus panel will fit any pacemaker graflok back of the same format size.
Crown or Speed version does not matter.

Screws that hold the back on the camera body are <B>NOT</B> the same size. Put back in the same hole they came out of to prevent problems.
Charles

_________________
Graflex Corp.was a <font color=white>(silent)</font> supporter of Rain Forest Devastation.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2006-08-20 19:45 ]</font>