Graflex.org

Henry · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 1662

Could somebody please explain to me what the heck this is?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-GRAFLEX-23-GRAPHIC-ROLL-FILM-HOLDER-4X5-CAMERA-GPE-W-BOX-/111356261531?pt=US_Film_Backs_Holders&hash=item19ed59b49b

That sure doesn't look like a 4x5 platen to me!

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

I think its a 3x4 Graflex RFH dug out of a damp basement on the shores of lake Huron with a 4x5 box from another location by an estate clearance person that does not have a clue.

Henry · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 1662

Thanks. I thought something about it was very "fishy" (oooh, so sorry!).

choiliefan · Joined: 24 Dec 2013 Posts: 19

I contacted the seller before the auction ended asking for dimensions of the back:

"Hi. I'm sorry for the delay in answering your question. The entire back plate measures about 7 1/4" x 3 3/4". From the groove to the right edge is about 6 7/8". Thanks for your interest and good luck."

This holder wouldn't fit my 3X4 Graflex so I passed on bidding.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165

I'm with Charles (45PSS).

The groove (see the middle picture) means that it will fit a Graflex back as usually comes on a Graflex SLR and rarely comes on a Graphic press camera, not a Graflok back as sometimes comes on a Graphic press camera. I don't have a 3x4 Graflex SLR so can't measure, but the dimensions seem right for one.

That said, the structure at the left end of the plate seems odd. Charles, what do you think it is? My 2x3 roll holders for Graflex SLRs have nothing like it.

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

Dan Fromm wrote:

I'm with Charles (45PSS).

The groove (see the middle picture) means that it will fit a Graflex back as usually comes on a Graflex SLR and rarely comes on a Graphic press camera, not a Graflok back as sometimes comes on a Graphic press camera. I don't have a 3x4 Graflex SLR so can't measure, but the dimensions seem right for one.

That said, the structure at the left end of the plate seems odd. Charles, what do you think it is? My 2x3 roll holders for Graflex SLRs have nothing like it.

I don't have a clue other than a special production item. The left side befort the "groove" is longer than standard RFHs, The extra lip on the right edge is riveted on and appears factory. I have never seen a dark slide like that before either.

The back frame of a 1921 Telescopic Graflex, 3x4 format, film holder area measures 4 15/64 X 5 5/16. The film holder measures 4 7/32 x 5 9/32 to inside edge of the light trap Groove.