Graflex.org

[ciela]

^^^sorry, meant 3 1/4 x4 1/4

[troublemaker]

Maybe someone is cutting 3-1/4x4-1/4 sheet film, and maybe someone knows where to get it, but I don't.
What I do know is how I would go about using this particualar camera if I really wanted to.
Graflex made a set of spring brackets that replace the upper and lower flex springs that hold on the GG viewing panel (and also hold the sheet film holders in place). These replacement spring clips hold a proper sized 120 roll film holder inplace firmly on the back and make it a useful camera (provided the rangefinder works well with the lens being used. Maybe, and I say maybe, 1 in 15 by my experience).
I use them on the 23 and 45 seriers cameras and nice to have.
So, to do it by my way of thinking is one would have to not only find the replacement clip gizmos (lucky me I have three sets), but also a 3x4 to 120 roll film back. I just sold the one I had, and here's why...
While the 34 series cameras are fairly inexpensive (helps to know how to identify them by crappy images on computer as they are ussualy misrepresented. I got mine as a 2x3 for $25 and sold for 90 as correct 3x4 IIRC), and thought I would get one as I already had the clips and back, why would I want to carry around a larger heavier camera when I can just use the smaller lighter 2x3 series cameras that are easy to find roll holders and parts for; and if I need more bellows for longer lenses, why not not just use a 4x5 with a roll back which is only slightly heavier than the 3x4 and even longer bellows???
I'd send that camera back ASAP and get something more useful. This is very common that people buy 34 series thinking they are 45's and I'm not sure how many sellers just don't put the format size in the listing (I see this a lot). Others sell them as 4x5 outright or large format cameras (also seen a lot). On purpose or not, it is common is the point, so don't feel bad about it.

[ciela]

i keep saying 'thank you' but i seriously can't believe how helpful you guys are.
C. Henry thanks for figuring out what model it is. i sent that in my email to the guy i bought it from on that auction site, just as a 'heads up' unfortunately i have not heard back from him. anyone want a vintage 1949 pacemaker speed graphic? hee.

troublemaker..as this is my first foray into "large format", i'd prefer to do it straight forward. i already shoot 120 film from a multitude of cameras so i don't feel like i needed to spend hundreds of dollars for another 120 camera. i AM sending it back ASAP, provided the guy gets back to me.

i'm sure i'll be back soon, when i get a camera i can actually shoot film with. meh. i wanted a 5x7 anyway

in the meantime, i got a bit of an education. it's a start.

[mopar_guy]

Ciela,

for film try www.freestylephoto.biz

They list Efke PL100 in 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 size at about $32.99 per 50 sheets.

Also you may want to check out an article from Shutterbug from Jan. 2006. Article was by Roger W. Hicks and was titled "Not Too Big, Not Too Small". This article has several Photos relating use of film holders. (www.shutterbug.com)

Regards,
Dave

[bruiser]

If you have trouble sourcing the correct size film or cutting sheets of 4x5 film to fit the 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 holders, the easiest way to actually use the camera would be to watch the auction sites for a 3x4 GRAFLOK back and then a rollfilm holder (Graflex 6x9cm RH-8, 6x7cm RH-10, 6x6cm RH-12) WITH A 3x4 BACKING PLATE to fit the Graflok back.
You can then use 120 size rollfilm which is still available.
The 3x4 Grafloks and rollfilm holders do appear reasonably often so keep watching!
Cheers, Bruce
ps. 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 items are usually called 3x4 for convenience but search for both anyway.

[mopar_guy]

Bruiser,

I don't know if any rollholders were made for 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Graphic cameras that were in the later RH series.

All of the rollhoders for this size camera that I have seen were the earlier knob wind holders and are labelled "Graphic 22" or "Graphic 23". Also any rollholders for the RB series reflex camers with Graflex back are not interchangable. These backs are generally labeled as "Graflex 22" or "Graflex 23".

Regards,
Dave
_________________
I guess that I could get a digital camera but it would be obsolete in a couple of years (three tops). Or I could use my 3x4 Anniversary Speed Graphic. Heck, it's been obsolete for 50 years. That's way better than digital.

[ciela]

i think i am sending the thing back or (if i don't hear back from the guy) re-selling it.
the whole reason i wanted to get into large format was, well, the learning process, but also i wanted to deal with sheet film (okee so also the learning process)
i have six 120 cameras. don't need another. and i am afraid to mess with this thing because i still know so little about it.

you guys have been amazing.
thank you
~C

[troublemaker]

No worries, I was just expressing my angle on actually using those cameras were I to have or want one, and that would entail 120 roll film, which I can do with over twenty 2x3 and 4x5 cameras I already have here so I forgot about it myself.

[bruiser]

mopar_guy is correct. I wasn't looking closely enough at the backs I have.....too many damn Graflex's lying around!
Cheers, Bruce

[ciela]

haha i wish i had that problem mopar!! then i would do some of the fun stuff bruiser was talking about.
well, i'm sure i'll be back in a few weeks asking a million more questions, once i get a camera i can actually work with!!

~C