Graflex.org

[cyrus]

I have a 2x3 mini speed graphic with the spring back and not the graflok back. I understand that I am not able to use the usual roll-film backs on this camera and that my options are to:

1- Hope and pray for a 2x3 graflok back to show up on ebay (expensive)
2- Hope and pray much harder for an Adapt-a-Roll 620 to show up
3- SOmehow permanently mount the rollback on the camera and focus using only the rangefinder with one lens, giving up the ground-glass focusing option.
4- Continue to use 2x3 film, if I can still find it.

That's it, right? No other opions.

I have a couple of sheet holders including a grafmatic for the 2x3 size, and I don't mind using 2x3 sheet film as long as I can find it (and perhaps I'll resort to cutting from 4x5 film if necessary) so option 4 is the fall-back position.

So, here are my questions:

1- Anyone have an extra adopt-a-roll 620? Am I correct that they made one for 4x5 size? The ones on Ebay that I can find seem to be too large for 2x3

2- How exactly would you attach the rollback? Can someone show some pictures of the points of attachment, or at least describe the process with a bit more detail than on this site?

THANks!

[45PSS]

[t.r.sanford]

Following the thread is a very good idea.

Briefly, though, the general idea is to replace the focusing-panel springs with some kind of rails -- they can be fairly simple -- that grip the flanges of the rollfilm back. You can use the same fasteners for both purposes, and change back and forth with a screwdriver in a minute or two.

As you'll see from the many posts on this subject, the 2¼x3¼ format doesn't leave you a lot of space to work with, in devising those rails. So it is well to keep the business as simple and straightforward as possible, and accept that you'll be using the camera either handheld, as a press camera, or else on a tripod, as a field camera -- but not both in quick succession.

IMHO, 2¼x3¼ sheetfilm is rather a waste of time, as a practical proposition. It offers few of the advantages of the larger formats, and all of the disadvantages. I used a "Century" with a rollholder for a number of years, and probably had recourse to sheetfilm four or five times, more for the Hell of it than for any anticipated benefit. It is fun, though!

[troublemaker]

Graflex made a Spring kit which replaced the GG back and holds the Rollfilm holder in place. They are occasionally available, and work very well. I use a couple sets of them sometimes. The nice thing is I canuse them on any of the Spring back Graphics and have on 2x3 and 4x5 with good results. I thought about having some fabricated out of Stainless, but I would have to have quite a few made.
Anyway, the original part #9295

[cyrus]

I got a graflok back- can I swap it with the existing back on the Mini easily? I see that the Mini's back has the connection for the flash. Will that get in the way?

[Les]

Not really. Graflex did make a proper retro fit Graflok back for the mini and it kept the focal plane synchronization, but with focal plane flash bulbs and $2 a pop, I doubt you'll miss it.

YOu'll probably want to take off the swing up peep sight on the new back and used the flip up peep sight on the body of the camera.

I even think most of the screw holes are in the proper place. Just know that there's a sneaky screw on the right side about half way up. pull the ground glass back a bit and you'll see it. There may be one on the left too. I'm not sure about the minis.

Les
_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[Dan Fromm]

Cyrus, when I bought my 2x3 Pacemaker Speed it had a spring back. I subsequently bought a Mini Speed that had a 2x3 Pacemaker Graflok back and swapped backs between the two bodies. The screw holes are in the same places on the two bodies and are the same size. Easy swap.

Good luck, have fun,

Dan

[cyrus]

Thanks for your advice. I'll see if Mr Lustig can swap the backs for me.
Can anyone recommend a roll-film holder? I am not sure I know the differences between the great variety that is on auction.
Also, I understand that it will take the rollfilm holders for the Mamiya RB series - is this correct? (I have a couple of those alreadY)

[essessem]

http://www.jandcphoto.com/jandc/Catalog/1.htm
(You have to scroll down a bit, or just enter "2x3" in "Find")

They offer Foma, Ilford and J&C 2x3 sheets
_________________
Speak softly and carry a big camera.

[Les]

J and C photo is no longer. They tried moving but it just didn't work out. Something about suppliers breaking their exclusive contracts and petty law suits.

As to roll backs. The better ones made by Graflex are the ones that say RH on them there were three sizes 6x6, 6x7, and 6x9 you can also find 6x7 for 220 film they were named RH 12, RH10, RH 8 and RH 20.

The early RB Mamiya 67 is a better copy of the RH roll holders. In theory all of the RB backs (the originals, the RB67s the Pro and PRoS should all fit, but the later versions have interlocks and used to command higher prices for options you couldn't use. Now that prices are in the toilet you might want to look at the later backs. If possible, test fit before buying or at least check the return policy. I've had backs that were just a tad too thick and would let the slider lock down.
_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[Dan Fromm]

Cyrus, if you want a roll holder to use with your camera as it is, look for an Adapt-A-Roll 620.