Graflex.org

[lunaaron]

I have a miniature Speed Graphic with its original spring back.
I have notice that there has been a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 Graflok back kicking around on ebay - it has been listed on and off for the past six months.
It doesnt have a focusing hood or ground glass but I was wondering if i could use the glass and hood from my original spring back to make myself up a working Graflok back for the camera?
Is this all as easy as it sounds or am i getting myself into a complex and frustrating project?

[t.r.sanford]

The focusing hood on an old (pre-"Pacemaker") 2-1/4x3-1/4 "Speed" in my possession does not unclip from the "Graphic" back; I don't know whether yours does. If it does not, trying a transplant might be more trouble than it would be worth.

I don't think the groundglass is much of a problem, though I can't say whether the piece in your "Graphic" back would drop right into a "Graflok" focusing panel. In any case, you'll want to check for the exact position of the focal plane.

I've found that, in most cases where the camera is to be focused on the groundglass, a focusing cloth is more satisfactory than the little hinged hoods customarily supplied. The hood serves principally to protect the GG from damage. Others may disagree.

One way to look at it is, if you can get the back and focusing panel for a reasonable price, all you need is a "Graflok" focusing hood and a focusing screen!

[glennfromwy]

That isn't the one that eyepec has been forever listing for 39.00, is it? If it is, it doesn't fit any camera that I have ever seen. In any event, the focus panel and hood from a spring back won't fit on a Graflok back. If you're brave and/or nuts like myself, you can modify one to use. I make my own versions of 2X3 backs for roll holders. I use a spring focus back panel with springs removed, then cut it down on the long sides so it will clamp in place with the slides. The edges with their sides milled out kind of look like this ¬_ with the step down in thickness. It makes it a focus and remove situation, similar to the Graflex back. Make sense????

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"