Hi,

I bought a Crown Graphic today, and when I got home to try it out, I realized that the film holders I have do not fit. They are too big! I've had the film holders (riteway) a long time and I assumed they would work with all 4x5 cameras.

Just by looking at the back I thought it was the standard Graflok, but after some research it looks like there's a chance it is in fact a Graflex. I read that the Graflex back requires different sized film holders.

I also gather there was a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 version of the Crown Graphic. I am 99% sure mine is a 4x5 (the 1% uncertainty coming from me second-guessing myself now) but I am hoping you guys can give me some input based on these pictures.

My fingers are crossed I did not mistakenly purchase the strange 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 version... :-/ I would feel really dumb.

Thanks in advance for your help!

And sorry about the bad cell-phone pics:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kDdxub03YX4/TrbfVmePW-I/AAAAAAAAIKI/03c30qqqEQc/s640/IMG_20111106_112551.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Iycf2Mqu7tw/TrdSE5khQVI/AAAAAAAAIKw/U8cnWQuuMx4/s640/IMG_20111106_193448.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bgydCxGtyV0/TrdR63vyrFI/AAAAAAAAIKo/RmtcG2hjlRM/s640/IMG_20111106_193431.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MMAw3Vge-yc/TrdSInS1EDI/AAAAAAAAIK4/juG58I6IbOY/s640/IMG_20111106_193504.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ncK1cfjrZ7A/TrdSNE_4kKI/AAAAAAAAILA/8qoEEa2fefA/s640/IMG_20111106_193524.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTJkd3LB2Y4/TrdSRTH2orI/AAAAAAAAILI/R-yLkDAl5ss/s640/IMG_20111106_193600.jpg
See... Doesn't fit!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--6GYNswfH_A/TrdSo84yBSI/AAAAAAAAILQ/YoguB2GShKI/s640/IMG_20111106_193739.jpg

What is the camera's serial number? What are the gate's dimensions? Take the focusing panel off to measure it.

Based on that photo of the holder part way into the Graflok back, I'm 99% sure that you did in fact buy a 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" Crown. As Dan says to be absolutely certain refer to the serial number lists, or measure the film gate.

C. Henry

The serial number is 756672.

Where can I find the serial number lists? And would measuring the ground glass be the same measurement as the film gate? I'm not sure what the film gate is. Or at least, I know what it is but I don't know what it's called!

The dimensions of the glass: 4 1/8 x 3 1/8.

Probably a dumb question but... I was looking on eBay and some people are selling 4x5 Graflok backs, I don't suppose I could simply buy a different back and put it on?

The 4x5 Graflok back will only fit a 4x5 Graphic. The body of the 3x4 Graphic (which is what you have) is not big enough.

Quote:

The 4x5 Graflok back will only fit a 4x5 Graphic. The body of the 3x4 Graphic (which is what you have) is not big enough.

Didn't think so. Sigh... Well, thanks for your help!

There is no serial number list, but there are a few unofficial unpublished ones.

Your camera's serial number is in a lot of 3x4 Graphic -- no differentiation between Speeds and Crowns -- serial numbers assigned 3/31/52. The next lot was assigned 10/4/52.

As has been pointed out already, 4x5 into 3x4 does not go. If you want to use a 4x5 Graphic you'll have to get one.

Its not much consolation but you're not the first person to have bought (or been sold) a 3x4 when trying to buy a 4x5.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/ has Efke in 3 1/4x4 1/4.
Graflex made roll film holders for 3x4 cameras. The Graflex version will work with Graflex or Graflok backs, the Graphic version works with Graflok backs only. An adapter plate can easily be made to attach 2x3 roll film backs to the 3x4 graflok back you have also. 4x5 RFH cannot be cut down to fit.

hey
how much did you pay for it & can you take it back??
I have been looking for a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 version of the Crown Graphic.
to put with my 4x5 & my 2x3
if the price is not to bad I would look at buying