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Can This be modified to work on a 2x3 Speed Graphic?
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miket-nyc
Joined: 18 Apr 2018
Posts: 39
PostPosted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 8:10 pm   Post subject: Can This be modified to work on a 2x3 Speed Graphic?

I just made a usable Miniature Speed Graphic out of two broken ones, and I started looking for off-brand 2 1/4 x/3 1/4 film. Now I see why 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 film holders are so affordable (and Century Graphics are not). The size just doesn't exist in sheet film.

So I went looking for a roll-film holder on eBay and found this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Graflex-23-120-Roll-Film-Holder-for-4x5-camera/273155835990?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

The front plate needs to be cut down from 4x5 to fit a 2 1/4 x/3 1/4 back, but is the film-holding unit itself the same size as the ones designed to fit these backs, so if I cut the front plate down, it will fit? I do machining as a hobby and have lathes, milling machine, etc., so cutting it down should not be a problem if it fits after that's done.

BTW, I'm a new member here and do almost entirely digital photography now, though years ago I did darkroom work in 35mm, 2 1/4 roll film, and 4x5. But once I get this camera usable, I will probably copy the negatives with my Nikon DSLR and make digital prints rather than try to set up a darkroom again.
shutterfinger
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
Posts: 57
PostPosted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 9:20 pm

A 4x5 RFH cannot be cut down to fit a 3x4 camera. Attempting to do so will destroy the Roll Film Holder.
Wait for a 3x4 RFH to show up $$$ or make an adapter for a 2x3 RFH to 3x4 opening. Been there, done that. I used 1/4 inch Baltic Birch Plywood. Infinity stops and rangefinder have to be reset.
Graphic 22, RH12 - 12 6cm x 6cm per roll of 120
Graphic 23, RH8 - 8 6cm x 9cm per roll of 120
RH 10 - 10 6cm x 7cm per roll of 120.
RH50 uses 70mm roll film.
miket-nyc
Joined: 18 Apr 2018
Posts: 39
PostPosted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 12:54 am

OK, but it's confusing to figure out what holders go on what cameras. A " Graphic 23" holder means it produces 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 images, but did Graflex add anything to the name to make it clear what camera it's intended to go on? Sometimes eBay ads say, but often they don't. A roll film holder for a 4x5 camera is fairly easy to tell from a smaller one, but the pictures in ads are often poor, and the 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 holders often look like 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 holders.
45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
PostPosted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:40 am

A RFH for 2x3 cameras has a shell base narrower than the insert.
A RFH for 3x4 or 4x5 has shell edges that extend beyond the insert and back of the RFH. 4x5 is the widest at 4 3/4 inch or 7/8 inch either side of the darkslide slot. A 2x3 RFH has 1/8 inch either side of the darkslide slot. I don't have a 3x4 RFH to measure.
This guidebook shows the 2x3 RFH.
http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_13.html
45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
PostPosted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:59 am

Here are some current Graflex Graphic roll film holder for 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 cameras on ebay.
A RH20 is for 20 6cm x 7cm images on 220 film.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Graflex-lever-wind-6x7-roll-film-back-for-2x3-cameras/263609633205?hash=item3d605bc9b5:g:0NkAAOSwZBha02Xv
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Graflex-General-Precision-RH-8-Roll-Holder-6-x-8-cm-for-120-film/152986389617?hash=item239eb30c71:g:3UkAAOSwshpa1jLZ
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Graflex-RH-10-Roll-Holder/152987482345?hash=item239ec3b8e9:g:FfwAAOSwcuRay6NB
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Graflex-SINGER-RH10-10-exp-6x7-back-late-for-6x9-cameras/322961116394?hash=item4b31fb8cea:g:0bcAAOSwTQtaQw94
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ship-in-24-Hrs-Graflex-23-Graphic-120-Roll-Film-Back-Holder-2-1-4-x-3-1-4/142737467311?hash=item213bd0e7af:g:qnEAAOSwD4lau9vz

I skipped some of the price gouging listings and suggest you do the same.
shutterfinger
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
Posts: 57
PostPosted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:17 pm

[quote="shutterfinger"]A 4x5 RFH cannot be cut down to fit a 3x4 camera. Attempting to do so will destroy the Roll Film Holder.
Must have more coffee before posting. :oops:
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